C E L E B R AT I N G B L AC K AC H I E V E M E N T T H RO U G H O U T F L O R I DA
Volume 27, Issue 3 MARCH/APRIL 2024
HEALTH EQUITY MATTERS
Simply The Best!
BLACK WOMEN TAKE CHARGE IN BRIDGING GAPS TO GOOD HEALTH
"Women on the Move" Celebrates Dynamic Change Makers
JULIET DANIEL, PH.D.
AGING WITH GRACE
HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT GETTING OLDER MAKES A DIFFERENCE
BIOLOGIST WHO DISCOVERED AN IMPORTANT GENE IN CANCER RESEARCH IS WOMAN OF THE YEAR
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CONTENTS 6
From the Publisher
7
Salute – Rich Black Turns 60
8
Elevate
10 Woman of the Year Juliet M. Daniel, Ph.D. 12 International Woman on the Move Tanya Pratt
10
Cover and inside photos courtesy of Juliet Daniel, Ph.D.
4 ONYX MAGAZINE
42 WOTM – Dr. Adobi Okobi 43 WOTM – Wanda Patterson 44 WOTM – Suzanne Pickett 45 WOTM – Dr. Traci Thompson
16 Medically Speaking Health Equity Matters
46 Real Estate Building a Custom Home
18 Health/Wellness Aging With Grace
48 WOTM – Tamika Gunn White
21 SAGE – Support Mental Wellness
49 WOTM – Nadine Mentor Williams
22 WOTM – Talia Blake
50 WOTM – Natasha Williams
23 WOTM – Ida Williams Campbell
51 WOTM – Nekeshia Woods 52 WOTM Scholars
24 WOTM – Jennifer FelderSmith
54 Florida Scope
25 WOTM – LaQuitta Ghent
56 Recognition Rich Black Among Top Black Leaders
28 WOTM – Amanda Gunter
WOMAN OF THE YEAR JULIET DANIEL, PH.D.
41 Black History
14 Travel – Greece
26 Environment un-Muted: Chauncia Willis Giving Voice on Climate Change
COVER STORY
40 Wealth/Finance – Putting Yourself First
29 WOTM – Gwen Thompson Hewitt 30 WOTM – Charmaine Hunter 31 WOTM – Shannan Ighodaro 33 ONYX Reads My Sister, My Friend 34 WOTM – Esther Marshall 35 WOTM – Melva McKay-Bass 36 WOTM – Dr. Tolu McKenzie
57 Neighborhood – Community Supports Camping World Stadium 58 Business Big Innovation, Little Budget 60 ONYX on the Move 62 Art & Culture Seeing Myself in the Pages 64 The Quad 65 Greats of West Lake 66 In the Bond Being a Strong Black Women Can Help/ Hurt
37 WOTM – Cherisa Murphy
69 Music & Entertainment – New Single Released
38 Workplace Unique Challenges Black Women Face at Work
70 Food & Wine – Sweetie Pie Brunch Waffles
SHOW HER YOU EMBRACE COMMUNITY AND SHE WILL, TOO.
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rich Black EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Sade Cole VICE PRESIDENT Deidre “Dee” Parker MANAGING EDITOR D. Shenell Reed, M.B.A.
Welcome to the women’s leadership issue of ONYX Magazine. March is Women’s History Month—an important time to honor the significant impact women continue to make. From the C-Suite to grassroots, women continue to play important roles that bring strategic growth across the globe. This year, we will have recognized more than 200 women who are stalwart leaders shattering glass ceilings in business, education, sports, health and more. This month, ONYX Magazine celebrates 22 of these women during ONYX Magazine’s Women on the Move. In this issue, we honor Juliet Daniel, Ph.D., as our Woman of the Year. A biologist, Daniel’s research led to her discovery and naming of a new gene “Kaiso”, coined from the popular Caribbean music “calypso”. The gene regulates the expression of genes that control cell growth and adhesion; consequently, Kaiso’s malfunction in various human tumors, like breast, colon and prostate, and how it impacts Black and Hispanic people. Our 2024 ONYX Magazine’s International Woman on the Move is Tanya Pratt, the first woman the lead Bahamasair Holdings, Ltd., as the chairperson of the Board of Directors. She is known to be very competent in business and has an excellent “no-nonsense” reputation in navigating complexities whether the project entails a start-up or incorporating strategies to streamline and launch mandates for established firms and companies. They join 20 other dynamic women who ONYX Magazine and Founding Partner Orlando Health honor this month. As you pore over these pages, we hope you glean inspiration from their words. We share how health equity matters and introduce the Black women who are trying to bridge multicultural gaps. In this issue, you will learn how to build your finances with a focus on yourself. Take time to learn something new about yourself through these pages.
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Gayle Andrews Penny Dickerson Marianne Eggleston Sharon Fletcher Jones Nancy Port Schwalb MAGAZINE DESIGN TEAM Design2Pro GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jon Burton Damonic Robertson BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt deJager CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Penny Dickerson, Jordan Forbes, Kara Manke, Ty Olander, Jasmine Osby, Gregory Padgett, Yolanda Tyler, Irana Wasti, Deidre P. Williams, Valera Wilson Special thanks to the honorees ONYX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Nancy Port Schwalb, Chair Deidre Parker, Immediate Past Chair Dick Batchelor Bob Berryhill Dr. Lavon Bracy Bryon Brooks Sherri Brown Marva Brown Johnson Hon. Mable Butler Yolanda Cash Jackson
Dr. Cynthia Chestnut John Crossman Quibulah Graham Gary Hartfield Barbara Hartley Ann Jenkins Eugene Jones Connie Kinnard
Larry Lee, Jr. Brenda March Gail Thomas-DeWitt Hon. Alan Williams Carla Williams Dr. Samuel Wright
FOUNDERS
As always, we are happy to bring you stories that entertain, inspire and inform. Thank you for following us. Sincerely, Lester and Lillian Seays
Rich Black
6 ONYX MAGAZINE
ONYX Magazine is published by ONYX Communications and Media Group, Inc., Address: P.O. Box 555672, Orlando, Florida 32855-5872. Phone 321-418-7216. Subscription rate is $22.98 for six issues. For subscriptions and notification of address change, contact ONYX Magazine at the above address or e-mail us at info@ onyxmagazine.com. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Copyright 2024 by ONYX Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writer or interviewee and not necessarily those of the publisher. Manuscripts, photos and art should be submitted with a self-addressed stamped envelope. The publisher does not assume responsibility for any materials not submitted in manner advised. Unsolicited materials are not subject to payment from ONYX Magazine.
ONYX MAGAZINE
SALUTES RICH BLACK ON 60 YEARS
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alentine’s Day is always special. We receive gifts, flowers and extra love all day. That’s what it’s like for most of us. But for Rich Black, the day means a bit more— and in 2024, a milestone event turned into a fabulous day of celebration. Rich Black turned 60! To gaze on his boyish grin, one might think he is fewer than his actual years. But his learned ability to lead others puts it all in perspective. Rich has accomplished much to bring him to where he is today, the publisher of Florida’s magazine most lauded for celebrating Black achievement throughout Florida. Among his other accomplishments, Rich was the first diversity director of Rosen Hotels, working directly with Harris Rosen. He is a proud graduate of Bethune-Cookman University and initiated the plan to create the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Monument and Centennial Gardens. The team unveiled Bethune’s statue at B-CU in 2004 during the Centennial celebration. The artwork served as the marketing inspiration that led to the raising of a pivotal sculpture of Bethune in Washington, D.C.’s Statuary Hall in 2022. The monument is the first of an African American to represent any state in Statuary Hall. In all he does, Rich still makes time for the seniors in his West Lakes (Orlando) neighborhood. Each Valentine’s Day, the seniors gather at the L. Claudia Allen Senior Center for a Valentine’s Day lunch bash hosted by Commissioner Mable Butler, the first Black city commissioner in Orlando. Nearly 200 seniors, elected officials and community leaders enjoy this momentous occasion with food, music, dancing, and uplifting speeches. It’s a labor of love for Butler and the team that brings it together. It’s a beautiful gathering of camaraderie, and it is always complete with a cake and birthday shoutout for Rich Black. Happy Birthday, Rich Black! Here’s to many more years of uplifting and positive work in communities throughout Florida! ONYX MAGAZINE 7
E LE VAT E
MAKE YOURSELF A
P
PRIORITY
utting yourself first doesn’t mean being selfish or neglecting others. You can also be there for others more fully by caring for yourself. The truth is that prioritizing your physical, emotional, and mental health could be one of the best things you do for yourself and everyone else. It’s like that airplane oxygen mask analogy: When you put on your own mask first, you can help secure your neighbor’s.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO PUT YOURSELF FIRST On the most basic level, putting yourself first means prioritizing self-love. “Treating yourself with love causes a positive ripple effect,” says licensed social worker Kimberly Parker, Ph.D. In a family, she says, it might look like a parent putting themself first to truly show up for their partner and kids. By tending to your needs first, you’re able to care for the fam (or friends!) out of *love* instead of obligation, resentment, or even guilt. In a 2019 study, researchers found that student nurses sometimes neglect their own well-being while training to look after others. This *reduced* their effectiveness when providing care to patients.
HOW TO START PUTTING YOURSELF FIRST Self-care as “the ability to care for oneself through awareness, self-control, and self-reliance in order to achieve, maintain, or promote optimal health and well-being.” Here are a few ways to start doing this: • Daily Self-Check-Ins: How are you doing? How are you feeling? What are *your* needs? 8 ONYX MAGAZINE
These might sound like simple questions, but we tend to ask them to others instead of ourselves. Pencil in what lifts you up: Make a list of things you love to do or that make you feel happy or relaxed. Then schedule in time to do these things – even if it means saying no to something else. • Set Healthy Boundaries: Take stock of the people in your life and how you feel around them. You can still love people and need space from them! Parker encourages clients to cre-
ate their own “Assertive Bill of Rights” — no law degree required. For example, you might declare that you “have the right to say no and not feel guilty about it.” (Truth.) She says that writing out your rules and safeguards for selfcare is especially important for those who struggle to set boundaries for themselves or others.
RELEASE GUILT ABOUT PUTTING YOURSELF FIRST Releasing lingering guilt and shame about selfcare is a whole life’s work.Parker goes back to
the point of selfishness vs. selflessness. “Many of my clients do not know the difference,” she says. If you’re still struggling to find the pocket of balance between selfishness vs. selflessness, she has some recommendations: • Do a Mind Map: This involves mapping out the thoughts, feelings, and visuals connected to your guilt and shame. How do these feelings affect the rest of your life? • Pinpoint Triggering Situations: Dig deep to identify times when you’ve felt guilt or shame. What triggered those feelings? • Be Willing to Revisit the Past: Identify the stages/ages when you felt the most guilt and shame. “Many times, these feelings are attached to unhealed parts of the self at different stages of life,” Parker says. • Consider Therapy: A pro can help you identify, release, and heal these patterns. (Strapped for cash? We’ve also compiled these affordable alternatives to therapy.) • Write It Out: Consider journaling. Parker gives clients homework where they have conversations with their emotions as if they were real entities. For example, you might ask your sadness: “Why are you here? What do you want with me? Are you from the past or the present?” Parker says these questions unlock healthy self-talk. She also says your body *will* answer you. • Try Some Meditation Activities: Deep breathing exercises and therapeutic music like binaural beats can help you with the self-care bit and calm racing thoughts. Mindfulness = thriving and living your #bestlife.
ONYX MAGAZINE’S WOMEN ON THE MOVE CELEBRATING THE MOST IMPACTFUL AND INFLUENTIAL BLACK WOMEN IN FLORIDA AND BEYOND FOUNDING PARTNER
PRESENTING SPONSOR
KICKOFF RECEPTION SPONSOR
COMMEMORATIVE BOOKLET SPONSOR
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Juliet M. Daniel, Ph.D.
WOMAN OF THE YEAR BY PENNY DICKERSON
S
ince its inception, the annual ONYX Magazine’s Women on the Move celebration has given tribute to Florida’s most impactful and influential women. They are like-minded and kindred, community-centric and excel in varied professional sectors. Each awardee receives public recognition, a crystal desk award and an archived biographical salute in the women’s leadership edition of ONYX Magazine. The aforementioned may beckon bragging rights for some honorees, but the event’s most esteemed honor is conferred to a woman who has curated a career that amplifies success. She is a change agent for humanity and a behemoth in her field. This distinct leader is selected as ONYX Magazine’s Woman of the Year, and the 2024 recipient is Juliet M. Daniel, Ph.D. Daniel is an acclaimed cancer researcher of Barbadian descent who is currently based in Ontario, Canada. Her expertise is cell-cell adhesion, signaling through transcription factors and how their malfunction contributes to cancer. Her research has been cited more than 4,000 times and she exudes unwavering dedication to closing the gap on racial disparity in healthcare. On February 14, Daniel was one of three Canadian scientists to be named a Black Innovator in Research and Medicine by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). The award recognizes her pioneering research on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive type of breast cancer that disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic women. Daniel’s long-list of prestigious awards and academic pedigree was not a convenient quantum leap. The approximate distance between Barbados and Ontario is 4,800 miles, so bouts of homesickness were to be expected along with a drastic climate change. None of the latter were a 10 ONYX MAGAZINE
deterrence for the emerging genius who exuded fortitude and invested decades to make a prominent difference in cancer research. “I grew up in poverty in Barbados and my parents had very little means,” Daniel told
ONYX Magazine. “When I was young, I was always a curious student who studied hard and did well in school, so Canada wasn’t a particular goal, it simply cost less to pursue higher education.”
AWARDS
Embracing Canada does not require much. Ontario is both the most populace and wealthiest Canadian province. Conversely, Barbados is an island built on the backs of slaves who knew how to harvest sugar. The current minimum wage is $8.5. The latter dichotomy is marginally eased when you consider that both Barbados and Canada offer its citizens free healthcare. “I was 18 when I left Barbados and traveled to Kingston, Ontario, to study at Queens University,” Daniel said. “In 1987, I earned a bachelor’s degree in life sciences followed by a Ph.D. in microbiology in 1993 from the University of British Columbia.” A new trifecta of study ensued when Daniel completed her post-doctoral research. Included was a three-year postdoctoral research fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and an additional three-years at the renowned Vanderbilt University in Memphis, Tenn. The crowning achievement that best illustrates Daniel’s brilliance emerged during her postdoctoral research. In a recent McMaster digital interview, Daniel simplified how she identified a breakthrough cancer gene: “I was conducting postdoctoral research in Dr. Al Reynold’s lab at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis when I discovered the gene. At the time, I was trying to understand what caused tumor cells to break away from the primary tumor and metastasize (or spread) to other parts of the body or vital organs, such as the brain and lungs. While conducting experiments to identify proteins involved in cell-cell adhesion, I identified a new gene which I named Kaiso. Kaiso is the slang term for Calypso—a genre of Caribbean music that I listened to almost every night in the lab when I was cloning the gene.” In 1999, Daniel returned to Ontario and joined McMaster University's department of biology. She is an associate professor who teaches molecular biology courses on the undergraduate and graduate level. To have a dedicated space for research, she established her namesake: the Daniel Lab.
The lab’s team is currently focused on colon cancer and the aggressive and difficult to treat triple negative breast cancers (TNBC), which are most prevalent in young women of African ancestry and Hispanic women groups that paradoxically have a lower incidence and lifetime risk of breast cancer. Additionally, the Daniel Lab seeks to identify unique DNA mutations or markers in cells that may explain this racial disparity, and then be developed for diagnostic tests or therapeutics for women diagnosed with TNBC worldwide regardless of ethnicity. “I recognized that there weren’t enough Black students involved in research or having a presence at conferences.” Daniel said. “I currently mentor African Caribbean students at McMaster and within the community of Hamilton. In 2006, I co-founded the Canadian Multicultural LEAD Organization for mentoring and training.” Daniel is a breast cancer survivor who continues to enjoy good health following treatment. She professionally partners with The Olive Branch of Hope—a Toronto-based organization that has offered programmatic resources for more than 20 years to support Black women with breast cancer. It would be an understatement to refer to Daniel as anything short of remarkable. She is an engaging conversationist who is passionate about possibilities and training the next generation of ethnically diverse researchers. Under Daniel’s tutelage, they will be prepared to research and identify new modalities to diagnose and manage all cancers with priority given to those affected by racial disparity. Daniel shared that at a previous juncture, she wanted to marry and have children. She has since dismissed those dreams. Beyond the Daniel Lab and her teaching load, she enjoys relaxation, exercise and reading a good book.
• 2024 ONYX Magazine’s Woman of the Year • 2022 University of the West Indies (UWI) Honorary Doctor of Science (DSc), Cave Hill, Barbados • 2020 WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, Toronto • 2020 International Women’s Day “Black Women in STEM”, Jamaican Canadian Association, Toronto • 2019 Woman of Purpose Award, Elegant You Tea Party, Toronto • 2019 University of the West Indies (UWI) Vice Chancellor’s Award, Toronto • 2018 100 Accomplished Black Canadian (ABC) Women, 100ABC, Toronto • Harry Jerome Award (Category: Technology and Innovation • Ontario Premier's Excellence in Research Award • Barbados Honor Gold Crown of Merit • National Ball Award • John C. Holland Award (for Professional Achievement) • Gold Crown of Merit for Cancer Research Barbados National Honor, Barbados (2010) • Errol Walton Barrow Award of Excellence, Barbados Ball Canada Aid, Toronto (2009) • African Canadian Achievement Award of Excellence in Science, Toronto (2008) • Minority Scholar Award, American Association for Cancer Research (2004) • Ontario Premier Research Excellence Award, McMaster (2001-2006); NSERC pre- (1989–91) & post(1994–96) doctoral scholarships
Penny Dickerson works as an independent journalist. She is passionate about cool people, extraordinary places, and good sushi. ONYX MAGAZINE 11
Tanya Antoinette Pratt
INTERNATIONAL WOMAN ON THE MOVE
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BY TY OLANDER
he Bahamas is fast becoming a global player not just in sports but also in the aviation business. This is partly due to a dynamic woman on the move who is at the helm of organizing the national flag carrier, Bahamasair. Tanya Antoinette Pratt is the first woman appointed chairwoman of Bahamasair Holdings, Ltd., the operators of the fast-moving world-renowned Bahamasair. She is an executive on the move as the airline of The Bahamas has become a significant player in the aviation business. And not just in The Bahamas but with a network that includes the U.S. and the Caribbean. Florida has become a big reason for their growth. Pratt is more than just the cog in the wheel of this moving airline. She is in charge of the way forward and she is implementing many plans now and for the future. Bahamasair is at the most significant stage of its existence, and Pratt has played a vital role in that growth. They have increased their fleet and have expanded to even more corridors. Bahamasair is on the move to a bigger and brighter future, thanks to Pratt. Although this woman on the move has had an illustrious career in the business world, not until the deputy prime minister of The Bahamas, the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, recognized who she was and appointed her as the first woman of color to head a major airline business. And what a great choice! Since her appointment in July of 2022, Pratt has been revamping and restructuring the airline from a regional carrier to one that can compete locally and internationally as a global carrier that exceeds industry best practices. And from the look of things so far, she is on pace to outperform any chairperson before her. Bahamasair is indeed on the move. But just who is Tanya Pratt, one may ask? Well, she is a veteran in creating and managing corporate and administrative projects to build relationships for organizations and individuals. She is very competent in business and has an excellent "no-nonsense" reputation in navigating complexities. Whether the project had entailed a start-up or incorporating strategies to streamline and launch mandates for established firms and companies, Pratt has done it all. Authorities chose her to take over the helm of Bahamasair Holdings, Ltd., because of her proven track record in business. Although this is her first foray into the airline business, nobody can tell as those taking notice already hail her as one of the most outstanding airline executives. 12 ONYX MAGAZINE
To her peers and clients in her business, before joining Bahamasair as the chairwoman, she is considered a powerhouse in the business world. Her peers respect her for her attention to detail, honesty, fierce business savvy and determination to achieve success while getting the job done. Pratt has held several consultant, management and administrative positions with well-established businesses within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Her exploits are legendary, and as one of the senior partners of Delaire Marketing and Consulting Company, she raised the benchmark by creating a diverse one-stop shop for streamlining the challenges faced by new entrepreneurs and future investors. She has already established a solid foundation within the business world, and now her role in the airline business has allowed her to take on a new role with the same tenacity. She is married to Ezra Pratt, a fitting partner for her, and they have three children, including The Bahamas Ambassador to Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, His Excellency Taran Mackey. Her other children are Travis Mackey and Britney Pratt. A dedicated church member and undoubtedly a leading personality in the community, Pratt has far surpassed expectations, and now everyone is looking forward to what's next. Tanya Pratt, ONYX Magazine's International Women on the Move, is surely worthy of praise. We congratulate her on this most prestigious honor!
TR AVE L
GREECE STILL TOPS t he LIST OF BEST VACATIONS GATHER YOUR GIRLFRIENDS FOR A MEDITERRANEAN ADVENTURE. BY JASMINE OSBY
G
reece has been an extremely popular tourist destination over the last decade. The country began making strides to position itself as a favorite amongst travelers in the early 2000s. Today, destinations like Santorini and Mykonos are some of the most visited places in the world. Outside of the hustle and bustle of major Grecian cities, the island of Crete offers both adventure and luxury to travelers. You’ll find an abundance of top resorts, pristine beaches, and ancient ruins across the island. While it may not be the most popular destination, Crete is the largest island in Greece and has much to offer to travelers who stumble upon its shores.
northwest of Chania and travelers suggest visiting beach space outside of the summer months to avoid large crowds.
EXPLORE CHANIA
LUXURY RIDES THROUGH EAST CRETE
Formerly the island’s capital, the city of Chania is enchanting with an Old World charm. It’s the second largest city in Crete next to the current capital, Heraklion. For travelers looking for a lot of things to see and do in one place, Chania is the perfect destination to set up shop. White Mountain National Park is Crete’s only national park and you’ll find an array of hidden beaches, an ancient theater, and other archeological sites here. Outdoor adventurers can also take a tour of the legendary Samaria Gorge. There are more exotic beaches outside of the park to explore throughout Chania as well as the Museum of Typography.
Traveling history buffs will love the luxury rides through East Crete. These private, chauffeured experiences are personalized for each guest and take visitors through some of Crete’s greatest historical monuments. You’ll visit many smaller Cretian villages, explore local markets, and see cultural art relics. Perhaps the most notable site on the drive is the Cave of Zeus. Rumored to be the mythical birthplace of the Greek god, a visit to the cave should be at the top of an itinerary when visiting Crete.
WITNESS THE BEAUTY OF BALOS LAGOON
Many people say the best way to experience Crete is by boat, and there’s no better boat to cruise on than a pirate ship. Travelers can book a trip on board a real pirate ship to cruise from Hersonissos to St. George’s Bay. You’ll pass several smaller islands along the way, enjoy a catered lunch on board, and even stop for snorkeling and swimming.
When it comes to beachside beauty, there’s no better place to visit in Crete than Balos Lagoon. Considered the most photographed beach in the country, Balos Lagoon is a stunning natural wonder. Its turquoise waters and white, sandy shores are unlike the rest of Greece. The lagoon is located
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TAKE AN OLIVE OIL TASTING TOUR For those seeking gastronomic experiences in Crete, many travelers suggest booking a private olive oil-tasting tour. The luxury experience takes travelers to the small village of Epanos Archanes where they’ll witness the oils being made from beginning to end. In addition to tasting olive oil, guests can also try other goods from the olive grove including grape syrups and sweet vinegar.
CRUISE ON A PIRATE SHIP TO ST. GEORGE’S BAY
M E D I C A L LY S P E A K I N G
HEALTH EQUITY M AT TE R S
BLACK WOMEN ARE LEADING INITIATIVES TO CLOSE RACIAL GAPS IN HEALTHCARE. BY PENNY DICKERSON
A
Kelli Tice, M.D., was appointed chief Health Equity officer in 2020 for Guidewell Florida Blue.
10-year-old Black boy with asthma struggles to live a healthy life without his inhaler. He has a single-mother who works a low-wage job and can’t afford to miss work, nor can she regularly afford to pay pharmacy fees to purchase his life-sustaining medication. A 17-year-old pregnant Black female lives in a rural town 45 miles from the closest hospital. With the aid of her aging grandmother, she endures a home delivery. Within five weeks, the infant demonstrates symptoms neither she nor her grandmother know how to remedy, so she calls an ambulance to transport herself and the infant to the emergency room. These scenarios mildly represent the state of healthcare in America and how health equity has become a roll-off-the-tongue term widely used—frequently misunderstood—and illuminate social determinants and racial disparity. 16 ONYX MAGAZINE
A cross-section of ethnicities is affected, but achieving health equity is more of a dilemma for low-income Blacks and the aging population, many of whom have never properly navigated health systems. Finding curative solutions through partnership, collaborative programs and deciphering data are some of the methodologies Kelli Tice, M.D., employs as chief Health Equity Officer and vice president of Medical Affairs for Guidewell Florida Blue. Dr. Tice is also a licensed family physician appointed to her current role in 2020. It is a mammoth career position but one the Florida A&M University graduate has proven she can master. Dr. Tice attended medical school at the University of Florida and has since become a healthcare leader recognized nationally. “The health equity definition that the team at Guidewell utilizes aligns with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention),” Dr. Tice told ONYX Magazine, “It is broad, but more emphasis is on the part that no one should be prevented from achieving the highest level of health through preventable causes related to social justice, racism, discrimination.” The CDC Office of Healthy Equity (OHC) Dr. Tice refers to specifically integrates its definition in its current mission and vision: to ensure health equity is embedded in an all-of-public health approach to overcoming persistent health disparities and health inequities across a range of population groups that disproportionately experience poor health outcomes. Ultimately, all people should have the opportunity to attain the highest level of health possible. While it may sound easy enough to achieve, even the highest-level executives are often stumped. “In the business sector, for instance, there are C-Suite-level executives that I think don’t have a clear understanding of what [Health Equity] is and some of that is a result of not having been intentionally brought into conversations or sought after to support the work until very recently,” said Dr. Tice. For the most part, a grassroots effort has been the best achieving effort, but Dr. Tice suggests: “Let’s raise awareness on the ground level. Let’s help the community-based organizations move the way they need to move to interconnect things. Let’s get leaders and champions involved who can drive the work, create the narrative and then let’s get philanthropic support.” According to Dr. Tice, the need and the recognition of C-Suite-level executives to really understand the work they are funding or supporting or letting their teams do it. “Those of us who’ve been doing this work were slow to engage them in that capacity,” Dr. Tice said. “So, in the C-Suite, for instance, there are still those who believe that health equity is only social determinants and maybe even more specifically, it's food insecurity.”
Among those who engaged in “the work” is Leandris Liburd, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.A. Liburd holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, a Master of Public Health in Health Education/ Health Behavior from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Arts in cultural anthropology and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in medical anthropology from Emory University. She is the acting director for CDC’s Office of Health Equity (OHE) and has served as the associate director for Minority Health and Health Equity for the CDC/ATSDR since 2011. In this capacity, she leads and supports a wide range of critical functions in the agency’s work in minority health, health equity, and women’s health. Liburd further plays a critical leadership role in determining the agency’s vision for health equity, ensuring a rigorous and evidence-based approach to the practice of health equity and promoting the ethical practice of public health in communities vulnerable to health inequities. “For many years, we focused on the individual and on compelling the individual to take certain actions, such as quitting smoking,” Liburd shared in a February CDC digital interview. “But now we are understanding that we have to, at the same time, be sensitive to the context in which they live, to help them take those actions.” Habitual smokers don’t kick the habit each morning before going to work. While the practice is archaic in some workplaces, a few offer one to two daily “smoke-breaks” and more are needed. Many places of employment are meeting that need and offering more. One company making strides in both health equity and vitality in the workplace is Cigna Healthcare. They selected the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD, the District) as a recipient of their 2023 Silver level Healthy Workforce Designation for demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the health and vitality of its employees through a workplace well-being program. CFTOD offers fitness trackers, onsite fitness facilities, educational luncheons, and events on campus that feature massage therapists, emotional support dogs, drives, and onsite dermatology screenings. These offerings ensure that employees have easily accessible facilities, tools and educational resources. The District has been recognized due to the strong support from the senior leadership team. District leadership advocates for the company’s wellness programs by taking an active role as participants along with ongoing promotion of activities to their respective department levels. “At CFTOD, employee well-being is our top priority, and we are honored to receive the Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation," District Administrator Glenton "Glen" Gilzean, Jr., said in a release. "We recognize the crucial role that employee well-being plays in the success of an organization. The District will continue to provide employees with the necessary resources and support. CFTOD acknowledges that healthy employees contribute to a more productive, satisfied workforce, ultimately leading to positive outcomes for our taxpayers."
Leadris Liburd, Ph.D., is acting director for the CDC's Office of Health Equity.
The latter is a workplace homerun, but not a well-rounded solution for the earlier cited scenarios. A plethora of individuals are unemployed, maintain low-wage jobs, and depend on public transportation along with governmental and state programs to merely survive. They are deemed the most vulnerable population and often become the target market for insurers. “There are a few plans that have chief health equity officers and a few other organizations that have just chief health officers,” said Dr. Tice. “We at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association have had a chief medical officer who oversees a group of health equity champions. So, whether you have a name like chief health equity officer or just have a person responsible for health equity efforts, we all come together and meet monthly to share best practices, pain points, consensus-build and learn from each other.” Graphic by Audacious Inquiry Florida Blue announced in February that it is partnering with Sanitas Medical Center in Jacksonville to to deliver primary care. Officials with the company considered it in keeping with a healthcare system that’s evolving from one based on volume to one based on value. “The healthcare system has largely been fee-for-service,” said Elana Schrader, M.D., senior vice president of Florida Blue healthcare services and president of sister company GuideWell Health. “Now, we’re talking about paying for services that help us achieve better outcomes. It’s a whole new value equation. Value-based care has been around, but it’s growing and growing.” This story is funded by a health equity fellowship extended to Penny Dickerson for ONYX Magazine by the Commonwealth Fund and Association of Health Care Journalism.
ONYX MAGAZINE 17
H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
Age Is Just A Number HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT AGING IS IMPORTANT. HERE’S HOW TO KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
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s age really just a state of mind? Can a positive attitude really change the aging process? Perhaps not the number, but how we age might be. A growing body of research suggests a person’s mindset – how they feel about grow18 ONYX MAGAZINE
ing old – may predict how much longer and how well they live as the years go by. Several studies over the past 20 years suggest people with more positive attitudes about aging live longer, healthier lives than those with negative perceptions of the aging process.
Recently, a large nationwide study of nearly 14,000 adults over age 50 took an even deeper look into the ways in which positive thinking about aging could impact a person’s physical health, health behaviors and psychological well-being.
H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
HOW HAVING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE HELPS Published in JAMA Network Open, the study found those with the highest satisfaction with aging had a 43% lower risk of dying from any cause during four years of follow-up compared to those with the lowest satisfaction. People with higher satisfaction also had a reduced risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, cancer and heart disease, as well as better cognitive functioning. People with a more positive attitude about growing old also were more likely to engage in frequent physical activity and less likely to have trouble sleeping than their less-satisfied peers. They also were less lonely, less likely to be depressed, more optimistic and had a stronger sense of purpose. “There’s a connection between mindsets and health behaviors,” says Eric Kim, the study’s senior investigator and an assistant professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. “One leads to the other.” For example, while older adults tend to use preventive health services less frequently than younger or middle-aged adults, a study Kim co-wrote in the journal Preventive Medicine shows that the more satisfied people over 50 are with how they’re aging, the more likely they’ll have their cholesterol tested or be screened for breast, cervical or prostate cancer. But it cuts both ways. While having a positive attitude can lead to behaviors that promote good health, “if people believe poor health is inevitable with age, this can be a self-fulfilling prophecy that keeps them from behaviors that will help with aging,” says Kim, who also is an affiliate researcher at the Center for Health and Happiness at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. “The good news is these views we hold about aging are changeable. We can shift our mindset,” says Hannah Giasson, who co-wrote the Preventive Medicine study with Kim and others. She is an assistant professor at the Arizona State University Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation in Phoenix and specializes in the relationship between people’s views on aging and their health and well-being. Here are things Kim and Giasson say can help people develop a more positive approach to aging.
MAINTAIN A SENSE OF PURPOSE Some people aren’t sure what to do with themselves after they retire, Kim says. He suggests finding projects that align with your values.
“People’s purposes can be quite different,” he adds. If family is a high priority, find things to do that contribute to the family, such as helping to care for grandchildren. If conservation is a strong value, find projects that contribute to the health of the environment,” Kim suggests. “Volunteer work is a great way to do this,” he says.
RECOGNIZE NEGATIVE MESSAGES ABOUT AGING–AND REJECT THEM Research shows negative stereotypes about aging are internalized over a person’s life span and can harm physical and cognitive health as a person grows older. “Develop an awareness of these messages,” suggests Giasson. “Understand how they influence us.” For example, a person may believe poor physical health is inevitable for older adults so there’s no use in trying to stay active. But according to the National Institute on Aging, exercise can lower the risk for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, and can improve sleep and reduce the risk of falls. “Recognize that practicing healthy behaviors can support health at any age,” Giasson shares.
STAY SOCIALLY ACTIVE As people age, they may lose loved ones such as spouses, family members or friends. If a spouse was responsible for maintaining social networks and that person dies, the remaining spouse
may grow lonely and more socially isolated. Social isolation and loneliness are risk factors for poor physical and mental health, increasing the risk for heart attacks and strokes and contributing to poor life satisfaction, depression, low self-esteem and difficulty with daily life activities. But research shows maintaining social connections can have a positive effect on health. Kim says it’s important to make new connections to replace those you’ve lost. “What typically happens is people stop making new friends. Re-engage mechanisms for meeting people that were there earlier in life,” he adds, such as joining a club or taking part in community organizations. “Reach out to people more, instead of being on autopilot.”
TRY SOMETHING NEW Sometimes people lose mobility as they age and may not be able to engage in the activities that brought them joy when they were younger. Kim suggests trying to “redeploy that energy in a new way,” such as teaching a skill or craft instead of practicing it. Or learn something new that is less physically demanding, Giasson says. Research suggests that older adults who learn new skills can improve memory, self-esteem and overall quality of life. “Don’t fall into the mindset that it’s too late to try something new,” she says. “It’s never too late, and you’re never too old to explore new interests.” American Cancer Society ONYX MAGAZINE 19
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CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
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SAGE
WAYS TO SUPPORT
MENTAL WELLNESS
WHEN IT COMES TO OVERALL WELLNESS, FOCUSING ON MENTAL HEALTH IS CRITICAL, ESPECIALLY FOR OLDER ADULTS, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS.
StatePoint Media, photo - Sabrina Bracher / iStock via Getty Images Plus
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s people age, they may experience stressors such as serious illness, losing close friends and family members, managing life on a fixed income, and coping with concerns about their own mortality. While seniors may show resilience to these dimensions of vitality, when they’re compounded, these losses and stressors can result in a myriad of behavioral health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia,” says Dr. Lindsay Evans-Mitchell, board certified adult psychiatrist and behavioral health medical director for Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage business. Dementia, which includes memory loss and language difficulties, is another issue often more pronounced with age, and in earlier stages, it can often mimic some symptoms of depression. Fortunately, Dr. Evans-Mitchell says making healthy choices can improve your quality of life, including your overall mental well-being, and potentially reduce your risk of both depression and dementia: • Practice Good Nutrition: There is evidence that plant-based diets are associated with better health, including better emotional health. That’s another reason to add more green, leafy vegetables to your diet. • Exercise: Regular exercise can positively affect cognitive ability. If you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan offering access to a fitness program at no extra cost, then make sure to take advantage of it. You can learn about Cigna Healthcare’s MA plans at cignamedicareinformation.com. • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can negatively affect cognitive performance. Even mild dehydration can drain energy and cause fatigue. • Enjoy Some Sunshine: Sunlight provides needed vitamin D. Getting sunshine may increase your serotonin and help you stave off depression caused by Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Also, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, exposure to vitamin D can lower dementia
risk by as much as 40%. Of course, make sure to take proper precautions, such as wearing a hat, using sunscreen, and wearing eye protection that shields against UV light. • Get Plenty of Rest: Older adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, according to the National Institutes of Health. People who get six hours of sleep or less a night are at greater risk of developing dementia later, the organization says. Additionally, poor sleep could be a sign of depression and should be discussed with your doctor. • Avoid Harmful Substances: Dealing with behavioral health issues in unhealthy ways, such as abusing prescription or illicit drugs or alcohol, will only worsen the situation. According to the National Institutes for Health, research shows heavy alcohol use can increase the risk of both dementia and depression. • Pick Up a Hobby: Hobbies like gardening, cooking and solving puzzles can help improve your memory and your physical and mental health.
• Be Social: Isolation can lead to depression, which only worsened for many during the COVID19 pandemic. Reach out to friends and family in person, via video chat, or over the telephone. • Find Help if You Need It: Keep your regular medical appointments, and don’t hesitate to seek additional help from your network, if you need it. This may take the form of a financial advisor, a clergy member, or a mental health professional. Medicare generally covers the cost of behavioral health services, including depression and addiction treatment, as well as talk therapy. Virtual services are often available to those living in rural areas. And if you’re experiencing a crisis that includes suicidal thoughts, call 988 immediately. “For some older adults, seeking help can be difficult,” says Dr. Evans-Mitchell. “But getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There’s no benefit to suffering in silence when help to improve your life is within reach.”
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Talia Blake MORNING EDITION HOST 90.7 WMFE NEWS
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"You're allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously." SOPHIA BUSH
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alia Blake is the Morning Edition host at 90.7 WMFE News, the National Public Radio (NPR) member station in Central Florida. She is also the host of WMFE’s weekly Economic Segment, which focuses on the economic impact on the Central Florida Region. Blake finds joy in helping the community stay informed. She is famous for her Florida Minute videos, which summarize the news on social media. She is also known for her morning motivational quotes, inspiring people to start their day off on the right foot. Blake graduated with a double major in Broadcast Journalism and Psychology from the University of Central Florida (UCF)— Go Knights! As a student at UCF, Blake worked as an Intern for WMFE’s Public Affairs show, Intersection. After this, she joined Rhode Island Public Radio (RIPR) as the Morning Edition producer. In 2022, Blake accepted an appointment to the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalist’s Board of Directors. She strongly believes in giving back to the community, whether through coaching students on reporting and writing news for radio or sharing her favorite piece of literature at Orange County Public Library during Black History Month. Blake’s work began in her early years when she volunteered at Metropolitan Ministries, Touching Miami with Love, among others. Blake was born and spent the formative years of her life in Bridgeport, Conn., before moving to the Tampa Bay area at the beginning of her middle school tenure. Being the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, she spent most of her summers on the island of Jamaica with her grandparents and extended family members, immersing herself in the culture and history of her parents. Blake prides herself on giving a voice to those less heard.
Ida Williams Campbell NATIONAL PRESIDENT WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS, INC.
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da Williams Campbell was born and raised in Tampa, Fla., one of 13 children of the late Charlie T. and Almeeta Baker Williams. She attended the local high schools and Tampa College. She started her career in the real estate industry with a mortgage company and she advanced to her present position in 2004 as Managing Partner of Priority Title of Florida. She is the national president of the Women’s Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers Inc., an affiliate of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc (NAREB), America’s oldest minority professional trade organization. Women’s Council contributes to the growth and professional enhancement of its members and the communities we serve. She attends Beulah Baptist Institutional Church in Tampa where she serves in various leadership roles. Her affiliations include United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Tampa Bay Advisory Council. In this role, she chairs the Faith-Based committee working tirelessly with dozens of churches to promote UNCF scholarship and funding opportunities. Campbell recently created and launched the UNCF First Ladies initiative, bringing more than a dozen women church leaders together to learn more about UNCF over breakfast. She also is active with the Hillsborough County Human Relations Board Member, League of Women Voters Board Member, and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). Campbell is very proud of her family. She has one daughter, a sonin-law, three grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." MAYA ANGELOU
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Jennifer Felder-Smith HEAD OF STRATEGY, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION CRUNCHI COSMETICS
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“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man.” COLOSSIANS 3:23
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ennifer Felder-Smith, Orlando native and visionary, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey at the tender age of 4, selling Easy-Bake Oven treats in Eatonville, Fla. Throughout middle school, Felder-Smith and her siblings ventured into various businesses. These early ventures set the stage for a lifelong commitment to business and community impact. After graduating high school as one of Florida's top students and completing a year of college, Felder-Smith pursued academic excellence at Florida Atlantic University. She earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and a second bachelor's with a double major in marketing and management. As an analyst with the Florida Department of Transportation, Felder-Smith entered a male-dominated industry and quickly emerged as a trusted advisor. She excelled in analytics, operations, program management, and employee relations. She attributes her resilience and success to unwavering faith and divine favor. Pursuing an M.B.A. in marketing and Finance, Felder-Smith became a strategist. Joining Tupperware, she rose from Finance to the Global Strategy team. Her initiatives garnered awards, contributing to millions in sales and establishing her as a key strategic advisor. Beyond corporate triumphs, Felder-Smith's commitment to community service is evident on boards such as Rally Social Accelerator, Orange County Citizens Commission for Children, and the Epilepsy Association. She also dedicates time to pro-bono business coaching, purpose coaching, and inspiring women and youth to realize their potential. In 2021, Felder-Smith transitioned to Crunchi Cosmetics as head of Strategy, leading Finance and Human Resources, driving top-line growth and defying industry norms in the competitive beauty space. Felder-Smith's impact extends globally. She works with top leaders across 80+ countries. Locally recognized for her dedication to advancing families, social entrepreneurship, and mentoring leaders, FelderSmith leverages her knowledge to impact communities worldwide. Alongside her husband, Felder-Smith stewards Kingdom Economy, a ministry dedicated to empowering families and businesses and mandated to build over $100 million in kingdom assets. Felder-Smith remains unwavering in her mission to ensure those she influences take dominion in every sphere. She marks her exceptional journey with faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to building the kingdom for God's glory.
LaQuitta Ghent
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VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS DUKE ENERGY, CUSTOMER DELIVERY - FLORIDA
aQuitta Ghent is the vice president of Operations in the South-Central Zone for Duke Energy Florida. Ghent is responsible for electric distribution operations for Clermont, Winter Garden, Lake Buena Vista, Southeast Orlando, Highlands, and Lake Wales in this role. Ghent is also responsible for this area's asset design, resource, and work management. Day-to-day activities consist of planning, directing, coordinating, and overseeing operations activities, ensuring the development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective systems to meet the organization's and the Zone's current and future needs. The team consists of more than 350 employees and contractors who focus on event-free operations and powering our customers' lives and our communities' vitality. Ghent describes herself as a dynamic, team-spirited, and performance-driven engineering executive. She exhibits a blend of leadership and business knowledge and is able to communicate and motivate team members to enhance strategic goals and bottom-line objectives. Ghent earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Florida State University in 2005. Upon graduation, she accepted a position as an engineer designer with Florida Power & Light in South Florida. In 2006, Ghent had an opportunity to return to her Central Florida roots to join Duke Energy (formerly Progress Energy) as an engineering designer for large residential subdivisions in the greater Orlando area. She has held several leadership positions of increasing accountability throughout her career, including roles in distribution, power quality, reliability, lighting programs, engineering, and region support. Ghent is an active Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., member and the immediate past president of the Lakeland Alumnae Chapter. She is also a member of the Polk County Pace Center for Girls Board of Directors and the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations Strategic Advisory Council. She has established many relationships with community and civic organizations. Ghent lives in Bartow, Fla., with her husband, Marcus, and two children, Maranda, 15, and Marcus Jr., 8.
Act as if what you do makes a difference. IT DOES! WILLIAM JAMES
ONYX MAGAZINE 25
ENVIRONMENT
UN-MUTED
ONE BLACK WOMAN AMPLIFIES UNHEARD VOICES IN THE WAKE OF CLIMATE CHANGE.
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BY GREGORY PADGETT
n the vanguard of the climate justice movement stands a inadequate infrastructure compounded historic flooding. In transformative endeavor led by the Institute for Diversity 2023, multiple disasters impacted marginalized communities and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM). In Janincluding the towns of Rolling Fork and Silver City, Miss., where uary, this Georgia-based nonprofit unveiled "Muted: Climate a deadly and extreme tornado killed 17. “Muted” takes a closer Marginalization in America," a documentary illuminating the at the impacts in Rolling Fork, which is experiencing several cataclysmic weather-induced adversities faced by the most challenges from the impacts of the disaster. underprivileged populations. This initiative presents a distinct, "Muted" goes beyond merely serving as a cinematic specpenetrative view of the hardships endured by marginalized tacle; it extends a call to action. Willis aspires that the docgroups in the Deep South as they grapple with the exigencies of umentary will incite viewers to confront the pressing issues Willis, CEO of I-DIEM climate change and resilience against natural disasters. it lays bare and motivate them to champion the climate jusThe driving force behind I-DIEM and “Muted” is Chauncia tice movement for communities of color. The film's release accomWillis, its CEO and co-founder, whose 25-year career has been an indelible panies a series of community engagement initiatives designed to engender force in advocating for equity in disaster situations. a lasting impact. Willis encourages viewers to partake in discussions on social "The inception of 'Muted' was propelled by a fervent aspiration to shine media using the hashtag #WeAreMuted and follow the conversation at [@ a light on the often-overlooked consequences of climate change on under- WeAreMuted]. She underscores the importance of using "Muted" as an eduserved communities," expressed Willis. "The Deep South, with its rich history cational resource to elevate awareness within communities, while also endorsand culture, serves as the locus for the film, delving into the unique tribula- ing supporting initiatives advocating for climate resilience and justice. tions these communities confront." Since its recent release in January, "Muted" has already garnered attention The documentary explores themes of resilience, adaptation, and survival, within the emergency management community. The documentary received spotlighting how these communities navigate and counter the adversities an Outstanding Achievement Award in Media from the 2024 National Hurriinduced by climate change. As Willis expounds, cane Conference. "Muted" is accessible for streaming on I-DIEM's official web"Muted lays bare the unsettling reality that racism exacerbates the reper- site, www.i-diem.org/muted. cussions of climate change, rendering certain communities more susceptible." A distinguished disaster equity advocate, Willis has amassed two decades Extreme events are increasing, but especially over the last 10 years—and of experience as an emergency manager, professional coach, and cultural these events are painfully impacting communities of color. Hurricane Harvey diversity professional. Holding degrees from Loyola University, Georgia State in 2017 disproportionately affected Black and Brown communities where University, and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, she has excelled in disaster management, national security event planning, leadership coaching, and diversity, equity, and inclusion training. In 2018, Willis, a Tampa, Fla., resident, founded I-DIEM to address the pressing national need to promote equity and inclusivity for marginalized and vulnerable communities impacted by disasters. Initially, the organization focused on programs and policy changes within emergency management and disaster response sectors. However, with the escalating frequency of extreme weather events caused by climate change, I-DIEM has concentrated on exposing these impacts and seeking solutions. Willis's long-standing emergency management career has been pivotal in shaping the direction and vision of "Muted." The mission of I-DIEM and the narrative it seeks to unfold in "Muted" are deeply rooted in an ardent commitment to justice and inclusivity. Through documentaries like "Muted" and advocacy efforts led by organizations like I-DIEM, there is a flicker of hope that the discourse around climate justice and disaster resilience will be transformed into tangible, lasting actions that prioritize the safety and well-being of all communities.
Willis with a LaPlace, La., resident
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Gregory Padgett is director of External Affairs, Marketing, & Communications at Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM).
Florida Citrus Sports Celebrates ONYX Magazine’s 2024 Women on the Move
Amanda Gunter, Esq. PARTNER AKERMAN LLP
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"For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you". MATTHEW 17:20-21
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manda Gunter, Esq., is a native Floridian who attended the University of Florida, graduating cum laude with a degree in Criminology and a minor in History, before attending the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 2014. After returning to Florida, Gunter began her career in law in Naples, Fla., focusing on various areas of real estate law (residential dispositions, acquisitions and intellectual property) while being an active member of the Inns of Court. Today, she focuses her practice on commercial and residential real estate, representing real estate developers, master-planned community developers, and residential homebuilders in acquiring and developing residential and commercial property throughout Florida and the Southeastern United States. She is a graduate of Leadership Orlando, Class 99, a Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Orlando member, and was recently named "One to Watch" in Florida for Real Estate within the Best Lawyers in America publication. Gunter is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring different countries and cultures. In 2018, she had the privilege of participating in the Rotary International Group Study Exchange, a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young professionals, where she spent a month traveling across Australia meeting with professionals within the real estate sector. In addition to traveling, Gunter enjoys spending time with family, friends and her energetic French Bulldog, Gigi. As a graduate of the University of Florida and a marching band (saxophone) member, she is a loyal Florida football fan. Gunter is looking forward to the future with plans to expand her community involvement within the greater Orlando area with organizations focusing on youth involvement in creative expression and visual and performing arts.
Gwen Thompson Hewitt
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AREA DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND (UNCF), CENTRAL & NORTHERN FLORIDA
wen Thompson Hewitt has dedicated her career to advancing education and empowering minority students. As the area development director for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) of Central and Northern Florida, she raises funds and awareness for UNCF’s mission of increasing the number of first-generation, low-income minority college graduates. For the 2022-2023 school year, Hewitt’s efforts led to UNCF awarding over $4 million to Florida residents enrolled in Florida schools. Throughout her tenure, she has been responsible for impacting more than 5,500 students with over $30 million. Hewitt has a background in higher education administration, with a degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Education. She has worked at various institutions, such as the Philadelphia School of Textiles and Science, Washington University of St. Louis, and St. Louis Community College, where she implemented programs for non-traditional students. Hewitt is especially proud of her decades-long partnerships with Fortune 500 companies to retain furloughed workers by providing new skill training at local colleges. She has served as a consultant to the Department of Education Office of Student Financial Assistance, providing valuable guidance on federal student aid programs. Before joining UNCF, Hewitt founded a college admission company, helping students and families navigate the complex and competitive college application process. She guided students in selecting the right college, preparing and submitting applications, and securing financial aid/scholarships. Her clients include graduates of HBCUs, Ivy League schools, and major state universities. Hewitt is a passionate servant-leader in her communities. She is a charter member of the National Council of 100 Black Women-St. Louis chapter and has served on the boards of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE), the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, the Negro Spiritual Scholarship Foundation, and the Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Foundation. She is the regional associate chair for Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and is a proud member of the Orlando (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Hewitt is guided by her love of God and her family: Alana (Isaac White), Albert (AJ), Andrew Hewitt, and her grandson, Gavin I. White.
“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” LUKE 12:48
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Charmaine Hunter DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT ORLANDO BALLET
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"The arts ignite the mind. They give you the possibility to dream and to hope." ARTHUR MITCHELL
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harmaine Hunter is an accomplished principal ballerina with the world-renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem, resident dance director with Disney’s The Lion King, talent and casting associate with Cirque Du Soleil, arts educator on educational initiatives globally, choreographer, and associate director. At 16, Hunter moved to New York City to study with Arthur Mitchell while continuing her formal education. Dance Theatre of Harlem attracted some of the world’s finest Black classical dancers, and dance educators such as Judith Jamison, Carmen DeLavellade, Geoffrey Holder, and Alvin Ailey, just to name a few. She rose through the ranks quickly becoming the company’s leading ballerina and eventually the company Rehearsal Director. She electrified audiences globally with her performances in a broad spectrum of roles. Hunter affected the arts in the U.S. and abroad launching programs specifically for children with little to no access to the arts. The now famous Dancing Through Barriers, Dance Theatre of Harlem’s community program, had its start in Johannesburg, South Africa. Hunter served as principal dance educator on the launch of this highly acclaimed educational initiative. Hunter was invited to perform in the former Soviet Union as part of the United States Cultural Exchange Initiative and led the educational initiative as principal teacher and ambassador from the United States. She also traveled to China conducting extensive educational activities in Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Macau, and Hong Kong. Hunter is now the director of Community Enrichment with the Orlando Ballet where she implements and oversees the arts in education and community programs. Hunter has grown the company’s footprint of educational initiatives in Central Florida. Orlando Ballet’s community programs hosts various enrichment classes at 140 locations for people of all ages in seven counties giving students access to scholarships at celebrated universities, professional training programs, and employment with distinguished organizations around the world. Her efforts garnered her recognition by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Central Florida for Community Impact. She is thrilled to be home with her family in Orlando and looks forward to an amazing future with the Orlando Ballet.
The Honorable Shannan “Lady” Ighodaro, M.B.A.
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COUNCIL MEMBER MIAMI GARDENS CITY COUNCIL
he Honorable Shannan “Lady” Ighodaro is an empowerment strategist, brand and image consultant and business executive with a solid background in public relations, marketing and community outreach. She thrives at implementing integrated, best-practice methodologies for public involvement and public policy and at articulating and optimizing innovative public-private partnerships. Ighodaro won a record-breaking November 2020 election to serve on the Miami Gardens City Council. She is the first Bahamian American immigrant elected in Miami Gardens, the largest predominantly African American city in Florida. She founded Oracle Consulting Group, LLC, a firm specializing in public relations, marketing, public involvement and community outreach. She successfully branded the United Nations “Think Global, Act Local” rural-urban integration initiative, the Miami Dade County Public Schools “Read to Lead” program and the “Kids CLASS” program. Ighodaro is the creator of the groundbreaking Strategic Empowerment Wheel (SEW), designed to assist individuals with facilitating goals. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida Memorial University and a Master of Business Administration from the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University. A recipient of numerous awards, she received the prestigious Miami-Dade Community Pillars Award in 2005. In 2023, she accepted the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for extraordinary leadership and significant contributions to the community. In 2023, in recognition of the Bahamas’ 50th anniversary of independence, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas honored her with a leadership award for her work as an outstanding Bahamian in South Florida. Ighodaro is an established author, evangelist, entrepreneur and founder of 100 Women of Virtue, a mentoring initiative for young women. She has spent 20 years mentoring young women to be entrepreneurs who put God first while building capacities for their families and communities. Ighodaro is married to Erhabor Ighodaro, Ph.D., a former councilman and vice mayor of Miami Gardens. They are proud parents to twin girls, Esosa and Idia.
“The ultimate measure of the move of God is in the outcome.” ERHABOR IGHODARO PH.D.
ONYX MAGAZINE 31
Alma Thomas did not receive recognition for her work until later in her career. In 1972, at the age of 80, she showed her paintings at the Whitney Museum of American Art and it was the museum’s first solo show of a female African American artist. Thomas’ expressive abstract canvases, imbued with vibrant color, linked her to the color field painters of the Washington Color School and she associated with her contemporaries Gene Davis, Morris Louis, and Kenneth Noland. New Galaxy (1970) comprised of alternating bands of ultramarine and cerulean blue, alludes to Thomas’ great interest in space travel. The contrasting ribbons of blush pink suggest the beauty Alma Thomas (American, 1891-1978), New Galaxy, 1970. Acrylic on canvas. 54 1/4 x 54 inches. Tampa Museum of Art, Gift of Douglas H. Teller in memory of Julian H. Singman, 1997.017.
Prelude
and excitement of the unknown.
An Introduction to the Permanent Collection
On view now
Prelude: An Introduction to the Permanent Collection presents the Tampa Museum of Art’s main collecting areas in ancient, modern, and contemporary art. The exhibition features artworks exploring themes of site, power, and the body in ancient vessels, tools, and jewelry, as well as sculptures, painting, and photography. Viewed together in dialogue with each other, the objects speak to shared experiences across time and place. An ongoing exhibition, Prelude includes both familiar works and recent additions to the permanent collection.
TampaMuseum.org Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm Thursday: 10am – 8pm
Exhibitions supported in part by:
SNAP Benefit Recipients get free admission to the Tampa Museum of Art! Presenting Sponsor:
ONYX READS
MY SISTER, MY FRIEND BOOKS THAT HELP US BOND
TRYIN’ TO SLEEP IN THE BED YOU MADE By Virginia Deberry and Donna Grant Best friends face down a tragedy in this beloved novel from bestselling authors Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant, Tryin’ to Sleep in the Bed You Made. Gayle Saunders and Patricia Reid were total opposites who chose each other as best friends when they were children. Through the years they were raised together, as close as sisters. Gayle, the beauty pampered by her working-class parents, believes a man will make her world complete. Pat, the brainy one, is the hand-me-down child whose mystery parentage haunts her. She’s determined to finally make a home for herself: in the executive suite at the top of her career. And then there is Marcus Carter, linked to both women from the moment a childhood tragedy bonds them in secrecy. You will be drawn into the lives of these honest and believable characters from the first page—and they won’t let you go until the last.
ROCKIN’ ROBOTS! (ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST: THE WHY FILES #5) By Andrea Beaty New York Times bestselling author Andrea Beaty and neuroscientist Theanne Griffith’s Rockin’ Robots is the fifth book in a nonfiction early-reader series about the science of robots starring Ada Twist, Scientist! What exactly is a robot? How do they talk and move? And what does it take to build one? Ada Twist, Scientist: The Why Files is the perfect nonfiction resource for all these questions and more. Based on the bestselling Questioneers series and the Ada Twist, Scientist Netflix show, this nonfiction series is perfect for the youngest scientists of tomorrow as they learn along with Ada. Designed in a scrapbook format, these books combine art from the show, illustrations, and photography to bring simple science concepts to life.
BLACK WOMEN TAUGHT US: AN INTIMATE HISTORY OF BLACK FEMINISM By Jenn M. Jackson A reclamation of essential history and a hopeful gesture toward a better political future, this is what listening to Black women looks like—from a professor of political science and columnist for Teen Vogue. “Jenn M. Jackson is a beautiful writer and excellent scholar. In this book, they pay tribute to generations of Black women organizers and set forward a bold and courageous blueprint for our collective liberation.”—Imani Perry, author of South to America. This is my offering. My love letter to them, and to us.
BLACK GIRL YOU ARE ATLAS By Renée Watson, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes In this semi-autobiographical collection of poems, Renée Watson writes about her experience growing up as a young Black girl at the intersections of race, class, and gender. Using a variety of poetic forms, from haiku to free verse, Watson shares recollections of her childhood in Portland, tender odes to the Black women in her life, and urgent calls for Black girls to step into their power. Black Girl You Are Atlas encourages young readers to embrace their future with a strong sense of sisterhood and celebration. With full-color art by celebrated fine artist Ekua Holmes throughout, this collection offers guidance and is a gift for anyone who reads it.
AN ATYPICAL JOURNEY: FACING BREAST CANCER ALONE IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH GOD AND MY TRIBE By Ronnie Laughlin At the height of COVID-19 pandemic, Ronnie was diagnosed with breast cancer while working in the Middle East. Ronnie had no other option but to drive herself to chemo treatments as the pandemic shut down the world. As a former Division I basketball player and now a Speech Pathologist, Ronnie gathered everything she learned on and off the courtsheer determination, life trials and victories, her medical knowledge, and her dynamics
of faith. Ronnie recalled the lessons her parents and former coach, Coach Kay Yow, taught throughout this season in her life--they were a gift. Ronnie had a Tribe of friends that motivated and encouraged her along the way, as she knew this journey would be anything but typical. Collectively, Ronnie used every experience to write this outstanding inspirational book on how she faced her breast cancer challenge "alone" during a worldwide pandemic. Ronnie wants you to know that you are never alone in your journey - you always have someone by your side.
ONYX MAGAZINE 33
Esther Marshall
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY IMPACT TERRITORY MANAGER FOR THE SOUTHEAST FIFTH THIRD BANK
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“Be excellent at everything you do. Your best is always enough.” SAMUEL MARSHALL, FATHER
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sther Marshall is Fifth Third Bank’s senior vice president and community impact territory manager for the Southeast, leading teams in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and the Carolinas with direct responsibility for the Florida and Georgia markets. She oversees the bank’s regional compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act, cultivates and leads community partnerships, drives community development strategies and leads charitable giving. She focuses on key programs and initiatives supporting economic mobility, small business development, affordable housing, financial accessibility, workforce development, and efforts to improve the well-being of individuals and families in underserved communities. Marshall is the leader in implementing Fifth Third’s Empowering Black Futures program in East Tampa and Grove Park in Atlanta—two of nine neighborhoods receiving $20 million each in lending, investments and philanthropy to create equitable growth and economic mobility. This comprehensive program is part of Fifth Third’s $2.8 billion commitment to accelerate racial equity, equality and inclusion. Marshall has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. She joined Fifth Third in 2000 and served in the commercial bank division before transitioning into community impact. Marshall is a board member of The Black Business Investment Fund and an advisory board member of the Florida Housing Coalition. She has received several honors, including the 2023 Tampa Bay Business Journal BusinessWoman of the Year award, the 2022 Florida Small Business Development Center at FGCU’s Resource Partner of the Year award, the 2022 Nehemiah Legacy award from the CDC of Tampa, Inc. and the Fifth Third Summit award for her work with Hurricane Ian disaster relief. The Florida Housing Coalition recognized her work in affordable housing and nonprofit capacity building. Marshall is a USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy member and actively supports youth development and health equity programs. Born and raised in Detroit, Mich., Marshall received her bachelor’s degree in finance from Davenport University and her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Michigan.
Melva McKay-Bass
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CHIEF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION
ith more than 28 years of credit union, financial and business experience, Melva McKay-Bass is the chief community development officer of Suncoast Credit Union. McKay-Bass began her career at Suncoast Credit Union in 2000 in branch operations and consumer lending, where she experienced the credit union difference and developed her passion for all things Suncoast. McKay-Bass worked in various leadership roles at Suncoast Credit Union, including senior vice president of Member Service Operations, where she oversaw departments such as Risk Management, Fraud and Loss, Teller Operations and Deposit Services. She was also a branch manager, loan officer and regional vice president. As chief community development officer, McKay-Bass' areas of responsibility include oversight of Business and Commercial Lending, Suncoast Investment and Trust Services, the Community and Youth Outreach teams, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, all CDFI efforts and Credit Union Service Organizations, including the Members Title Agency, Members Insurance Center, and Suncoast Realty Solutions, LLC. Beyond her business development duties, McKay-Bass utilizes her dynamic skill set to give back to the community directly. She serves as chair of the Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corp. and is a member of the Freddie Solomon Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board and the United Way Suncoast Board, where she currently serves as chair of the Community Partnership Development (CPD) subcommittee. She oversees the Volunteer Income Tax Preparation program for Suncoast and is a board member of the Members Trust Company. She is also a graduate of Leadership Tampa Bay class of 2016. McKay-Bass is a native Floridian born in Tallahassee. She is a proud graduate of Leto High School in Tampa and the Florida A&M University School of Business and Industry, where she earned her degree in accounting. She began her career at SunTrust Bank upon graduation before transitioning to Suncoast. As an advocate for the credit union difference, McKay-Bass believes credit unions make a genuine difference in members' lives. When she isn't helping members save more for life, McKay-Bass enjoys spending time with family, mentoring and developing youth and exercising.
“Be the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily regardless of title or position.”
ONYX MAGAZINE 35
Tolu Adebanjo McKenzie, M.D. ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, PHYSICIAN OPTIMIZATION ORLANDO HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION DIVERSITY COUNCIL PROGRAM DIRECTOR ORLANDO HEALTH
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“To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try.” ROSA PARKS
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r. Tolu Adebanjo McKenzie is a double board-certified pediatrician, preventive medicine physician and a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) trained epidemiologist. At Orlando Health, she serves as assistant vice president of Physician Optimization for the Orlando Health Medical Group and Graduate Medical Education Diversity Council Program director. Dr. McKenzie is a part-time faculty member at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, where she leads a program that provides first-generation and educationally and economically disadvantaged undergraduate students with resources to become competitive applicants for medical school. Dr. McKenzie earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida and her Master of Public Health and Medical degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed her pediatrics residency, including her chief residency, at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital. She obtained her epidemiology training through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) prestigious Epidemic Intelligence Service program, followed by the completion of the CDC's preventive medicine residency. Dr. McKenzie is strongly committed to research and public health and has spoken at the local, state, and national levels on public health issues, health disparities, and health equity. Her previous work includes serving as lead author for CDC's guidance for congenital Zika virus infection, developing public health programs focused on infant mortality and childhood trauma, leading the vaccine field-based medical team at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and serving as physician lead during the Orlando Health electronic health record implementation. Dr. McKenzie has almost 15 years of experience supporting and developing initiatives to drive institutional commitments to diversity, inclusion and health equity in various sectors. They include undergraduate and graduate medical education, federal and local public health agencies, health systems and the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. McKenzie is a practicing pediatrician at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and remains involved with the community. She serves as a workshop facilitator for the Peace and Justice Institute and is on the board of directors for The PLUG, a nonprofit that connects students to education and career opportunities. She has volunteered on countless community panels and individually mentors high school and college students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Outside of work, Dr. McKenzie enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons and traveling.
Cherisa L. Murphy
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VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AETNA, A CVS HEALTH COMPANY
herisa L. Murphy is the vice president of Community Affairs for Aetna, a CVS Health Company. She leads a team responsible for curating and executing community engagement approaches for local geographies across the country. Through servant leadership and a strong knack for collaborating with internal stakeholders and external community partners, Murphy delivers impactful and inclusive campaigns and events that engage the hearts of consumers while meeting them where they are on their health and life journey. Her approach to engagement helps bring to life the company’s commitment to health equity, women’s health, food security, access to care and other critical health determinants. Murphy is a health insurance industry veteran with more than two decades of experience developing solutions that drive optimal consumer experiences while navigating the challenging health care system. In addition to her community role, she has held leadership positions in Operations, Sales, Product Development, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She joined Aetna in 2015, and prior to then, she spent more than 17 years with Florida Blue. Her first role with Florida Blue in customer service gave her the realization that her passion was rooted in helping people as they navigate their personal health concerns. Murphy builds diverse, engaged and results-oriented teams by identifying, developing and coaching talent. Throughout her career, she has helped peers and employees operate at the top of their capabilities by coaching on career strategies, specific deliverables and professional development. Her passionate belief in people drives her to inspire them to become prouder, stronger and more valuable contributors to their organizations. Murphy is a native of Jacksonville, Fla. and a two-time graduate of the University of North Florida, where she earned both a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences and a Master of Business Administration.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” MAYA ANGELOU
ONYX MAGAZINE 37
WORKPLACE
UNIQUE
CHALLENGES
BLACK WOMEN FACE AT WORK
AND HOW COMPANIES CAN ADDRESS THEM BY VELERA WILSON
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SOLUTIONS
omen have long faced inequality in the workplace. While advancements have been made over the years, Black women have faced unique challenges in the workplace. Some of these unique challenges have been easy to overlook but they require intentional actions by organizations to improve the workplace environment. From racism and sexism, lack of allies, and stereotypes, Black women often find themselves treated like outsiders in the workplace.
RACISM & COMPETENCE CHALLENGED In my Women’s Workplace Confidence Report, Black women reported leaving organizations most for unfair treatment of their race and ethnicity when compared to other women of color. Though women face sexism at work, Black women have to deal with racism added on top of that. Black women have to prove themselves more in the workplace. In Lean In and McKinsey & Company’s annual Women in the Workplace study, 41% of Black women reported having their judgment questioned in their area of expertise compared to an average of 38% across all women. When it comes to having their competence questioned, 40% of Black women reported having to provide more evidence of their competence. Not all of these biased behaviors are intentional. But unconscious biases are just as damaging to Black women and negatively affect their workplace confidence and experience.
LACK OF ALLIES Along with facing racism and sexism in the workplace, Black women often deal with a lack of strong allies at work. Lean In’s study of allies in the workplace found that while over 80% of white men and 38 ONYX MAGAZINE
women see themselves as allies to other races, only 26% of Black women reported having strong allies in the workplace. Black women are also underrepresented in leadership and have less access to support from leadership and their managers. And if they are in leadership roles, they are often the only Black woman and experience isolation along with a lack of allies. Ambitious Black women or those in leadership can also face stereotypes that can contribute to a hostile work environment.
STEREOTYPES Damaging stereotypes specific to Black women are unfortunately all too common in the workplace. It is not uncommon for ambitious Black women to be criticized for their desire to lead or earn a promotion. A Black woman standing up for herself in the workplace is often stereotyped as an “angry Black woman” and can even lose out on promotions because of it. This stereotype causes real harm to workplace relationships and the overall workplace environment for Black women. Discounting a Black woman’s success and accomplishments due to outside factors like affirmative action or diversity hiring is an equally damaging stereotype, especially when these ideas go unchallenged by anyone in the organization.
Companies can build a more inclusive workplace by taking active steps toward building a more diverse and inclusive work environment. One of the most important first steps is to start talking about and addressing any of the above issues directly. Normalizing these discussions and opening communication is an important step to make employees feel more comfortable and able to talk about issues they are seeing in the workplace. Defining appropriate and inappropriate behavior for employees helps make it clear where the boundaries lie and what will be tolerated. Putting policies into place is not enough. By including employees in discussions, trainings, and workshops around unconscious biases, inequality, and stereotypes, they can become part of the solution. With an active approach to building a more inclusive work environment, employees will be more likely to get involved, challenge their biases, become better allies, and correct inappropriate workplace behavior. Beyond working with current employees and leadership to start addressing the inequalities against Black women, companies can make an effort to hire more diverse employees and therefore create a more diverse workforce. For example, organizations can recruit Black women who are qualified but might not otherwise apply due to insecurity or lack of confidence. In order to make the workplace more inclusive and retain Black women, companies should evaluate their gender diversity initiatives to ensure they address the intersectionality of gender and race because the workplace experience for Black women can be much different compared to non-minority women. Valera Wilson summarized this study for LinkedIn. To read the entire report, visit leanin.com.
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ONYX MAGAZINE 39
You
W E A LT H & F I N A N C E
FIRST
WOMEN PRIORITIZE FAMILY NEEDS OVER THEIR OWN FINANCIAL SECURITY.
A
ccording to a "Female Financial Empowerment" survey from Edward Jones, while women have made great strides in gender and income equality in the workplace, one of the biggest challenges they continue to face is their tendency to "prioritize immediate family needs" over saving for their own future. That certainly helps explain what the financial services firm acknowledged was an inherent conflict in the findings: While seven out of 10 women polled said they felt "confident" about their financial knowledge, all too many have actually done little to nothing to generate their own long-term wealth. "Only 25 percent of women surveyed consider saving for retirement as their most important goal over the next three to five years," said Nela Richardson, an investment strategist at Edward Jones. "That tells us that female financial empowerment should be next on the list of barriers women have broken over the past few decades." The two other biggest challenges women need to surmount, according to the national sample of 1,004 adult women ages 18 and older? They're either waiting for some amorphous "perfect" time to invest - something, in all fairness, men are also guilty of - or they're waiting for … you name it to motivate them. A big raise or other windfall (49 percent). A financial emergency (20 percent). A significant
life event (20 percent). A market correction (12 percent). None of which, let's be frank, is likely to make you the next Francoise Bettencourt Meyers. (More on that in a minute.) "Waiting for a raise or a significant life event, by definition, isn't a financial strategy," Richardson said, "and they'll always be competing prior-
FORTUNE OFFERS 8 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY QUICKLY 1. Shop Banks. You may be able to increase the rate at which your money earns interest—and how fast your balance grows—just by switching banks.
2. Change Your Eating Habits. Cook and eat at home more. 3. Change Insurance. Shopping around and comparing insurers can 4. Ask for a Raise or Change Jobs. Increasing your income is a first step to save up more money. 5. Consider a Side Job. In addition to changing jobs, you can add a second job. 6. Get Credit Cards with Rewards. Many credit cards allow you to earn rewards or even cash back.
7. Switch up Transportation. You might consider taking public transportation if possible. 8. Cancel Subscriptions—but not to ONYX Magazine. Make a list of all the subscriptions and memberships you have and cancel what you don’t use.
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ities. The key is to anticipate both tailwinds and headwinds in life, and be flexible enough to adapt to changing situations so you can meet your long-term financial goals." Edward Jones lays out a female-centric approach to handling your finances on its website. But here's a quick cheat sheet to get you started: • Make yourself a priority by starting to invest now in order to give your money time to grow - never underestimating the power of a wondrous thing called compound interest. • Begin small with modest investments. • Develop a goals-based financial strategy. As for how much better women are doing financially, here's one notable sign: Forbes' list of the world's 100 richest people featured just four females in 2000 compared to 10 this year. The richest woman - and fifteenth overall - was the aforementioned L'Oréal heiress Francoise Bettencourt Meyers ($49.3 billion), who's chairwoman of the family's holding company. But she inherited her wealth, you say? Well, the youngest self-made billionaire ever, according to Forbes, is none other than 21-year-old cosmetics wunderkind Kylie Jenner ($1 billion).
BLACK HISTORY BLACK HISTORY
B
PURE INSPIRATION
lack women are some of the most inspiring people in the world. They have unparalleled accomplishments, are trailblazers, are among many firsts, and they pave the way for generations to come. In honor of a few contributions, below is a list of some of the most influential Black women in history and the brilliance that got them there.
DOROTHY HEIGHT
On August 28, 1963, Dr. Dorothy Height took a seat on the speaker stage at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. She was surrounded by most of the famous civil rights activists. Although, she was not scheduled to give remarks, Height had rightfully gained her place among these prominent leaders. During a chance encounter with African American leader Mary McLeod Bethune, Height was inspired to begin working with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW focusing on ending the lynching of African Americans and restructuring the criminal justice system. In 1957, she became the fourth president of the NCNW and served for 40 years.
JOSEPHINE BAKER
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Josephine Baker's success as a Vaudeville dancer took her France, where she was lauded as one of the country's most popular performers. During World War II, Baker became a spy for the French resistance, passing on critical Nazi information to aid the war effort. Upon returning to the U.S., Baker found herself the target of discrimination and threw herself into fighting racism and injustice at home. Baker was one of two women speakers at the March on Washington in 1963, having spoke just before Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech
AVA MARIE DUVERNAY
Ava Marie DuVernay is an American filmmaker, screenwriter, film and television producer. She is a recipient of a Primetime Emmy Award, two NAACP Image Award, a BAFTA Film Award and a BAFTA TV Award, as well as a nominee of an Academy Award and Golden Globe. In 2011 she founded her independent distribution company ARRAY. After making her directoral debut, I Will Follow (2010), DuVernay won the directing award in the U.S. dramatic competition at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival for her second feature film Middle of Nowhere, becoming the first black woman to win the award.
NINA SIMONE
Nina Simone possessed a unique raspy voice and had a massive impact on the jazz community, as well as the civil rights movement. In her early years, Simone changed her name from Eunice Kathleen Waymon, her birth name, to her new alias, Nina Simone, to disguise herself from her family while trying to forge her career in jazz as a pianist and singer. Between 1958 and 1974, Simone recorded more than 40 albums, leaving an indelible mark on music.
LAVERNE COX
OPRAH WINFREY
Oprah Winfrey began her career competing in beauty pageants before transitioning to broadcasting, where she found success as host of the Chicago TV talk show "People Are Talking." Her popularity led Winfrey to launch "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which aired for 25 years and established Winfrey as a media mogul. After founding her own production company and television network, Winfrey would go on to become the first Black woman billionaire in the U.S. One of the most recognizable names in the world, Winfrey has notably used her accomplishments for philanthropic endeavors spanning the globe.
The actress, activist and LGBT advocate is praised for her role on Netflix's "Orange Is the New Black" as Sophia Burset. She was the first transgender woman to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in any acting category, and in June 2014, Cox became the first transgender woman to appear on the cover of TIME magazine.
RUBY BRIDGES
Ruby Bridges is an American activist who helped the civil rights movement in Louisiana. She was the first child to desegregate William Frantz Elementary School, an all-white school in Louisiana, which she was selected to attend based on her displayed intelligence at just six years old. She also was later painted by Norman Rockwell and is now celebrated as a courageous Black woman who continued to fight for equal rights throughout her life. ONYX MAGAZINE 41
Adaobi Okobi, M.D. PEDIATRICIAN ARNOLD PALMER HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN
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"The ultimate expression of generosity is not in giving of what you have, but in giving of who you are." JOHNETTA COLE, PH.D.
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daobi Okobi, M.D., is a physician at Orlando Health’s Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. She is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics who received her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. She completed her pediatric training at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia and served as a chief resident at St. Barnabas Hospital pediatric residency program in the Bronx, N.Y. She worked as a pediatrician at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Providence, R.I., and then as a pediatrician at the Brevard Health Alliance before joining Orlando Health in 2014. She is a faculty pediatrician at the Orlando Health pediatric residency program. The program is based at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital, consistently recognized in US News & World Report as a Best Children’s Hospital and a leader in pediatric care in Central Florida. She is the Medical Director of Teen Xpress, which is part of the Child Advocacy Center at Orlando Health. Teen Xpress is a unique school-based mobile healthcare unit that provides complete medical and mental health care services to underserved, uninsured and at-risk students of several low-income middle and high schools in Orange County. By providing these services for free, Teen Xpress has been supporting the well-being of teens in Orange County, including providing over 750 teens a safe place to receive medical care. Moving between select schools in Central Florida, this mobile health unit provides a variety of important life services. She serves as faculty chair of the Pediatric Diversity Council and faculty advisor of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Diversity Council at Orlando Health. This organization is committed to medical education as part of its core mission. It is the institutional sponsor of eight residency and 29 fellowship programs. GME serves as a major training site for several medical schools in Florida including University of Florida, Florida State University, and University of South Florida as well as from schools throughout the United States.
Wanda “Wanda P” Patterson
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ON-AIR PERSONALITY/PRODUCER COX MEDIA
anda “Wanda P” Patterson began her radio career as a weekend announcer at AM 1360 WCGL, Jacksonville, Fla., in February 1999. Early in her career, she became known as a sought-after professional in the Gospel music and radio industries. Over the years, her radio and entertainment experiences have included being an assistant program director, co-owner of a digital R&B station called POD-FM, vice president of Gospel record label PEINC (pronounced ‘pink’) Gospel and much more. In addition, she has had the opportunity to be heard in the Caribbean and in South Africa with a show she hosted, ‘The Independent Showcase.’ Patterson joined the staff of Hot 106.5 FM in October 2017 and now produces The Rickey Smiley Morning Show. During the show, Patterson produces and voices a news and information segment, also heard on the Dede in the Morning Show on Hot’s sister station, Power 106.1. This busy lady is also the personality for Hot’s ‘Morning Inspiration’ show airing Monday-Friday, 5:00-6:00 am; and ‘Sunday Morning Inspiration’ from 7:00 am-12:00 pm. In 2022, Patterson was appointed Hot 106.5 FM’s Music Director. Having a love of community and civic engagement, Patterson counts her participation in a few of the year’s events as some of her most important. Patterson hosted the station’s first ‘Domestic Violence Discussion', in October 2022, and moderated two political forums ‘Your Voice-Your Vote: A Community, Safety and Civility Forum’ that featured the first Black woman candidates for Sheriff of Duval County, Fla., along with City Council, State, and local representatives, ahead of the 2022 elections. Patterson received a 2021 EDDY AWARD for outstanding Radio, Media, and Digital Content Creators. In November 2022, she received the ‘Dr. Peppi Hendrix Award of Excellence by the Tampa Bay Gospel Awards. In November 2023, she was recognized as the ‘2023 Radio Announcer of the Year’ from the One-Way Radio Awards in Nashville, TN. In December, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of Florida Gospel Music Awards (formerly The Tampa Bay Gospel Awards).
“It is in the character of growth that we should learn from both pleasant and unpleasant experiences.” NELSON MANDELA
ONYX MAGAZINE 43
Suzanne Shine Pickett EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JACKSONVILLE CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
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“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” AUDRE LORDE
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uzanne Shine Pickett has lived in Jacksonville for more than 30 years. She is an artist, the co-founder and executive director of Jacksonville Cultural Development Corporation, co-founder of The Art Center, the Housing and Community Development director for Jacksonville Urban League, and president of Historic Eastside Community Development Corporation. She holds a B.F.A. from the University of North Florida, is certified in Community Real Estate Development through the University of South Florida, and serves on the Arts in Public Places Committee. She uses arts, culture, and community outreach as a catalyst for considerable and necessary preservation and revitalization of under-resourced communities. As president and CEO of Historic Eastside Community Development Corporation, Pickett effectively and efficiently manages the daily operations, directing and empowering a team of dedicated and highly skilled professionals committed to strengthening the community and families of Historic Eastside. She maintains established and creates new relationships with political, business, community, and residential leaders. She builds and executes the company’s strategic plan, collaboratively defining a refreshed long-term vision for historic preservation, mixed-income commercial and residential housing, community wellness, cradle-to-career education, and long-term financial vitality with its board of directors and stakeholders. She implements a strategy that provides inclusive community development with private/public investors, foundations, corporations, and friends of Eastside while creating deep connections with residents, the local community, and staff, ones built on mutual respect and a deep understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the founder of the Jacksonville Cultural Development Corporation, Pickett identifies and assesses the arts, culture, and heritage needs of regional cultural organizations, individual artists, funders, business leaders, educational organizations, government agencies, and residents. Pickett evaluates a variety of business and operating models to determine how a new arts service organization can best serve the multiple needs of a growing region. She creates the organization’s initial strategic plan, operational budget, and staffing plan. Also, Pickett builds arts, culture, and heritage organizational capacity through professional development opportunities that enhance and attract artists and cultural organizations. She also embraces other strategic planning and community engagement responsibilities as needed.
Traci Thompson, M.D., M.B.A. CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, HUMANA HEALTHY HORIZONS C.E.O., DR. TRACI'S HOUSE
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raci Thompson, M.D., M.B.A., is a board-certified internist with a 20-year tenure as a healthcare executive. Dr. Thompson is currently chief medical officer for Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida's Medicaid plan. Dr. Thompson also founded Dr. Traci's House Inc. This non-profit organization aims to improve health equity by empowering the community within the zip codes that correlate with worse health outcomes. Dr. Traci's House provides personalized and compassionate care everyone deserves, making seeking care in the community convenient and accessible. Dr. Traci's House's comprehensive and high-quality programming includes holistic wellness services, behavioral health, pharmaceutical consultation, and nutritional and social support. Previously, Dr. Thompson served as Chief Medical Director of Medical Management at WellCare Health Plans, Inc. She oversaw adherence to enterprise clinical policy for the $26+B company focused on government programs serving over 6.4 million members. Dr. Thompson was responsible for developing new clinical programs while supervising and mentoring the medical director team. Dr. Thompson obtained her bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Georgetown University, earned her Doctorate of Medicine from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and was inducted into the country's premier medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Thompson completed her internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Subsequently, she was a clinical instructor at the University of Maryland Medical Center and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Thompson was a distinguished member of the inaugural graduating class of Howard University's Executive M.B.A. program in 2013, and in 2014, she earned the distinction of a Certified Physician Executive. Dr. Thompson has served on various boards and councils, including the Florida Community Leadership Board for the American Diabetes Association and the Johns Hopkins Medicine Alumni Association Council. Dr. Thompson is known for her dedication, commitment, and passion for serving the most disenfranchised members of society. She works tirelessly to ensure everyone has access to quality and effective healthcare.
"Be still, and know that I am God." PSALM 46:10
ONYX MAGAZINE 45
R E A L E S TAT E
BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME?
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READ THESE TIPS FIRST
any people dream of building a custom home in a beautiful location. However, the journey of building a home from scratch is not always smooth. “As a builder in sunny Southwest Florida, we work with all kinds of clients. Whether they are drawn to the timeless appeal of Naples, the coastal charm of Bonita Springs, the urban energy of Tampa, or the peaceful embrace of Sanibel, our job is to help them create their dream home and tell their unique story,” says Glen Harris III, regional partner of Alair Florida, an industry leader. To help you navigate the intricate world of custom home-building, this story is shedding light on some common challenges prospective homeowners face and offering solutions based on their expertise. Creating a custom home is an exciting journey with both triumphs and trials. Here are some common concerns:
StatePoint Media
1. BALANCING VISION AND BUDGET: Challenge: Juggling expansive design ideas with realistic budget constraints. Solution: Overall project costs can be unpredictable with a standard cost-plus contract, particularly if you have an expansive vision. That’s why it’s important to work with a builder who encourages a pre-construction phase, whereby specifications
and line-item costs are fixed. This process allows you to make design adjustments on paper before construction begins, and in turn, your builder will present you with a fixed cost-plus contract. As the project moves forward, be sure to request regular updates and clear project timelines.
2. NAVIGATING REGULATORY TERRAIN: Challenge: Dealing with the complex world of permits and regulations often causes delays. Solution: Work with a builder who possesses local knowledge. Doing so can streamline the process as they will understand and adhere to specific requirements.
3. TIMING THE SOURCING OF MATERIALS: Challenge: Excitement of hand-selecting materials tempered by potential supply chain disruptions. Solution: If your builder is experienced in material sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship, this will help them navigate such challenges to avoid delays while ensuring your new home is built to the highest standards.
4. ADAPTING TO EVOLVING DESIGN: Challenge: The temptation of design changes impacting the project timeline.
Solution: Striking a balance between innovation and sticking to the timeline is crucial for success. Your builder should act as your trusted advisor, connecting you with savvy designers, architects and other experts who understand the local market and the range of other factors that can affect your timeline.
5. UNFORESEEN COSTS AND DELAYS: Challenge: Unexpected challenges despite meticulous planning. Solution: Establishing a contingency fund and maintaining open communication with your builder is prudent. To that end, your builder should take a client-driven approach and actively involve you in the decision-making process. Expert Steven Cowan says, “Your builder should be committed to cultivating a collaborative partnership with homeowners. Every decision, whether it’s a change order or intricate detail, should be a result of thoughtful and shared deliberation.” With careful attention and industry expertise, guided by a trusted custom home builder, you can transform your vision into reality, backed by the assurance of transparency, fixedprice contracts, quality craftsmanship, professional design services, and a client-driven approach. ONYX MAGAZINE 47
Tamika Gunn White, MS, SHRM-SCP
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TALENT MANAGEMENT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY (PSTA)
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”Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” HOWARD THURMAN
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amika White serves as the deputy director of Talent Management at Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) in St. Petersburg, Fla. This dynamic, forward-thinking leader has dedicated her career to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace while shaping positive organizational cultures. A doctoral candidate in Organizational Leadership, White seamlessly blends academic rigor with Human Resources Management. She has an 11-year background in the public transportation sector. She participates on numerous national DEI-centered committees with the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials and the American Public Transportation Association, positioning herself as a trailblazer in workforce development. Instrumental in transforming organizational landscapes, White offers invaluable insights into leadership development, management consulting, and employee engagement. What sets White apart is her profound devotion to giving individuals growth opportunities. She finds immense joy in inspiring others as an educator, mentor, and coach. Her approach is rooted in the belief that everyone has the potential for peak performance, and her mission is to unlock that potential. During her tenure at PSTA, White has implemented many DEI programs, such as cultural competence workshops, inclusive leadership training, employee resource groups, innovative recruitment strategies, community impact projects, and accountability measures at all levels of the organization. White embodies the wisdom in Howard Thurman's powerful words, 'Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.' With an unyielding commitment to fostering DEI, White not only asks what the world needs but also ardently pursues what makes her come alive - inspiring and uplifting all people to their highest potential and breathing life into the transformative essence of individuals and organizations alike. In a world hungry for authenticity and purpose, White is a beacon of passion, steering the course toward a future where every individual is empowered to come alive and contribute to a tapestry of success, belonging, and enduring excellence.
Nadine Mentor Williams FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, MENTOR HOLDINGS AND INVESTMENTS, INC. FOUNDER AND BOARD CHAIRWOMAN, THE GREATEST INVESTMENT GIRLS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
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adine Mentor Williams has over 20 years of experience as an investment banker and investor. She is the founder and president of Mentor Holdings and Investments, Inc., a Black, female-owned business development company. Throughout her career, Mentor Williams has transacted over $16 billion of financings for private and public sector projects worldwide, including in Africa. Mentor Williams was usually the only woman of color working on deals as an investment banker. This led her to start an initiative called Black Women Building Wealth to educate and empower women of color about resources and opportunities to build generational wealth for their families and communities. As a partner at MiDA Advisors and backed by USAID, Mentor Williams helped launch a women's fund manager program in Southern Africa to increase the number of women-owned and women-led funds investing in businesses that empower women in Africa. In 2010, Mentor Williams was inspired to create The Greatest Investment Girls Empowerment Program (TGI) for young ladies in the Central Florida community. Over the last 14 summers, TGI has hosted its annual four-week free summer camp to fill the need for positive programs for young ladies of color, especially during summer. TGI has transformed the lives of more than 500 young leaders in the U.S., Haiti and South Africa. TGI's mission is to educate and empower the next generation of strong, confident, and fierce female leaders. TGI's yearlong programs focus on character development, interpersonal skills, goal setting, mentorship, financial education, college preparation, and career development. Mentor Williams has received numerous recognitions locally, nationally and globally for her many professional and philanthropic achievements. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Pace University in New York with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. She earned her M.P.A. in Public Policy and Financial Management from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. Mentor Williams is a prolific global traveler who has visited over 70 countries. Her most fulfilling roles are wife and mother to her two beloved Anzios.
“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?’” DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
ONYX MAGAZINE 49
Natasha J.Williams, Esq. CHIEF ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY, GENERAL CIVIL LAW SECTION CITY OF ORLANDO
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“Success is not final; failure is not fatal.” UNKNOWN
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s a high school student, Natasha J. Williams, Esq., worked part-time as an office assistant through a work study program. Her former supervisor, Dr. Owen Holyoak, persuaded her to go to law school and become a lawyer. It was his encouragement and reading an article about famed writer Zora Neale Hurston dying in poverty that motivated her to pursue law. She felt that if Hurston had an attorney to represent her when she wrote her books, she would have been able to provide for herself until her death. Williams’ purpose for becoming an attorney has always been and always will be to help others. She was admitted into the Florida Bar in 1987, although she worked her first year (1986) as a certified legal intern under the supervision of her then supervisor, Chief Assistant State Attorney, Belvin Perry, Jr. Williams began practicing law in Orlando in 1986, a total of 38 years thus far. She has served as an assistant state attorney in Orange County, city prosecutor for the City of Orlando, assistant city attorney assigned to the Real Estate Section, and later the Labor & Employment Division for the City of Orlando, and police legal advisor of the Orlando Police Department for 17 years. Now Williams is chief assistant city attorney assigned to the General Civil Law Section for the City of Orlando. Williams says the highlight of her career was while serving as the chair of the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services in February 2003, she had the honor to present oral argument before the Florida Supreme Court asserting that government lawyers should be required to perform pro bono legal services. Distinctions/ Honors: • Paul C. Perkins Bar Association, President, 1990-92; • Florida Bar Foundation, Board of Directors, 1992 to 2000; • Various community service awards; and • Raising 4 children in a blended family.
Nekeshia Woods MANAGING PARTNER PARKWAY VENTURE CAPITAL
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ekeshia Woods is a managing partner at Parkway Venture Capital. Woods joined Parkway from Morgan Stanley, where she led portfolio strategy and focused on business management initiatives for the Private Wealth Management business. Prior to joining the Private Wealth Management team at Morgan Stanley, Woods served as the Engagement and Adoption Lead for Morgan Stanley Online and the Financial Advisor Collaboration tools. Before joining Morgan Stanley, Woods was Head of Strategy at Artivest, a Fintech start-up, where she focused on expansion into new customer segments within the Wealth Management and Asset Management sectors. Leading up to Woods’ time at Artivest, she held leadership roles with a primary focus on business growth opportunities and digital efficiencies while at BlackRock, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Booz Allen Hamilton, and IBM. Woods started her career in politics where she first worked as an intern at the White House for George W. Bush and later served as a political appointee in the White House Liaison Office for the Department of Homeland Security. Woods is on the AdventHealth Foundation Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute Board, serves as a trustee for the Atlantic Center for the Arts and is a mentor for the Support Our Scholars organization. Woods holds a BSFS from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and a J.D. from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law.
"Be still, and know that I am God." PSALM 46:10
ONYX MAGAZINE 51
WOTM SCHOLARS
ONYX FOUNDATION SCHOLARS
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n honor of three Florida women who have made significant impacts in the lives of students, the ONYX Foundation launched two scholarships, in partnership with Orlando Health, to help high school and college students complete college: The Udell T. Black & Linda Y. Braynen Legacy Scholarship and the Lillian Seays Achievement Scholarship. “Tuition hikes have heightened students’ needs for economic assistance while they are in school and making plans to go,” said Rich Black, the president and CEO of ONYX Magazine and the ONYX Foundation. “Financial aid is important, but we also are excited to create scholarships in the names of three very important women who have, in their lifetimes, served as resources and encouragers for students traversing higher education.” The late Udell T. Black was a trailblazer in her own right as a woman who left the comfort of the Bahamas to join her husband in America. They were the first Black owners of a restaurant in downtown Orlando. Black stressed to her eight children the importance of education. Each of them, including ONYX Magazine Publisher Rich Black, have thrived as professionals in their communities. A retiree from Guardian Care Rehabilitation Center, Black made a life of giving back to the people she cared most about.
Linda Braynen and her late husband, Everett, began entrepreneurship in the 1960s by buying housing units and establishing comfort food restaurants—one that remained open for more than 18 years. Without hesitation, the Braynens delved into “owning their own” to make a better life for themselves and never looked back. As Rich Black’s aunt, Linda Braynen always spurred him to higher education and business ownership, which he credits, in part, for his success. The late Lillian Seays is the co-founder of ONYX Magazine. Seays was an educator and librarian for more than 30 years in Florida schools. She was honored in 2016 when the Memorial Middle School Media Center was bestowed her name. While at Memorial, she led the building of a news studio in the media center where students and well-known media personalities broadcasted the news. The scholarships were first announced at the 2022 Women on the Move in Winter Park. Each year, the ONYX Foundation will work with high schools and colleges to identify and award new students. The ONYX Foundation will present two scholarships to young women during ONYX Magazine’s annual Women On The Move on March during Women’s History Month, at the beautiful Alfond Inn, Winter Park Florida.
Mishelle Albury SENIOR, UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS, NASSAU ACCOUNTING MAJOR
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ishell Mykel Emma Lillian Albury, born in Nassau, The Bahamas, embodies a commitment to service, education, and community engagement. Currently a senior at the University of The Bahamas, Albury is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a minor in History of Empire and Colonialism, which reflects her diverse interests and dedication to both numbers and narratives. Beyond her academic pursuits, Albury is deeply involved in various organizations that reflect her passion for making a difference. She an active member of The Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the media ministry at Christ Church Cathedral, and the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association. Her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion extends to her professional life as well, as she currently holds a co-op position at Deloitte and Touché Bahamas, where she gains invaluable experience in the field of accounting. In 2022, she was an exchange student at Brock University in Canada and became a member of the Brock rowing team. In fall 2024, she anticipates a cultural exchange opportunity in Finland to enhance her perspective on the world by exposure to different cultures and ways of life.
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WOTM SCHOLARS
Hellena Kyama SENIOR, EVANS HIGH SCHOOL, ORLANDO
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ellena Kyama is a senior at Evans High School and Valencia college dual enrollment student born of Zambian-Congoleses parents. Throughout her high school career, she has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance. Hellena has maintained a 4.0 GPA and have been recognized for her exceptional performance in various subjects, consistently earning placement on the honor roll. She has also earned the Presidents List and Dean's List two times at Valencia College. She challenges herself with a rigorous course load, excelling in advanced placement courses. She is a member of the Student Government Association, Future Leaders United, National Honor Society, Student Superintendent Advisory Council, UNICEF, Trojan Leaders, and Senior Class Council. She also is the captain for the Evans girls soccer team and a player for the girls Lacrosse team. Furthermore, I have dedicated countless hours to community service through volunteering at my school events such as holiday food giveaway and Trojan service day. She is determined to make meaningful contributions to the field of medicine with the ultimate goal of positively impacting society through my work and hopefully one day to give back to my community.
Laura Narcisse
SENIOR, JONES HIGH SCHOOL, ORLANDO
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aura Narcisse is a fearless, determined 17-year-old young woman born to two Haitian Immigrant parents who sacrificed everything to get her here today. Despite growing up the sole child in the household, she is one of five children. She has faced mental and emotional adversities that have fueled her to overcome obstacles and empower others. Her academic journey shines brightly through her achievements, such as her induction into the National Honor Society, maintaining an impressive 4.1 GPA, and ranking in the top 20% of her senior class. Laura’s resilience and academic success serve as beacons of hope, inspiring her to give back to the next generation of young girls. Drawing from her life experiences, she aspires to forge a path by double majoring in Business and Psychology. Motivated by her own personal journey, she plans on crossing over into these fields as a powerful way to make a positive impact. With a piercing interest in understanding human behavior as well as a drive for success in the business world, Laura aims to blend my academic drive with her passion for helping others, shaping a future where she can contribute meaningfully to my community.
Cyan Love
SENIOR, FLORIDA VIRTUAL SCHOOL, ORLANDO
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ince Cyan Love was a toddler, dance has played a pivotal role in who she is today, and she could not be happier to have the opportunity to share her love for this beautiful art form with the world. For the past 15 years, with the instruction and guidance from some of the world’s best classical teachers including Olivier Pardina, Patrick Armand, Jean Hughes-Feray, Charmaine Hunter, Philip Broomhead, and many others, Cyan has had the opportunity to grow and develop her skill and passion in classical ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip hop, flamenco, and African dance. An aspiring professional classical dancer, Cyan has participated in multiple performances and summer intensives which include American Ballet Theater, Joffrey Ballet, San Fransisco Ballet, Ballet West, Miami City Ballet, And soon, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Ballet Hispanico. Cyan’s goal is to receive a trainee or apprenticeship offer and ultimately a company contract. With that goal set, Cyan is excited to take her journey in pursuit of a professional dance career to its next level.
ONYX MAGAZINE 53
FLORIDA SCOPE
SOCIAL MEDIA BAN Florida lawmakers gave final approval to a bill that seeks to keep children under age 16 off social-media platforms, as Gov. Ron DeSantis continued to raise concerns about the measure. Opponents argue parents should decide whether children use social media and that the bill would be unconstitutional. The bill now will go to DeSantis, who raised concerns Thursday about parental rights and pointed to the bill affecting 14- and 15-year-olds. Tampa Bay Times
FLORIDA STUDENT DEBT UP According to the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid site, as of Sept. 30, 2023, the total federal student loan debt balance in Florida was $103.3 billion, including outstanding principal and interest balances, for 2.7 million borrowers, making it the third highest in the nation. This includes Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) and Perkins Loans but does not include private loan debt. Daytona Beach News Journal
$25 MILLION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ANNOUNCED Governor Ron DeSantis announced an investment of nearly $25 million from the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program to either create or expand 19 programs dedicated to strengthening workforce development across Florida. The initiative underscores Florida’s dedication to equipping students statewide with the essential skills required for success in high-demand occupations. Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant funding provides Florida students with opportunities for hands-on educational experiences in a broad range of career and technical education programs such as automotive maintenance and light repair, digital video and technology, allied health assisting, criminal justice operations, entrepreneurship, emergency medical responder and many more. This $25 million investment is part of the $100 million allocated in August to the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program. The program provides grants to school districts and Florida College System institutions to fund some or all of the costs associated with the creation or expansion of career and technical education workforce development programs that lead to industry certifications included on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List. Read the full list of impacted schools at www.
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MEDICAID ENROLLMENT DOWN Enrollment in Florida’s Medicaid program dipped slightly below 4.8 million in January, continuing months of decreases that began after the end of a federal public health emergency last spring. Data posted on the state Agency for Health Care Administration website showed 4,799,446 people enrolled in January, down
from 4,866,692 in December, 4,946,551 in November and 5,105,874 in October. The federal government declared a public health emergency in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began. Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. News Service of Florida
WHEN WILL HOUSING AFFORDABILITY IMPROVE? Inflation is slowing and job growth has surged, but many Americans still feel the burden of expensive housing – fueled in part by high demand, low inventory and mortgage rates. Home prices across the U.S. rose 5.5% over the past year in December 2023 and they are projected to increase 2.8% year over year by December 2024, according to CoreLogic, a consumer and business information company. Florida Phoenix
FLORIDA KIDS PLAYING HOOKY About 31% of Florida students were chronically absent last school year — up from 20% in 2018, according to the state Department of Education. They are kids who have missed at least 10% of their classes. And while their numbers have started to shrink slightly, educators remain worried. State lawmakers in Florida are among those sounding the alarm. Tampa Bay Times
RECOGNITION
ONYX MAGAZINE PUBLISHER RICH BLACK
RECOGNIZED AS A KEY CENTRAL FLORIDA LEADER
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rlando Magazine paid tribute to Black History Month by honoring African Americans who are making a difference in Central Florida. In the Black Leaders in Central Florida series, ONYX Magazine Publisher Rich Black joined nine other leaders who are purveyors of change in the state. Below is a snapshot of the feature. You can read the entire article in the February 2024 issue of Orlando Magazine Known to many as “The Great Connector,” Rich Black is an accomplished entrepreneur who works tirelessly in his community and has emerged as one of Florida’s most influential leaders. He is the owner and publisher of ONYX Magazine—a 26-year-old publication ranked among the most critical voices to celebrate Black achievement. At ONYX, Black created innovative programs that amplify community triumphs, such as Women on the Move, Men of Honor and ONYX Speaks, which raises up leaders through the words of our nation’s wisest council. He leads a strong team of professionals to create an entertaining, inspiring, informative publication and engaging events that recognize the most talented and influential Black champions in the region, the state and around the world.
COMMUNITY SERVICE & RESPONSIBILITY Black believes we each need a keen sense of social responsibility. Growing up, he was inspired by community leaders who dedicated their lives to helping others. Educator and activist Dr. Mary McLeod-Bethune, who paid $1.50 to build a school with the intention of giving women a recognized voice in a society that did not want to hear it. Activist and actor Paul Robeson, who fought for equality and fairness for Black people in many professions around the country. And his parents, Reginald Alexander Maycock Black and Udell T. Black. “More than 50 years ago, they were instrumental in planning the church our family still attends today, serving many people across varied communities. Also, as the first Black owners of a business in downtown Orlando, they taught me that just because something had not been done before did not mean it couldn’t be done. Their pioneering spirit encourages my goals to this day. Watching them, the satisfaction I gained from making a positive impact 56 ONYX MAGAZINE
on people’s lives solidified my decision to pursue entrepreneurship. I plan and continue to use my skills and passion to support those in need and contribute toward building stronger communities.”
IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY During COVID-19, Black struggled watching members of his community die because they did not believe the disease was real. He huddled his team at ONYX Magazine and designed ONYX Magazine’s MaskUp! Stop the Spread campaign, which included virtual community town hall meetings, a county-wide billboard campaign, distribution of masks and hand sanitizer and a social media presence. Many non-believers became believers and joined in the campaign, helping to make people more aware of the dangers of the coronavirus and possibly saving lives. For that project, he and ONYX Magazine received several awards, including the Orlando Magic’s Game Changer Award and The African American Chamber of Central Florida Community Advocacy Award.
CIVIC HIGHLIGHTS As president of the Lake Sunset Neighborhood Association, Black leads an already strong community to stand for what’s best for their homes and the neighborhood around them. Together, the association has been instrumental in providing services for youths and seniors alike. Not only have they led community developers in getting support for said projects, but they also inspired the strategic plans for the utilization of facilities, ensuring all people had fair and equitable access. As a Role Model of the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence, founded by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Black joins hundreds of influential men in Florida in a vow to give minority boys hope, as well as the vision of greatness to emulate in their everyday lives. As the leader of Dr. Mary McLeod-Bethune Statue Project at Bethune-Cookman University, Black worked with community leaders to hail the works of Dr. Mary McLeod-Bethune, raising her statue on campus. The art inspired another statue in her likeness that now stands in Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C.
EMBRACE, ENGAGE & REDISCOVER MIAMI’S MULTICULTURAL JEWELS
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BUSINESS
BIG INNOVATION, LITTLE BUDGET
SMALL BUSINESS CAN MAKE A HUGE IMPACT WITH SMALL FUNDS.
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n today's fast-paced business landscape, it's important for small business owners to adopt a mindset for innovation. However, the misconception that innovation requires vast resources and significant time investment can often deter entrepreneurs and business builders from pursuing new ideas and strategies. But with the right approach and perspective, small businesses can foster a culture within the company to make innovation more of an ongoing tenet of a successful business. As small businesses look at their goals for the new year, with some businesses also thinking about how to do more with the same, consider these four practical tips to innovate without breaking the bank or spinning too many resources. 58 ONYX MAGAZINE
1. NURTURE AN INNOVATION MINDSET WITH YOUR TEAM Innovation starts with your team. Cultivating an innovation mindset among your team members is the first step toward achieving small wins that lead to breakthroughs. As someone who has led product development teams for over 20 years, I know that the ability and willingness to analyze the environment, listen to feedback, and adapt to change are key disciplines to delivering products that delight customers. Here are some key aspects to consider: Embrace Diverse Perspectives: Different backgrounds and experiences bring unique viewpoints that can spark creativity and improve collaboration within your organization. Where you can, build diversity into your hiring strategy.
Foster a Culture of Openness: Create an atmosphere where employees feel safe to share their ideas and insights freely. Make them feel that their opinions matter and that they have a stake in the company's success. You can do this with monthly brainstorm sessions to get the whole team thinking about different challenges faced by the business. Promote Continuous Learning: Encourage ongoing learning and skills development. There are lots of free online training resources that help employees stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies. By nurturing an innovation mindset within your team, you can tap into their collective creativity, which can lead to cost-effective innovations that drive your business forward.
STATEPOINT MEDIA
BY IRANA WASTI
2. LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS AND INNOVATE FOR THEM Research from McKinsey & Company has shown that improving the client experience can increase sales revenues by 2%-7%. However, one common pitfall in innovation is over-engineering solutions that don't align with your customers' needs. Prioritize innovation that is rooted in customer feedback, provides value, and aligns with business goals, and is measurable. Here are a few ways you can build trust with your customers and serve as a pipeline to fuel innovation: Provide Multi-Channel Support: For customers who still need help after navigating your educational resources, offer support across the platforms that matter to them - such as email, social media, SMS, in-app support and more. Leverage tech-enabled tools, such as finance software that offers free phone and chat support with live agents. This meets your customers where they are, letting them reach you in a way they find comfortable and convenient. Deliver a Personalized Customer Experience with AI Tools: Chatbots make a particularly helpful AI-powered customer support tool. A chatbot can respond to customers in real time, offering additional information about your products or services or even fielding customer service questions. AI-powered marketing tools can be used for content creation, social media management, and more. Chatbots and other AI tools can do more than just answer customer inquiries about your products. The best AI tools can adapt and learn from customer behavior. Cascade the Outside, Inside: Often customer feedback does not go beyond the customer support team. To help drive more organic innovation, enable regular touch points between team members who face customers and team members who are on the front lines of innovation. By keeping your customers' needs at the forefront of your innovation efforts, you can ensure your new ideas are well-targeted.
3. ENSURE YOUR TECH TOOLS HELP YOU MOVE THE BUSINESS FORWARD Efficiency is a cornerstone of cost-effective innovation. Leveraging technology to automate manual tasks lets you accomplish more in less time, freeing up valuable staff time to focus on strategic and creative thinking. You want to work with technology partners that can help you customize tools to meet the needs of your business and facilitate integration. Remember that innovation can come from anywhere in your business so keep your automation goals broad. Here's how some small businesses have found solutions that make an impact: Automate Financial Operations: Using technology to eliminate manual activities, such as invoicing, bill payments and financial reporting, helps you streamline operations and reduce human error. It also helps you get back to focusing on what matters to you, your business. Finding a solution that pre-populates invoice information can save business owners, on average, 50% of time on bill pay alone. One of BILL's customers, Ascent Respiratory Care, a home health care provider that helps patients with respiratory issues, eliminated writing paper checks entirely. "We do not write checks anymore. I would say about 95% of what we do is all paid out via BILL, whether it's a hard copy check or an electronic payment," said Ascent Respiratory Care Senior Business Development Associate Heather Thompson. Use Data Analysis to Uncover Business Insights More Easily: Solutions that bring efficiency and optimization to your business can provide valuable analytics that can uncover insights to fuel innovation, inform your decision-making and identify areas for improvement. Golf Genius has seen firsthand how financial analytics has provided better control, visibility and
efficiency. "I believe we're saving thousands of dollars a quarter as a result of real-time budget tracking. Before [BILL], people would ask where they were against their budgets, and now we know," says Golf Genius CFO, Lou Lombardo. By harnessing technology to optimize key foundational parts of your business operations, you can achieve cost savings and efficiency gains that contribute to your overall business innovation. For example, BILL's Financial Operations Platform for SMBs allows businesses to manage and optimize their cash flow all on one platform, delivering the most comprehensive suite of capabilities for SMBs.
4. DON'T BE AFRAID TO FAIL FORWARD Innovation is inherently risky, and not every idea will yield immediate success. However, the more efficient and automated some functions or processes are, the more a small business can embrace a culture of "failing forward," where failure is viewed as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. It will help employees have the space and time to be more creative or innovative. Here's how to do it: Encourage Experimentation: As product leaders, oftentimes we tell our peers: "If experiments aren't failing often, then you are not experimenting enough". Encourage your team to experiment with new ideas and approaches, even if they come with a degree of uncertainty. Build in time to test-run the idea, with an evaluation checkpoint, before implementing it system-wide. Iterate and Refine: After an experiment, assess what worked and what didn't. Use these insights to refine your approach and try again. Acknowledge Lessons Learned from Failures: Celebrate the lessons learned from failures. This will encourage a culture where innovation is valued regardless of the outcome, giving business owners a competitive edge and supporting employee retention. Remember that many groundbreaking innovations have emerged from a series of trial and error. By embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, your small business can take actionable steps toward building a culture that promotes creative thinking, and develop innovative solutions without a big investment. In conclusion, innovation isn't solely reserved for large corporations with deep pockets. Small businesses can thrive in today's competitive landscape by adopting an innovation mindset, listening to customers, harnessing technology to optimize and adapt to market shifts, and being unafraid to experiment and learn from failures. With the right strategies and a commitment to cost-effective innovation, your small business can stay ahead of the curve. Irana Wasti is chief product officer at BILL. ONYX MAGAZINE 59
ONYX ON THE MOVE
5000 Role
Models Program
HONORS BOYS, MEN
T
he 5000 Role Models of Excellence held their 31st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast in January and ONYX Magazine was there. Held annually on Dr. Martin Luther King Day, the Role Models of Excellence breakfast honors the partnership between the men in the community and the young male students in Miami-Dade and Broward County schools. They all wear signature red ties, with connected hands signifying their relationship. For the students who take part in the program, they say the experience is life-changing. Rapper Rick Ross was among the honored guests and new inductees at 5000 Role Models' Dr. MLK Jr. Scholarship Breakfast in January. Ross arrived at the event where he was all smiles as he was swarmed by admirers and received The Key to the City of Miami from Mayor Francis Suarez and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. Actor Omari Hardwick attended the event and shared poignant advice with the young men about having purpose in life. ONYX Magazine Publisher Rich Black, a mentor, attended the event and interacted with the 50 Wilson Scholars, young men with great purpose.
Entertainer Rick Ross becomes a Role Model.
Bahamian Consul General Curt Hollingsworth, Rep. Frederica Wilson, Bahamian Ambassador Wendell Jones.
Rich Black, Greg Francis, Omari Hardwick.
IMAGINEER INDUCTED IN HALL OF FAME
D
isney Imagineer Lanny Smoot has been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame! As one of Disney’s most prolific inventors, he has the most patents at the Walt Disney Company with 74 for Disney and 106 career patents overall. Some of his most notable work includes: • Special effects behind the Madame Leota float inside the Disneyland Resort Haunted Mansion attraction • State-of-the art Star Wars lightsabers Lanny is only the second person from the Walt Disney Company to receive this high honor. The only other recipient was Walt Disney, a post-humous award.
Scholars after induction.
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Creamy Crack
7
ONYX MAGAZINE 61
A R T & C U LT U R E P E R S P E C T I V E
SEEING MYSELF IN THE PAGES A PASSIONATE SEARCH FOR BOOKS THAT ARE FOR US, ABOUT US. BY JORDAN FORBES
“S
he had creamy skin, with straight, long blonde hair, blue eyes and skinny thighs.” This is the descriptive text little Black girls had to read about growing up. I was one of those little girls reading about White girls always getting the man, reading about White couples getting the happy ending, White main characters getting to live the fantasy life with magic and werewolves. It wasn’t fair that the books I enjoyed reading were never through the eyes of a Black character, nonetheless a Black female character. Series like Harry Potter, Twilight, and Hunger Games really opened my mind to the possibilities that fantasy and fiction could bring. I
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could so easily get lost in these worlds I created in my head, mentally escaping into the vivid world of Jordan’s reimagining of the magical wizarding world of Hogwarts, lost District 13 of Panem and even the ever-so cloudy Forks where werewolves run through the trees and vampires hide in the night. Thumbing through all the genres and all the top Wattpad books at the time, it was always the same thing: little to no representation of Black culture. Thriller, fantasy, romance, mystery and even fanfiction, yet it was nearly impossible to find more than a side character who was Black.
AGING WITH THE PAGES Wattpad is a platform for readers and writers alike. With the combination of social interaction within published chapters and a huge community of creatives, the app was a big hit during my prime middle school and high school years. The ability to freely read any type of book you had in mind, or vice versa where there was the opportunity to create any type of story you dreamt up. As a reader who spent much time on the app Wattpad growing up, this is where I tried my best to delve into new genres to read. One day, I found the Urban genre and was shocked at the faces and bodies adorning the book covers. These were book covers of Black people and stories about Black experiences! Immediately choosing a book to skim the summary, I excitedly selected a book to read. Upon reading the first few chapters, I realized this story was very different than the ones I was used to reading. Not feeling the story that much, I skimmed a few more books in the urban section and realized the common thread between all of these books: they highlighted the rough, hard Black experiences. Gangs, drugs, guns, and sex were all these stories were about. There was no slow burn or friends-to-lovers trope. There was no escapism; these stories were not the representation I wanted to read about. WHERE ARE MY CHARACTERS? In a study conducted by Elisha Fernandez, she highlights the need for increased representation of BIPOC in young adult publishing. She cites the Diversity Baseline Study by Lee & Low Books and the New York Times study, which found that 76% of authors are White/Caucasian. Fernandez argues that young adults play a significant role in book consumption, and the writing and authors should reflect this diversity. As of 2018, 11% of published books were written by people of color. This upset I was having regarding representation didn’t take away from some of my favorite reads like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Twilight, or Divergent. But my biggest question, even for movie adaptations, was always, where are the Black characters? This question always lingered in the back of my mind as I aged and went from middle to high school reading all these different books on newer e-book platforms like Wattpad and Kindle to the traditional ink on paper. When I got older and eventually got into officially reading the Young Adult genre, I was hoping now would be the time I finally get to see myself in these pages. Unfortunately, during my late high school years, I was still unlucky in finding these stories I had longed for. Until one day during my summer break after my freshman year of college, I was in a Barnes and Noble and picked up what would soon be my favorite book.
A NEW WHOLE NEW WORLD Walking into the freshly renovated and now smaller Barnes and Noble, I smelled that comforting aroma of freshly printed books. Roaming around the young adult (YA) section, I could see a girl around my age quickly scanning book titles. Unknowingly, I trailed her path, scanning those same books. My eyes found a hard-cover book with what seemed to be a black couple on the cover. My eyes widened in excitement, and I rushed to what seemed to be a shelf of books that had the Reese Witherspoon stamp of approval. I picked up Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. Upon opening the back of the book, I smiled. Tia Williams was a Black woman. This book began what I believed to be my awakening to the world of black YA literature. I started with Tia, then made my way to Tracy Deonn, then Natasha Bowen and soon Tomi Adeyemi. And it wasn’t until reading the Legendborn series by Tracy Deonn that I felt represented in a world I loved to lose myself in. While Seven Day in June reinvigorated my love of reading and introduced me to a new world of black authors, Tracy Deonn truly solidified my love for fiction while also managing to write through the perspective of a young black girl. Who navigates through the grief of losing her mother, transferring schools, and coming into enormous power. KEEP AN EYE OUT I don’t want girls with dark coily hair and muddy brown eyes to ever wonder what it’s like to grow up in a world of blue-eyed, blond girls living the life they envision in their head. There are authors out there working tirelessly to represent the lives of us. Tracy Deonn recently made a huge announcement regarding the upcoming installment of her Legendborn series. Informing her ever-waiting fans that the third book in the series, Oathbound, will be available in early 2025. And something no fan could have expected is another addition to the series; four books are now in the Legendborn Cycle series! It’s been a big year for Tia Williams. One of her best-selling novels, The Perfect Find — starring Gabrielle Union, was adapted into a movie and released on Netflix in early June this year. Williams’ Black Girl Magic isn’t done there as she is currently working on her next novel, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, hit shelves in February 2024! These are just a few of the amazing authors of color, who are also women shaking the stage and making (her)story with their writing. Everyone deserves to see themselves in the pages they read, and today, it is easier than ever to make that your reality. Jordan Forbes is studying journalism at Florida A&M University.
ONYX MAGAZINE 63
THE QUAD
FAMU TEAMS WITH APPLE FOR DIGITAL VENTURE
F
BY DEIDRE P. WILLIAMS
lorida A&M University (FAMU) has launched the Digital Rattler Initiative (DRI) in collaboration with Apple to support student success. This spring, 800 first-year students will receive iPads and access to digital apps that focus on developing three 21st Century Skills—learning, literacy, and life. The first deployment of the device occurred in conjunction with the third annual Academic Success Summit hosted by the Office of Freshmen Studies. The initial rollout is a pilot with four student cohorts to assess further opportunities for expansion. Participating first-year students and the faculty members who instruct them will receive the following at no cost: • iPad Pro, 64 GB • Apple Pencil for notetaking, sketching, annotating, and more. • Apple Smart Keyboard Folio • AppleCare+ for Schools to provide technical support. Upon graduation, students may purchase their iPad for $1. Faculty members who are a part of the initiative participated in a summer learning community focused on integration of iPad use in the first-year experience seminar. Christiaan Lewis, a first-year architecture student from Jacksonville, Fla., received his iPad this semester. He is immediately seeing cost savings and increased efficiency with using the device for notetaking. He encourages his peers to take advantage of this free opportunity. “I saved money by downloading a free app on my iPad that would have cost me $200,” said Lewis. “Also, I don’t have to buy several notebooks to take notes during class anymore. Everything I need is on my iPad and I am grateful to FAMU for providing me with this tool for my success.”
FAMU students receive iPads.
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Albert Bethune, Jr., talks with show producers.
B-CU FEATURED in HISTORIC TV PROJECT
T
he Bethune-Cookman University Inspirational and Gospel Choir is the subject of a new vignette running on Central Florida’s public television and radio stations. The short, which ran in February on WUCF TV as part of their “Florida Road Trip” series, chronicles the history of the historic choir once led by Mr. Albert Bethune, Jr. — the grandson of B-CU’s founder. Gospel music and gospel choirs have served as vehicles of expression in the African-American community for as long as we have had a presence in this country. They carry the messages of Black joy and Black pain, Black celebration and Black suffering, and they are an important part of the legacy of a people who continue to shape the nation in which we live. “Across the nation, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, embrace gospel music as a way to preserve African-American traditions and culture,” said WUCF TV contributor Ericka Cotton in the video’s opening. In 1969, Albert Bethune, Jr., volunteered to serve as the faculty advisor for the institution’s first gospel choir, which at the time served mostly to carry on the traditions of a praise and worship experience during chapel services. “We as African-American people, we love to sing, we love to move. The choir speaks for God to everybody that’s there,” said Vertellis Kendrick (‘82), a former choir member and the current director of the Bethune-Cookman University Inspirational and Gospel Choir.
OBAMA-CHESKY SCHOLARSHIP FOR PUBLIC SERVICE OPEN
R
ecently, the Obama Foundation opened applications for the 2024-2026 Voyager Scholarship, The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Funded by a $100 million personal contribution from Airbnb Co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky to the Obama Foundation, the Voyager Scholarship provides college students with last-dollar financial aid to help alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their connections to new communities, and a network of mentors and
leaders to support them throughout their careers. The application deadline for the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service is Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 11:59 PM United States Central Time (UTC-6). The Obama Foundation will award the scholarship to 100 students from colleges and universities across the United States and its territories. For more information about the Voyager Scholarship, including the application process and answers to frequently asked questions, visit voyager-scholarship.obama.org.
The Greats of West Lakes is a resident-led initiative to select and honor past and present residents who’ve made significant contributions in the city of Orlando, state of Florida and beyond. The Greats are residents from five historic Black neighborhoods in west Orlando that make up The Communities of West Lakes.
DR. FRED MAXWELL:
A LEGACY OF COMPASSION AND LEADERSHIP BY YOLANDA D. TYLER
R
everend Dr. Fred L. Maxwell, a revered figure in The Communities of West Lakes in Orlando, Florida, left an indelible mark on the social landscape through his unwavering dedication to serve the marginalized. Born into an era of racial segregation, Dr. Maxwell's life journey was a testament to resilience, determination, and a profound love for humanity. Leaving school in the third grade, Dr. Maxwell's thirst for knowledge propelled him to later acquire his high school diploma. Conferred with the Doctor of Divinity Degree and retired as the Pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in May 2001, Dr. Maxwell's legacy demonstrates a remarkable intellect and eloquence that characterized his life's work. In 1964, Dr. Maxwell assumed the role of Pastor at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, embarking on a remarkable tenure that earned him widespread admiration and respect. His eloquence, intellect, and unshakable faith endeared him to congregants and positioned him as a Central Florida pastoral community pillar. In his 37 years as an esteemed pastor, Maxwell's influence extended "far beyond the church walls," according to his successor Reverend Dr. Rolous A. Frazier, Jr. "An awesome Man of God," Dr. Maxwell mentored the young Frazier, Jr. before he retired at the age of 93. Like he had done with many pastors throughout the community, he guided the newly appointed reverend to transcend his legacy. Dr. Maxwell embodied the ethos of service, civil rights advocacy, and uplifting the less fortunate. His commitment to social justice led him to co-found the Grand Avenue Economic Development Organization, which evolved into Pathlight HOME. This organization, founded in 1990, embraced a "housing first" philosophy, offering shelter and support to over 7,000 individuals and families without homes. Dr. Maxwell's vision spurred the establishment of Maxwell Gardens and Maxwell Terrace Apartments, providing a vital housing solution for the unhoused. His instrumental role in securing a $4.8 million federal grant transformed a former motel into a 127-unit rental complex for the unhoused.
Dr. Maxwell's impact resonated not only in social initiatives but also in financial stewardship. He served as a respected organizer and board member of the Baptist Health South Florida Federal Credit Union. He instituted tithing as a financial system for financing God's Church at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church. He authored a book entitled "Where Is Thy Brother" and was the visionary for many new ministries during his leadership. With many honors recognizing his contributions, some of the awards he received were the Orange County Humanitarian of the Year, the Maxwell-Wright Lifetime Achievement Award, and, although he was not a lawyer, the Florida Bar Foundation Medal of Honor. Every Founder's Day at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Maxwell is lauded for his pivotal role in steering the Church toward its present stature. With the 100th Anniversary approaching in October 2024, the members of St. John Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate not only the Church but also Dr. Maxwell's humility and deep-rooted love for humanity that defined him. Dr. Fred L. Maxwell's legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the institutions he established, and his enduring impact on the community. His story remains a testament to the transformative power of compassion guiding future generations toward a more equitable and compassionate society.
GREATS OF WEST LAKES CLASS OF 2024 Bunche Manor / Hollando – Mr. Alzo J. Reddick, Sr. Clear Lake Cove – Ms. Ericka Dunlap Lake Lorna Doone – Rev. Dr. Fred L. Maxwell Lake Sunset - Mrs. Mildred Wilkerson Rock Lake / Spring Lake Manor - Mrs. Hudie Stone
Proudly brought to you by ONYX MAGAZINE 65
IN THE BOND
I AM YOUR
SUPERWOMAN …BUT SOMETIMES I NEED A NAP. HOW THE “STRONG BLACK WOMAN” IDENTITY CAN BOTH HELP AND HURT.
B
BY KARA MANKE
eing a "superwoman" could help African American women cope with racial discrimination—but it may have some drawbacks. The stereotype of the “strong Black woman” is more than just a cultural trope:
66 ONYX MAGAZINE
Many Black women in America report feeling pressured to act like superwomen, projecting themselves as strong, self-sacrificing, and free of emotion to cope with the stress of race- and gender-based discrimination in their daily lives.
“[Women] talked about everyday walking out of their Allen says her interest in superwoman schema was inspired by focus houses and putting on their ‘armor’ in anticipation of expegroups she conducted with African American women, in which they revealed riencing racial discrimination,” said Amani M. Allen, associate that they often acted the part of the strong black woman as a way to cope professor of community health sciences and epidemiology at the with the persistent stress of racial discrimination in their lives. University of California, Berkeley, describing focus groups she led “I remember them talking about being strong black women and describing with African American women in the San Francisco Bay Area. it both as a kind of armor, but also potentially as a liability,” Allen said. “For “What they were really describing was this idea of being strong example, what does it mean to continue to have an intense motivation to sucBlack women and feeling the need to prepare for the racial discrimination ceed, while you’re also experiencing barriers to achieving that success? So, I they expect on a daily basis; and that preparation and anticipation adds to wanted to know, is being a strong black woman helpful, or harmful, for health?” their overall stress burden,” Allen said. To design the study, she teamed up with researchers across the counAllen is the lead author of a study published in the Annals of the New York try who were also interested in this phenomenon, including Cheryl L. Academy of Sciences that explores whether different facets of being a strong Woods-Giscombe, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel black woman, which researchers sometimes Hill’s School of Nursing. She had develrefer to as “superwoman schema,” ultimately oped a framework called the “superwoman protect women from the negative health schema” to describe the different dimenimpacts of racial discrimination—or create sions of the strong black woman persona. further harm. The superwoman schema includes five The study revealed that, in the face of elements: feeling an obligation to present high levels of racial discrimination, some an image of strength, feeling an obligation aspects of the superwoman persona, includto suppress emotions, resistance to being ing feeling an obligation to present an image vulnerable, a drive to succeed despite limof strength and to suppress one’s emotions, ited resources, and feeling an obligation to seemed to be protective of health, diminhelp others. ishing the negative health effects of chronic In the study, participants were asked to racial discrimination. rate their experience of racial discrimina–AMANI M. ALLEN But others facets of the persona, such tion in different contexts, including finding as having an intense drive to succeed and housing, finding employment, at work, at feeling an obligation to help others, seemed to be detrimental to health, school, getting credit for a bank loan or mortgage, and in health care setfurther exacerbating the deleterious health effects of the chronic stress tings. They also rated to what extent they identified with different aspects associated with racial discrimination. of the superwoman schema. “African American women describe racial discrimination as a persistent and Each participant also received a physical exam, with researchers recordsignificant stressor, and we know from prior research that stress impacts health,” ing their height, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and measures of inflamAllen said. “What we need to figure out is how to mitigate those risks. For those mation and other health indicators. These health indicators were combined aspects of superwoman schema that worsen the negative health effects assointo a measure of “allostatic load” that reflected the level of chronic stress in ciated with racial discrimination, how do we lessen those risks? And for those the body. Higher levels of allostatic load are associated with greater risk for factors that are more protective, how do we leverage them to inform intervenchronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and even for mortality. tions designed to promote health and well-being for African American women?” The researchers then analyzed the data for links between racial discrimi“The superwoman schema also reflects gendered racial socialization that nation, the different aspects of superwoman schema, and allostatic load. African American women receive early in life and throughout their life course,” Some surprising relationships emerged, Allen said. For example, the study said Yijie Wang, assistant professor in the Department of Human Development found that women who reported suppressing emotions had lower levels of and Family Studies at Michigan State University and coauthor of the paper. “By allostatic load, or less stress, in their bodies. This contradicts psychologiidentifying the protective versus risky dimensions, we also hope to figure out the cal studies, which commonly show that suppressing emotions, rather than type of messages that should be conveyed to African American women and girls.” openly expressing them, can increase stress and be detrimental to health. Allen states, “Although contradictory to studies showing that emotion THE STRONG BLACK SUPERWOMAN suppression is bad for health, this finding makes sense, in light of research Allen and her collaborators conducted their research as part of the African showing that the most common emotional reaction to discrimination is American Women’s Heart and Health Study, a study that Allen launched in anger, and anger is bad for health.” 2012 to examine the links between social and environmental stressors and The study findings add to a growing body of research demonstrating how health among 208 self-identified African American women living in the San the stress associated with racial discrimination becomes biologically embedFrancisco Bay Area. ded, Allen said. Previous results from the study had revealed a direct link between racial “The problem is not that women need to learn to cope better with racial discrimination and chronic disease risk, adding to the growing body of literdiscrimination,” Allen said. “The problem is racial discrimination itself and the ature that shows that the experience of racial discrimination alone can be need for interventions intended to address racial discrimination as experidetrimental to one’s health. enced in the workplace, by police, and in society at large.”
“[Women] talked about everyday walking out of their houses and putting on their ‘armor’ in anticipation of experiencing racial discrimination,”
ONYX MAGAZINE 67
Educate. Learn. Talk. About Cannabis in Florida. Learn and talk about cannabis in a safe space. Explore FAMU’s free online cannabis education modules
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M U S I C & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
E
ric Nolan, CEO, Boy Wonder Records, and member of the legendary group The O’Jays announced the release of his latest single, “I Wanna Be Closer” in collaboration with Glenn Jones, Grammy-nominated producer, artist, and songwriter. The song is a cover originally performed by Switch in 1978. The single is available on all digital streaming and download platforms. Glenn Jones is one of the music industry’s most extraordinary vocalists, Grammy-nominated recording producer, artist, songwriter, and actor. He is a standout love song balladeer capturing audiences’ hearts with his own unique style, and voice. In 2018, Jones launched his company Talent Room Entertainment and Publishing, Inc. (TREP), and he supports other talent by collaborating with them. Jones is still sought-after as a live performer in the music industry today. His
G
chart-topping hits include “Here I Go Again,” “We’ve Only Just Begun (The Romance Is Not Over),” “Baby Come Home,” “I’ve Been Searching,” “Show Me,” and “I Wonder Why.” Eric Nolan Grant has been a member of the Legendary O’Jays for over 28 years. “We (The O’Jays) have formed a bond and
respect for each other’s craft. They have encouraged me to continue my solo career and are 100% behind me as a solo artist,” noted Eric. “I have released several projects on my label, Boy Wonder Records. To listen to many of my previous releases just visit my website EricsRoom.net. Saxophonist Tony Exum Jr. is featured on the new single, and he adds those musical flares in the right spots just like the original track. He is a talented Contemporary Jazz, R&B, and Funk saxophonist, songwriter, and performer with a smooth and soulful sound. He gained international recognition in 2019 with the release of his single "My Name's Tony," which charted on the Smooth Jazz Network top 100 chart for 12 weeks. For more information TalentRoomEnt.com.
SPECIALISTS REJECT CANNABIS AND CBD AS TREATMENTS FOR GLAUCOMA
laucoma poses a significant threat to eyesight if left undetected and untreated. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, approximately 10% of the general U.S. population is affected by this genetically influenced condition, with a higher prevalence among African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians. Dr. Charles Hill, chief of ophthalmology at DeKalb Medical Center in Decatur, Ga., and glaucoma specialist and diabetic eye care, says the main risk factor of this disease is increased pressure on the fluid inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve. Dr. Hill says symptoms can include seeing halos around lights, the gradual loss of peripheral vision, and partial or total loss of sight. Floridians can turn to medical marijuana as a treatment for glaucoma. But Dr. Hill and cannabis expert Dr. Jordan Tishler, a distinguished faculty member at Harvard Medical
School and Mass General Brigham, recommend against using marijuana to help alleviate “intraocular pressure” caused by glaucoma. While cannabis does reduce eye pressure, both doctors say its effect is short-lived. “You would need to smoke or otherwise ingest cannabis every two hours to keep the pressure low, even during the middle of the night,” says Dr. Tishler, who’s also the founder and president of the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists (www.cannaspecialists.org) and is an adviser to the Massachusetts Canna-
bis Control Commission. He added that using Cannabidiol (CBD) is not an alternative either because it increases intraocular pressure. Both doctors strongly advise seeing a glaucoma specialist immediately to determine the type and best treatment option. Dr. Hill says treatment options range from topical drops to oral medications to different types of lasers to surgery. People with glaucoma who suffer from another qualifying condition may still be treated with medical cannabis, says Dr. Tishler, but the exception is CBD. Visit https://bit.ly/MMERIJanuary2024 to watch MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring Drs. Charles Hill and Jordan Tishler discuss “Cannabis as a potential treatment for Glaucoma.”
ONYX MAGAZINE 69
WINE & FOOD
Sweetie
PIE BRUNCH WAFFLES N
othing says relax, relate, release better than brunch with your girlfriends. It’s great. You get to sleep through breakfast, wake up to don a cute, comfortable outfit, then sit down to French toast and deviled eggs — and don’t forget the mimosas! Usually, we brunch on special days, like Mother’s Day, Easter, birthdays, and book clubs. But shouldn’t it be a regular weekend outing? Don’t wait for a novel occasion to share a Bloody Mary with a friend. Make brunch a regular staycation on your weekend rotation. This popular, easy brunch item should get you on your way.
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INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS • 1/2 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes • Put cubed sweet potatoes in a steamer basket. • 2 cups all purpose flour Place the basket in a large pot of simmering • 1 tablespoon baking powder water that is no closer than 2 inches from the • 1/2 teaspoon salt bottom of steamer. Allow potatoes to steam • 6 egg whites, at room temperature for 20 minutes of until fork tender. Mash • cup milk cooked potatoes and set aside. • 4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking • 1/4 cup butter, melted powder, and salt and set aside. • 1 tablespoon grated orange rind • In another bowl combine the sweet potatoes, • Vegetable spray, for waffle iron milk, brown sugar, butter, and grated orange • Special equipment: steamer basket and waffle iron rind. Stir the sweet potato mixture into the flour mixture and thoroughly combine. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold egg whites into batter 1/3 at a time. The batter will be thick. Using a No. 20 disher (scoop), place 2 scoops of batter onto a preheated, oiled waffle iron, and cook until lightly browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Be sure to get a photo with your friends after brunch for fun memories.
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN Nominate outstanding stalwart leaders from across Florida to be recognized at the 2024 ONYX Magazine’s Men of Honor.
COMING SEPTEMBER 2024
Orlando Health Women’s Institute
Connecting You to Total Care. Minimally Invasive Surgery at
2
8
Award-Winning
Labor and Delivery Hospitals Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Center for Women and Babies
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4
11
Imaging Centers
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OB-GYN
Providers at 27 Practices
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at 10 Locations
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Specialized Minimally Invasive
Surgeons
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Locations
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High-risk
Pregnancy Specialists
9
Urogynecology Providers
42 In-hospital Providers
Coming Soon Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital Center for Women and Babies
We’re expanding on the women’s care you know and trust and bringing it closer to you. At the new Orlando Health Women’s Institute, we draw on years of award-winning women’s care to deliver an exclusively designed healthcare experience as unique as you are — for every phase and every age. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/Women