NAACP "Let's Be Heard" Youth Symposium by skipto thelou

LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES NAACP “Let’s Be Heard” Youth Symposium will begin on August 20, 2011 @ the America’s Center – Hall 100. AGENDA – AUGUST 20, 2011 8:00am – Volunteer arrival and set-up 9:00 am until 10:30 am – LIVE social media event at the Youth Symposium with Dr. Reynaldo Anderson, Tony J., Koran Bolden, Brandon and Brennel Knight. Discussion topics will focus upon history of the NAACP, using social networks to mobilize to have a voice and doing it responsibly, finding solutions to youth violence within the community, upcoming sessions of the symposium, and objectives of the panel discussion. 10:00am until 12:00 noon – Participant Check in Room 104: 11:15am until 11:30am – Tony J. to open ‘Let’s Be Heard” – Opens with Skit “Can you Hear Me?” 11:30 am until 12 noon – General Opening Session: Welcome remarks by emcees Tony J., Koran Bolden, Brandon and Brennel Knight. Introduction Introduction of the speaker State Representative Tishura Jones by the President of City of St. Louis NAACP chapter 12:00 noon -2:30 pm: Breakout Sessions – •

Workshop A – Room 102 “The .V.IP. List Skit: “Broken & Mended”

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Workshop B - Room 104 “We are learning to listen.…Together” (Parent’s Workshop) Skit: “Praise & Put Downs”

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Workshop C – Room 100 “From the Skreets to Discrete” Skit: “Lost”

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm BREAK 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm FAMILY HOUR ENTERTAINMENT: Emcee: Koran “Rick” Bolden. Koran Bolden & Robby Gerome (Music and spoken word); “Da Wild Boyz”, Kyjuan - St. Lunatics, Begins end of “Can You Hear Me” Skit” Koran to close the Workshops with the themes of: 1. Empowerment of self – 2. Communicate Effectively with my peers and my parents 3. Personal Stand(s) the youth will take to decrease violence in their community as a result of taking this session. Evaluation of Sessions: On a small sheet of paper to be collected by youth volunteers. 1. A Personal Stand I am Committed to taking as a result of this Session is..... 2. As a result of taking this session, one way I will help to reduce violence in my community will be to.......... Page 2 of 16

LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES 2:30pm – 3:30 pm: Prep work for panel discussion by emcees and other youth facilitators 3:30 pm – Panelist Prep and check in – Confirmed panelist: Colonel Isom, Lt. Colonel Kenneth Cox, James Clark, Ernest Bradley, Representative Tishura Jones, State Representative Chris Carter, Dianna Phares (Mental Health), Kelvin Adams (Superintendent COSL schools) , Mike McMillan (St. Louis City License Collector), Sharee' Galvin Aka Mocha Latte' (Youth Outreach Specialist) 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm “Let’s Be Heard” Youth & Panel Discussion with QA – Moderators - Ms. FREE with Tony J., DJ C-NO, Koran Bolden, Brandon and Brennel Knight. 5:00pm until 6:30pm – “Let’s Be Heard” FREE Youth Concert - Introduction of artists Tony J. – (in order of appearance) – Little St. Louis, Forever, Sevin Li, Forever, Huey, Jena. 6:30pm - Closing remarks –

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS: Workshops will be facilitated by St. Louis Healthy Families, Stepping Stones to Success, and the Youth Empowerment Coalition. There will be two adult facilitators and two youth facilitators. Discussion will focus upon the topics below. At the end of the sessions, youth participants will discuss and write down what personal stands they willing to take to decrease youth violence related to the breakout session topic and what additional questions or solutions they have formulated as a result of the session in decreasing violence within their community. The results will be tabulated by the facilitators, and given to the emcees to read back to the “Let’s Be Heard” Panel for discussion of recommendations and an action plan if needed for follow up on September 17, 2011 @ Harris Stowe State University. “From the Skreets to Discrete”- Motivation is a term in the African American community that represents various meaning. Are you the college student? Street Hustler? Baby Mama/Baby Daddy? The Athlete? Or how about the Bus Rider? The labels were given does not define who we are, still yet, we allow society to dictate the person were destine to become. Participants in this workshop will openly discuss the truth behind their struggles and the ability to overcome them. Bangers to Brilliance will carry this workshop out. Discussion Topics: • • • • •

Smart money versus Fast money Jobs available versus Hustling Character Development: Mental/Visual Conflict Resolution/Gender Conflict Know Your Rights – Use it effectively. Page 3 of 16

LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES • Interview Skills • Communicating Effectively Facilitators: Youth Empowerment Services – Aaron Flenoid, and Lyndell Washington “The .V.IP. List”- This interactive workshop will focus on the impact of social norms influencing individuals. During this session adolescences and young adults will understand why the choices we make influence the people we allow in our lives. The name of the workshop stands for those who can benefit you the most and are important to you. Discussion Topics: •

Identify five (5) positive characteristics about yourself

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Create 2-3 short and long term goals for yourself.

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Discussion on Sexual Health Prevention

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Discussion on your Personal Portfolio

Facilitators: Karla Frye from St. Louis Health Families & Belinda James of Stepping Stones to Success “We are Learning to Listen….Together!” PARENT’S WORKSHOP: • Single Parent Workshop • Giving Praise and determining discipline to our children • Discussion of different ways to strengthen the parent/child relationship • Discuss “We do we come from?” A lesson in Black History. • Discussion of Family Meeting Rules • Discussion about Bullying. Facilitators: Sister Muhammad, Barry Cozar.

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LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES “From the Skreets to Discrete”- Motivation is a term in the African American community that represents various meaning. Are you the college student? Street Hustler? Baby Mama/Baby Daddy? The Athlete? Or how about the Bus Rider? The labels were given does not define who we are, still yet, we allow society to dictate the person were destine to become. Participants in this workshop will openly discuss the truth behind their struggles and the ability to overcome them. Bangers to Brilliance will carry this workshop out. Discussion Topics: • Smart money versus Fast money • Jobs available versus Hustling • Character Development: Mental/Visual • Conflict Resolution/Gender Conflict • Know Your Rights – Use it effectively. • Interview Skills • Communicating Effectively Facilitators: Youth Empowerment Services – Aaron Flenoid, and Lyndell Washington “The .V.IP. List”- This interactive workshop will focus on the impact of social norms influencing individuals. During this session adolescences and young adults will understand why the choices we make influence the people we allow in our lives. The name of the workshop stands for those who can benefit you the most and are important to you. Discussion Topics: •

Identify five (5) positive characteristics about yourself

•

Create 2-3 short and long term goals for yourself.

•

Discussion on Sexual Health Prevention

•

Discussion on your Personal Portfolio

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LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES

LET’S BE HEARD - EMCEE

Koran “RikDikulous” Bolden and the Street Dreamz Story Street Dreamz Recording Studio is the latest dream come true for St. Louis rapper Koran “RikDikulous” Bolden. A former Def Jam recording artist with his group First Draft, Bolden has been involved in music since a very young age. Starting out as a DJ with stacks of his mom’s and older sister’s and brother’s records, Bolden began his career introducing the songs of his hip-hop heroes. Bolden and his best friend, Rob Jackson, formed First Draft while in high school at the Gateway Institute of Technology, playing and winning local talent shows and gaining a strong following among his peers. When they caught the attention of DJ Kaos of 100.3 FM, “The Beat,” he began playing their song on the radio, helping fuel their rise to local fame. He also introduced them to a contact at Def Jam Records who placed their song on a local compilation CD called “St. Louis Unleashed.” The young group impressed Def Jam’s then president Kevin Liles when they performed for him in his office, and he put them on a singles record deal. Liles took on First Draft as his pet project, getting them a video shot by MTV in heavy rotation on BET. Unfortunately, after Liles abruptly resigned from Def Jam, the group became lost in the corporate shuffle. Disheartened, Bolden returned to St. Louis to focus on raising his newborn son, while Jackson stayed in Atlanta to continue pursuing his musical dreams. “I made a promise to my mother,” says Bolden, “that if I became a father, I would be there to raise my son,” says Bolden. Bolden’s mother raised him full time and constantly pushed him to be a better person. Sadly, Bolden’s older brother, who acted as a father figure, was killed when Bolden was only five years old. He didn’t want his own son to grow up without a father present in his life, so he stuck to his promise, although it meant leaving his music career behind and going back to working for minimum wage to support his new family. After struggling through the music business and daily life as a new parent, Bolden began seeking comfort in his church. His mother had always kept him involved in youth programs and church activities growing up to provide a solid foundation in an often-turbulent environment. In the church, Page 6 of 16

LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES Bolden felt special and he decided, along with his wife LaPortcia, to devote his life to his faith and focus on bringing positive change to the community as well as his own life and family.

He envisioned a recording studio where young up-and-coming artists like he once was, as well as kids who just wanted new experiences, could be nurtured, learn new skills and focus on creating music with positive messages – and most importantly with no profanity. “I had always tried to do the right thing most of the time, but as I grew up, I decided I needed to start living my life all the way right,” says Bolden. “I got tired of doing the same old things and getting the same results. I knew I could really make an impact. I had good ideas, so I just started fighting to do what was right and everything just began to click.” Bolden has dedicated himself to helping struggling kids navigate their way through both life and the often cold and hard music industry. He had struggled a lot himself as a kid – being disruptive in school, trying to get attention any way he could. Though he got good grades, he sometimes fell into the wrong crowds, hanging out with kids who were misdirected. His strong faith and the foundation provided by his mother kept him from getting truly lost in the shuffle. Now Bolden helps other kids who may be facing similar situations by telling his story in area schools and showing kids that with hard work and integrity, they can achieve their dreams, whether it’s as a successful recording artist or a person working behind the scenes in the music business. Mostly, he teaches them how to be good people. Bolden was recently tapped by St. Louis city officials to participate in the local workgroup for STRYVE, a national initiative led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which takes a public health approach to preventing youth violence before it starts Along with local officials and organizations such as the NAACP and Delta Dental Health Theatre, Bolden is using his influence and connection with local youth to help make a difference in ending the cycle of violence in our city. With the opening of Street Dreamz Recording Studio last year in the St. Louis Mills mall, Bolden, along with his wife LaPortcia and best friend and partner Rob Jackson, inspire a whole new generation of St. Louis kids every day. “We teach them to not give up on their dreams, and that anything is possible.”

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LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES

“LET’S BE HEARD” EMCEE

Tishaura O. Jones State Representative, 63rd District Assistant Minority Floor Leader Missouri House of Representatives Rep. Jones enjoys an active lifestyle dedicated to public service. Her political career began in 2002 when she was appointed as Democratic Committeewoman of the 8th Ward in the City of St. Louis. She is currently serving her second term in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Traaaffica! is his name and branding is his game. Tony J! The Traffic Man got his name for singing and rapping the traffic and weather every day for 8 years during the morning and afternoon drive on St. Louis radio. This shy kid from Chicago, by way of Orange County, Ca, came to St. Louis when his car broke down on his way back to The OC from Chicago. He put in a few applications, got a job and decided to stay. The STL’s top host is in his 14thyear in radio and Tony J! has also done but was not limited to stand up comedy and producing comedy shows, producing and hosting a video show, having a clothing line, wrote, produced and starred in a hip hop stage play, co-owner of a social networking site & internet radio station and other creative ventures. His latest is The Traffic Music Awards (TMAs). The 4thannual red carpet event is to celebrate St. Louis communities, businesses and entertainment scene. Hear him yell his trademark, “Traaaffica!” On Hot 104.1 on weekends, from remotes in the streets and filling in for everyone. “I Love My

Rep Jones has previously held leadership positions in many organizations such as the St. Louis City Central Democratic Committee (Sergeant-At-Arms), 3rd Congressional District Democratic Committee (Treasurer), and Chair of the Public Policy Initiative of the Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis. In 2004, the same year she was re-elected as Committeewoman, she was selected as an alternate Page 8 of 16

LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES delegate for the Democratic National Convention. And in 2005, she was selected to represent the United States as an International Delegate for the American Council of Young Political Leaders during a trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories and is an active Alumnus. After the 2010 election, Rep. Jones was selected as the Assistant Minority Floor Leader. She is the first African-American and the first woman to hold this position in Missouri history. As a member of the leadership team, she is the second in command of the Democratic members of the Missouri House of Representatives. Rep. Jones also enjoys an active volunteer career as a member of the St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Rep. Jones has a Masters degree in Health Administration from the Saint Louis University School of Public Health and has a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Hampton University. She has more than ten years of healthcare experience working in hospitals and community health centers. Currently, she is the Vice President of Public Finance at Blaylock, Robert, Van, LLC, the third largest minority-owned investment banking firm in the country. She is the mother of one son, Aden. Currently, Rep. Jones serves on the following committees: • Ex-officio member of all committees of the House • Elementary and Secondary Education • Health Insurance • Special Committee on Election Contests • Interim Committee on Budget Transparency Rep. Jones also serves on the following Boards: • Advisory Board, Harris-Stowe State University, William L. Clay, Sr. Early Childhood Development/Parenting Education Center • Missouri Mental Health Foundation • National Association of State Health Policy, Steering Committee on Health System Performance and Public Health Rep. Jones has received the following honors: • 2009 Unsung Human Rights Shero, St. Louis Coalition for Human Rights • 2010 Lewis and Clark Statesman Award, RCGA • Graduate, Center for Advancement of Leadership Skills, Council of State Governments • Inaugural member, NewDEAL Leaders of America • 2011 Henry Toll Fellow, Council of State Governments • 2011 Trailblazer in Politics, Collegiate Chapter of 100 Black Men

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LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES

PANELIST Rep. Chris Carter III 95th General Assembly Rep. Chris Carter III, a Democrat, represents part of St. Louis City (District 61) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, and Vice-Chairman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. Page 10 of 16

LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES He serves on the Board of Directors for Gateway Homeless Shelter; Nurses for Newborns Foundation; Child Center MaryGrove; and Miracle Kids.

In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Carter works as the Director of Intake for West End Clinic in St. Louis. In addition, he has worked as the Director of Community Affairs for the 61st District; District Assistant to Senator Jeff Smith; and as field organizer for U.S Senator Claire McCaskill. Rep. Carter is a member of the following organizations: National Black Caucus of State Legislators; People for the American Way; Young Democrats; NAACP; NSBE; 100 Black Men; St. Louis C.A.N.; NCCJ and the Paula J. Carter Foundation. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. A 1999 graduate of Soldan High School, Rep. Carter attended Alabama A&M University where he received a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Born September 18, 1981 in St. Louis City, Rep. Carter is a lifelong resident of the 61st legislative district and currently resides there. He is the grandson of former state representative and state senator, Paula J. Carter, who served in the Missouri House from 1986 to 1999 and in the Senate from 2000 to 2001. Representative Carter serves on the following committees in the House of Representatives: • Budget • Economic Development • Professional Registration and Licensing • Small Business • Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

PANELIST COLONEL DANIEL ISOM CHIEF OF POLICE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF ST. LOUIS Colonel Daniel Isom joined the Metropolitan Police Department on August 29, 1988. He was appointed Chief of Police on October 6, 2008. Colonel Isom is the city’s 33 rd Chief of Police. Colonel Isom has served in patrol, investigative, training and administrative assignments during his tenure on the police department. Page 11 of 16

LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES After graduating from the police academy, he was assigned to the Eighth District, Mobile Reserve Unit and the St. Louis Police Academy. In 1995, Colonel Isom was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, serving in the Ninth District, Internal Affairs, Police Reserves, the St. Louis Police Academy and South Patrol Detective Bureau. Colonel Isom was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1998. As a Lieutenant he was assigned to the Fourth, Eighth and Ninth Districts, Internal Audit Unit, Juvenile Division and once again to the St. Louis Police Academy. In 2002, Colonel Isom was promoted to the rank of Captain. In that role, he served as Commander of the St. Louis Police Academy, the Sixth and Seventh Districts, and the Internal Affairs Division. Promoted to the rank of Major in 2007, Colonel Isom worked as the Special Projects Assistant to the Chief of Police, responsible for the planning and implementation of all Department community-based initiatives, a position he held until his promotion to Chief of Police. Colonel Isom holds a Bachelor, Masters and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Masters in Public Administration from St. Louis University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Forum Senior Management Institute (PERF). Colonel Isom is a progressive advocate for elevating the standards of professionalism for law enforcement and strengthening the relationship between the police and citizens. His policing philosophy is based on the founder of modern police departments, Sir Robert Peel, who stated almost 200 years ago, “The people are the police and the police are the people.”

PANELIST Dianna Phares is a board-certified family nurse practitioner as well as mental health nurse practitioner. She earned a PhD in Psychology from California Southern University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Tennessee School of Health Sciences, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Maryville University School of Health Professions in St. Louis and also works as the Community Liaison att CenterPointe Hospital in St. Charles, Missouri. Dr. Phares is currently the Chair of the Missouri Nurse’s Association Peer Assistance Committee and through her efforts has established the only support group in Missouri for nurses in recovery as well Page 12 of 16

LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES as having developed a program for nurses with addictions. She is also the President of the Missouri Nurse’s Association Chapter 15 receiving the Missouri Nurse of the Year Award in 2007. Dr. Phares is a Board Member of the St. Louis Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Member of the St. Louis Asthma Consortium, Member of the Missouri Nurses of Advanced Practice, and a Member of the St. Charles County Healthy Communities. She is active in various community committees and fund-raising events.

PANELIST Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Cox, Commanding Officer of the Division of Patrol, will be in attendance for the Youth Symposium. His Bio is printed below: “Lt. Colonel Ken Cox was born and raised in South St. Louis County, and currently resides in the Oakville area with his wife and two children. He is the Commanding Officer of the Division of Patrol for the St. Louis County Police Department. In this position, he is responsible for the overall operation of all seven St. Louis County Police precincts. The budget of the Division of Patrol is $33 million, with a total of 465 uniformed police officers and civilian personnel assigned to provide 24-hour police Page 13 of 16

LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES services to unincorporated St. Louis County and the twenty-eight municipalities and local school districts under contract. Lt. Colonel Cox began his career with the St. Louis County Police Department on February 23, 1987, when he was hired as a police officer and assigned to the Affton Southwest Precinct. In 1989, he was assigned to the Division of Criminal Investigation, where he worked in the Bureau of Drug Enforcement. He was also assigned to the Street Enforcement Team, Mobil Response Team, Tactical Operations Unit, and the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons. In 1995, Lt. Colonel Cox was promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the South County Precinct. He also served as a supervisor in the Auto Crimes Unit, Bureau of Drug Enforcement's Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force, and the Staff Inspections Unit. In 1998, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and assigned to the Affton Southwest Precinct. He was then assigned to the Office of the Chief, where he worked as Commander of the Municipal Services Unit. Lt. Colonel Cox was appointed to the rank of Captain in 2002 and assigned to the newly formed Central County Precinct. He was promoted to his current rank and to this assignment in 2009. Lt. Colonel Cox attended the University of Missouri - St. Louis where he received a Bachelors Degree in Criminology. While assigned to the Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force, Lt. Colonel Cox was elected Eastern Director of the Missouri Narcotics Officers Association. He is also the Department liaison for the Citizens' Police Academy Alumni Association. Lt. Colonel Cox's hobbies include hunting, fishing and training his German Shepherd for Schutzhund competition. He is also a member of Queen of All Saints Church in South St. Louis County.”

Moderator: A woman with grace, intellect and individuality, Marie “Free” Wright is an accomplished media personality, television producer and philanthropist. She is best known as one of the original co-hosts of BET’s top-rated “106 & Park” countdown show, where for five years she interviewed the likes of Michael Jackson, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry and Alicia Keys. In October 2010, Free returned to BET to produce and star in “106 & Park’s” two-episode anniversary show: “106 & Park: 10 Years & Counting” and “106 & Park: The Celebration, 10 Years Live!” Both shows earned the highest “106 & Park” ratings in BET history. She can also be seen on BET again as Page 14 of 16

LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES a presenter at the inaugural “Black Girls Rock” Awards on November 7, 2010 and recently in June 2011 she hosted the highly rated BET Awards Post-Show. Following her tenure at BET, Free joined the world of radio as an on-air jock at such popular stations as KKBT 100.3 The Beat in Los Angeles, “The Ed Lover Morning Show” on Power 105.1 in New York City. Presently she can be heard daily on the highly rated morning drive show in the Washington DC Marke on WPGC 95.5- "The Big Tigger show with Free" and the internationally-syndicated radio show “Live In the Den ", where you can hear her weekly segments. In addition to her influence on television and radio, Free has a strong presence on the Internet. Black Web 2.0 recently noted her as one of “The 100 Most Powerful Black Women on Twitter” citing her 190,000-plus followers. Additionally, she pens a popular blog on Freesworld.com, where she combines original reporting with commentary, music/movie reviews and advice. Continuing her web activities, Free was recently the online host of the 2010 BET Awards-Backstage Pass on BET.com:http://betawards.bet.com/video_playlists/backstage-pass. Free is also one of the most sought-after event hosts in the business. She’s emcee’d various programs, including Russell Simmons’ 15 city Hip-Hop Summit Action Network Tour, the Tampax 12 city “Total You” Tour with Queen Latifah, the Urbanworld Film Festival Awards Brunch, the National Black Engineers Conference, the Indiana Black Expo, the Bermuda Youth Summit and many more. A native of Boston, MA, Free has a sincere passion for the well being of youth and the overall community. In 2002, she founded the Free4Life Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young people in disadvantaged neighborhoods through programs that encourage literacy, financial education and creative arts. She is also an advocate for breast cancer awareness. In October 2010, she participated in the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” charity walk in honor of her late mother Selina “Tina” Wright. Forming team “Walk 4 Tina,” Free and her family walked 5.7 miles to help raise donations and awareness. In her spare time, Free enjoys mentoring youth and speaking on gender issues and pop culture. She has built a remarkable career that is sure to leave a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Moderator Sharee' Mocha Latte' Galvin was born and raised in the City of St Louis. She is a proud Alumni from Lindbergh High school and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Missouri State. Sharee' has been a social worker at the Family Resource Center for 14years serving hundreds of families with an emphasis on preventing child abuse and neglect. Sharee' sits on two non for profit boards: ACOPP(Assisting Children of Prison Parents) and SS to Success (teen leadership program). She often tells people that she is a little girl from the Blumeyer Housing projects who grew up is now working on several Page 15 of 16

LET’S BE HEARD – AGENDA & ACTIVITIES projects. By day she works with teen mothers in a mentoring program where she empowers young women to set goals and fulfill their milestones. In the entertainment life: Sharee aka Mocha Latte' is affectionately known as the St Louis Queen of Promotions. Many people view her as the hardest working women in the city. Mocha wears many hats and she wears them all very well..multitasking jobs from mother, motivational speaker,Mentor,social worker, promoter, columnist or poet. Mocha is about giving of herself, people are drawn to her warm loving spirit, her sense of humor and realness. Mocha has a strong desire to ensure that people are learning while being entertained and having a great time. For more than 10 yrs she has been writing and performing spoken word, hosting her own show called "Got Lyrics" which is a monthly event at Exo. For more than 6years she's been a well known party promoter and gracious host with a repetition of shutting the city down with huge crowds at her weekly events one of the 'hypest' female hosts in the city. She has promoted many events that range from non for profit community involvement,artist events, award shows,fashion shows, comedy shows and more. Mocha writes a therapeutic column for the evening Whirl paper where she shows a different side of her creative mind, The Column is called Coffee Talk she uses powerful words encouraging people around the world to Love Live and Give of themselves teaching others techniques on how to cope, she realizes we are all dealing with our own personal journeys.Motivational coaching can heal the world one person at a time. Mocha says "We are all stars in own right, You must find where You shine bright!!" Shine on! It is believed that all she needs is one mic to get any event Hype! This is Mocha Latte'.

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