A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Our year in review includes, 2 National & Internaional Magazine covers, celebrating our 5th Year Anniversary with our first full business conference, our 3rd Women Live!TV Season, our 1st Published Anthology and release in Macys, our 7th Local Magazine Publication, our move into North Metro, our meeting with the Governor of Georgia, our recognition from the GA House of Representatives floor, our Top 50 Women Of Influence Acknowledgements, to now our 1stt Billboard on 1-75 and more...Whew! Our membership continues to expand and we are always looking for ways to continue to add value to our membership.

Thank you to all of our Media Participants, our Institutional Partners, Members and Sponsors. We are appreciative of you and hope that you have received enormous value.

We're excited about our future and we are excited about your future!

God gives us what we can handle always remember that. When the mantle seems heavy, remember that you were made for this. It has been a pleasure leading this organization since I founded it 5 years ago We have truly been blessed to be able to achieve so much, so quickly and with such trajectory. 2023 has been one productive year! Our members have been able to gain exposure from a Local Level to an International Level We have maintained our focus on ensuring that we educate, support, advocate, and train women ownd businesses and women in business Being the leader of fellow female bosses certainy comes with its own challenges but I would not trade this time with you all.

Congratulations to all the members who participated in media, in networking events, training opportunities, and even our give back opportunities Whether you were on the front of a magazine cover or a contributer for an article, or speaking to our Middle School Girls, you are appreciated and valued. We ensure that we express that value at our year end event, The Chairwomen’s Luncheon, which serves as a refuel and empowerment session to end the year strong and to begin the new year refreshened

For 2024, it is important that we retool what’s working and remove what is not working Our organization will no longer operate under county chapters but under North/South and out of state regions For 2024 we want to see more travel and we want to place more effort behind our new PAC Many of our members have a solid foundation and it is now important that we work on scaling Remember, we are here to help you grow, scale, and to gain exposure Trainings for professional and business development, to diversifying your business offerings, services and products, and to getting certied as women owned businesses-- are all still and will remain consistent recommendations

Remember, you got this! Move in spite of fear, it does not have to be fearless And I will always support those who support me Blessings to you and yours Have a safe and fabulous Holiday and an amazing New Year!

Ariel Shaw, MBA, Founder, Publisher & Visionary

2024 would be a year of

2024 would be a year of “full circle” where “full circle” where everything that I’ve worked everything that I’ve worked for all of the opportunities for all of the opportunities that I that I set myself up that I that I set myself up for will come to fruition as I for will come to fruition as I somewhat slow down and somewhat slow down and semi retire. semi retire.

2023 is in our rearview What are you most excited for in 2024 personally and professionally?

God has blessed me abundantly, especially in 2023! I’m most excited about the unlimited personal and professional opportunities that God has for me in 2024. I have so many irons in the fire right now and I’m ecstatic about what is yet to come!

How do you continue to keep things fresh in your line of work and business? For yourself and for your clients and/or target audience?

I continue to keep things fresh in my line of work for my clients and target audience by continuously developing professionally and personally In my industry learning never ends and my personal goal is to never become stagnant or complacent By staying abreast of best practices within the insurance industry as well as obtaining additional licenses that contribute to my ability to serve customers as well as my community, I remain motivated and determined to be the best.

Society is ever evolving on what it means to be a woman while maintaining a household and running a business. Please share your perspective on what it takes to be a balanced woman in business while balancing your personal responsibilities.

In order to be a balanced woman in business while balancing personal responsibilities I focus on prayer and discipline Prayer for everything that is inside and outside of my control and discipline to execute on tasks and responsibilities that are within my control

Every key point in our lives, requires a different version of us. How have you been able to evolve to show up for yourself and your business?

Being authentic has helped me to evolve and show up for myself as well as my business My authenticity entails intentionally focusing on the expectations that God our Father has of me, family, my responsibility to serve my customers, and my community

Oftentimes we choose a word that we hope will define our year. What is your word for 2024 and why? Resilience – No matter what obstacles I encounter during the upcoming year, as long as I stay resilient and steadfast, God will see me through and that means that the victory is already mine

Connect

with Ayanna @youragentayanna

2023 is in our rearview. What are you most excited for in 2024 personally and professionally?

I’m very excited about a miracle in my life. Eleven years ago, I was so disturbed by the trauma I endured as a child that I felt unworthy of being alive But after falling at work this year and having to get X-rays, a rare condition was revealed. I am reminded that even difficult times can be purposeful and I am so glad I held on. I praise God for his mercy and feel his love as I will have this life saving care in 2024 God is also moving in the spirit of connection In 2024, I am graciously serving as a mental health advocate for a number of organizations and practitioners in addition to BBQ Life Coaching I have been invited as a speaker at community groups, churches, and international forums Further, I will serve as a member of the trauma informed care team at a behavioral health hospital

I’m most excited about these collaborative opportunities because they further my overall mission to help heal black women Women in business joining together through the power of collaboration will expand the impact of healing care that will be a game changer in mental health The levels of care to meet needs of each patient with coverage that is consistent amongst entities like mine is key

How do you continue to keep things fresh in your line of work and business? For yourself and for your clients and/or target audience? As a military veteran, I am used to being a soldier Now as a psychiatric nurse, I am in the field as a foot soldier doing the necessary work to make a difference locally.

I also stay abreast of new legislation, as well as advocating at the Capitol and while serving on the board of nonprofits with National reach. My telehealth business will leverage the use of AI and automation in 2024 to tackle trauma informed education in all industries Mental Health Advocacy is a platform that many avoid but for those adults that are survivors of Childhood trauma who have given up, self medicate or lost control, I’m here to stand in the gap and help you take your first step of your healing journey I got you Whether through community programs, corporate training or an individual plan of care.

I practice the self care and coping techniques that I teach to keep myself fresh and my spirit renewed daily. I keep things relatable for black women by speaking the truth while simultaneously speaking life over their healing journey I’m able to present multimedia tools of care that caters to the many different ways that women can show up, learn, and experience life

Society is ever evolving on what it means to be a woman while maintaining a household and running a business. Please share your perspective on what it takes to be a balanced woman in business while balancing your personal responsibilities. A balanced woman needs to remember to lead by example when it comes to taking care of all of her own needs. Do not think you are doing your loved ones or clients a favor by running on fumes Gotta gas up to keep it pushing and change that oil on schedule to maintain for good performance Build your own self care into your daily plans to decrease stress and unwarranted reactions to those stressors.

Every key point in our lives requires a different version of us. How have you been able to evolve to show up for yourself and your business?

I am truly a representation of transformation, which in a sense, is a form of evolution. In fact, my upcoming book series about four Women of Color who face mental health challenges shows my evolution from a once happy go lucky child to a woman who could be withdrawn, angry, sacrificial and flighty to an extreme Each character represents me during the trauma responses when faced with different triggers

I have learned there is a time and place for every response Learning balance and discernment gives you the correct response when needed in your personal life and as a business woman

Oftentimes we choose a word that we hope will define our year What is your word for 2024 and why?

ICONIC

The iconic shift in how we alleviate stigma, stagnation and disparities encompassing mental health will be a game changer

Connect with Demetria @bbqlifecoach

2023 is in our rearview. What are you most excited for in 2024 personally and professionally?

Personally, in 2024, I look forward to strengthening my involvement within the Southern Crescent community by supporting more local community events as well as fostering relationships that enrich my personal life and provide deeper insight into the goals and desires of the people I serve professionally On a professional level, 2024 represents a time of growth and opportunity With my extensive experience in taxation since 1989, my focus will be on introducing more advanced, client-centered strategies that provide answers to the growing needs of our diverse business clients Additionally, leveraging my position as a four-time best-selling author, I plan to release more educational content to help simplify tax laws and financial management for an even larger audience.

How do you continue to keep things fresh in your line of work and business?

For yourself and for your clients and/or target audience? Innovation in my field is key I consistently update my knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing tax and accounting industry For my clients, I focus on personalized strategies that address their unique financial situations, ensuring they benefit from the most current and effective tax solutions Engaging in continuous learning and embracing new technologies are also crucial in keeping my approach fresh and relevant

Oftentimes we choose a word that we hope will define our year. What is your word for 2024 and why?

The word I've chosen for 2024 is "Resilience " This word really connects with me because it symbolizes the strength and adaptability I've developed over my career It reflects my commitment to bouncing back from challenges, staying flexible in the face of change, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally As I move into 2024, I am committed to embodying resilience, embracing growth, and continuing to provide expert tax guidance to empower individuals and businesses nationwide.

2024

1. Ariel Shaw, MBA

2. Congresswoman Nikema Willliams

3. Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell

4. Judge Danielle Roberts

5. Judge Holly Veal

6. Judge Pandora Palmer

7. Judge Andrea Boyd

8. Honorable Sabriya Hill

9. Mayor Sandra Vincent

10. Pastor Coylitia O'neal

11. Councilwoman Lakeisha Gantt

12. Mayor Ann Tarpley

13. Terreta Rodgers

14. Commissioner Natalie Hall

15. State Representative Sandra Scott

16. State Representative Yasmin Neal

17. Sarah-Elizabeth Langford

18. Kenya Simmons

19. Dana Lemon

20. Honorable Valencia Stovall

21. Meredith Lilly

22. Senator Tonya Anderson

23. Commissioner Neat Robinson

24. Marcia G. Taylor

25. Judge Chaundra Lewis

26. Judge Shalonda Jones-Parker

27. Mayor Angelyne Butler

28. Dr. Nicole Shaw

29. Author Connie Schofield-Morrison

30. Attania Jean-Funny

31. Dr. Chivonne Fleming

32. Mayor Jazzmin Cobble

33. Solicitor Pam Bettis

34. Regina Deloach

35. Honorable Sparkle Adams

36. Stacey Young Rivers

37. Rev. Natasha Reid-Rice

38. State Representative Dar’shun Kendrick

39. Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson

40. Dr. Kesha L. Jones

41. Lady Laurona Phelps

42. Master Sergeant Patricia Baisden

43. Mayor Jazzmin Cobble

44. Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs

45. Commissioner Dr. Alieka Anderson

46. Pastor Dr. Stephanie Jennings

47. Brandeis Parkman

48. Verónica Maldonado-Torres

49. Quisa D. Foster

50. Melissa Ellis