SYNERGY 2021 by Gainesville Black Professionals

ISSUE 3 | 2021

SYNERGY A COLLABORATIVE GUIDE TO ECONOMIC DISCOVERY

Natayla BANNISTER

The real story and challenges of a woman of color.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ISSUE 3 | 2021

SYNERGY A COLLABORATIVE GUIDE TO ECONOMIC DISCOVERY

8 14

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR AERIEL LANE

Leading a March of 3,000 for the George Floyd Family.

THE VALUE OF HIRING A DIVERSE TEAM

ALBERT BARRETT

THE FIVE KEYS TO EFFECTIVE NETWORKING

A RESILIENT LEADER: ALEXIS SPEED

ANGELA HOWARD

BRIANNA CHESTEEN

Travel culture chef, Albert Barrett, is the mastermind of a twelve-year business. But it didn’t start there.

Alexis Speed is a clinical leader at UF Health Shands Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The new President and CEO of the North Central Florida YMCA in Gainesville.

Founder of the Health Education and Training Center of Gainesville, Inc.

CARL WATTS

Founder, Owner and Executive Chef of the Underground Kitchen.

CHANAE JACKSON: THE WOMAN BEHIND ACCIDENTAL ACTIVISM She speaks her mind, and people listen to her. But not many know who she is outside of news stories.

DEKOVA BATEY: CITY OF GAINESVILLE PROGRAM COORDINATOR The concept of community and outreach is displayed through the living embodiment of Dekova Batey.

38 NATAYLA 12 BANNISTER

The real story and challenges of a woman of color.

CONNIE PIERRE-ANTOINE

Helping children and families through the Genesis Family Enrichment Center (FEC).

DESHEBA RUTLEGE: ON A WING AND A PRAYER Faith has led a Gainesville entrepreneur to overcome challenges to do the work she loves.

ROOTED AND GROUNDED: DESMON DUNCAN-WALKER Deep family roots hold a Gainesville resident secure to the community she works to protect.

DIANE JOHNSON: PATIENCE WITH THE PROCESS

The manager of the Alachua County Library District’s Cone Park branch.

DR. PAUL BROADIE

Dr. Broadie’s 28-year career in higher education is as impressive as his motivation to accomplish his goals.

DR. DAVE CANTON

A Triple Threat: A Director, Hip Hop Historian, and Podcaster.

SYNERGY MAGAZINE

53 56

INSULATED

SURVIVING TOXIC LEADERSHIP IN THE WORKPLACE Dr. Margaret Gary turns toxicity into an opportunity for growth.

TYRAN W. BUTLER: LIFE LESSONS

A Gainesville educator says life is the best teacher.

PATRICE AND IAN FLETCHER: AN UNBREAKABLE BOND Together they’re unstoppable at delivering for their family and for their community.

JASMINE REAVES: KEEPING AN EYE ON THE PRIZE Owner of the Diamond Effect Beauty House is helping women feel empowered.

SEEING LIFE THROUGH MULTIPLE LENSES Kevin Ian Dowdell is the man behind the lens, and there’s more to his story than meets the eye.

KYLE FRANK: CAST A WIDE NET

The Vice President of Black Students in Business at Warrington College of Business.

LIZZIE ROBINSON JENKINS IS COMPLETING HER ASSIGNMENT Lizzie hasn’t escaped her family’s story, but she is embracing the pain and turning it into something positive.

STARTING CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS IN EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SPACES Matthew Cowley is a force to be reckoned with.

RYAN BEACHER: BRIDGING THE GAP

SANDRA WILSON

A Gainesville entrepreneur works to empower others to leave a legacy for their children to build on.

Ocala, Florida’s first African American City Manager.

TIARA JOHNSON: MADE THE HONEY WAY A Gainesville entrepreneur turns her love of baking into a thriving business.

VENISHA WHITE-BUCHANON: A SERVANT’S HEART A Gainesville professional uses her innate abilities to serve Florida’s vulnerable population.

CURTIS PETERSON

The Principal of Caring and Sharing Learning School.

MICROAGGRESSIONS: AMERICA’S UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATION

FIVE SKILLS FOR EXCELLENT TIME MANAGEMENT

WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? EFFECTIVE CRISIS COMMUNICATION PLANNING

CELEBRATE EXPERIENCES. CELEBRATE LIFE. THE PLACE WHERE GAINESVILLE COMES TOGETHER Whether it’s living, working or playing, every day is worth celebrating. Grab your friends for an afternoon of shopping on the Promenade capped with a free concert on the Green. Mark a special occasion with the whole family over an unforgettable meal. From exciting events to relaxing surroundings, there’s something for everyone at Celebration Pointe. Join us to celebrate coming together. Join us to celebrate living!

Come Celebrate What’s New—And What’s Coming Soon!

*Photographed prior to COVID-19

Shop. Dine. Relax. Celebrationpointe.com Gainesville, Florida

GAinesville BLACK PROFESSIONALS

GAinesville GAinesville GAinesville BLACK PROFESSIONALS

BLACK PROFESSIONALS

EDITOR

Virginia Grant

GAinesville BLACK PROFESSIONALS

TOP ROW: Virginia Grant, Erika R. Dawkins & Annissa Brockington MIDDLE ROW: C.M. Schmidkofer, Mia Brabham & Samantha Chery BOTTOM ROW: Elizabeth Herbert, Kevin Dowdell & Marcus Heckstall

Writers

Erika R. Dawkins Annissa Brockington C.M. Schmidkofer Mia Brabham Samantha Chery Aneka Shinohara Elizabeth Herbert

Photographers Kevin Dowdell Marcus Heckstall

DO YOU Have A GREAT Story Idea or want to Place An Advertisement To Reach Our Readers? Reach us at 352.208.4894 or info@gbpinc.org for advertising and editorial requests.

SYNERGY MAGAZINE

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LETTER from the Editor was creating a safe space for Black professionals to connect, network and recharge. I was apologizing for founding an organization that would create multiple platforms to showcase the successes and accomplishments of Black professionals and give voice to Black people that other forms of media will never elevate. I was apologizing for founding an organization that would create collaborations, partnerships and communications between organizations, governments and businesses. I was apologizing for founding an organization that needed no apology. “I’m Virginia Grant. I’m the Executive Director of Gainesville Black Professionals, but it’s not just for Black people.” This was my introduction and tagline for most of 2016 and 2017. During the summer of 2017 I attended a women’s leadership conference and afterwards I went up to one of the guest speakers to introduce myself. What’s ironic is that I didn’t feel a deep connection with this speaker. She didn’t say anything profound during her presentation and as I stood in line waiting my turn to meet her, I wasn’t even sure what I was going to say to her or why I had decided to introduce myself. Nonetheless I waited. When I reached the front of the line, I extended my hand and announced, “Hi, I’m Virginia Grant. I’m the Executive Director of Gainesville Black Professionals, but it’s not just for Black people.” Her response immediately let me know why I had waited in line. As our hands connected and my words settled in her spirit, she looked at me and said, “Well, stop apologizing for it.” I knew exactly what she meant. I was constantly apologizing for founding an organization called Gainesville Black Professionals. I was apologizing for founding an organization that

SYNERGY MAGAZINE

On that day, I stopped apologizing for founding Gainesville Black Professionals. I have had countless similar experiences since then. Each of these experiences have taught me something about myself, my leadership and my purpose. I leave each of these experiences with a deeper understanding and greater awareness of the vision and mission of GBP. The most impactful experience so far occurred in March 2020. On that day I sat at my dining room table and watched the video of George Floyd being lynched. I’m not sure how I came across the video on that day but I clearly remember what I felt after watching it. NOTHING. I felt absolutely nothing. I believe I went into a fog because I literally don’t remember anything else that happened that day. I know that I was at home because most of America was under stay at home orders at the time. But, I don’t remember if I finished working that day. I’m not sure if Eli did his virtual school assignments. I’m not sure what I had for dinner or if I had dinner. Embarrassingly, I admit that I don’t remember tucking Eli in bed, listening to him read his bedtime story or reciting his nightly prayers. I believe I checked out that day. But I clearly remember when I checked back in. It was about 10:15

the next morning. I had just finished a Zoom meeting and at the end of the meeting, Yvette Carter made a statement about George Floyd. Fortunately, it was at the very end of the meeting, so I was able to press the leave button before my ocean of tears started running. I spent the next three hours in tears, in pain, in frustration, in confusion, in disappointment, in disbelief. I spent the rest of that day trying to understand, trying to make sense of things, trying to find a place to tuck this away so that I could move on. But there was no more room for tucking away the slayings, murders and lynchings of Black people in America. There was no more room in my closet of forgiving, understanding and making sense of these incidents. The list of names had grown too long. The protests had become too many. The lack of justice and accountability was running over. My ability to rationalize was gone, my veil of denial had been removed. I was finally face to face, front and center with the trauma of racism of America. In this issue of SYNERGY, my hope is to share this trauma with you through my story and through the stories of our neighbors. I hope that this public display of personal pain will help us as a community realize where we are and where we need to be. I hope that these stories will help us to commit to increasing communication, awareness and commitment. I hope that we will commit to creating collaborations, partnerships and coalitions that will lead to sustained change. Ultimately, I hope that we will create a SYNERGY that leads to unity, diversity and equity for all.

Executive Director Gainesville Black Professionals

VyStar proudly supports

Gainesville Black Professionals

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Carlos Joubert SF Student and MBK Diplomat

Mentorship Matters Help and advice from someone who’s already been there is the best thing to have in college. I have faced many hardships and challenges in college. With my family unable to support my school expenses, I took a chance to pursue my education past high school without any support financially from either parent. My freshman year I had a real lack of resources. Issues with the law kept me from finishing my spring semester and I lost my financial aid. My aunt was murdered in Haiti that April. It left me very emotional. I met Mr. Brown on campus while attempting to get some free food. He told me I could use a free haircut, as well. That was my first experience with one of MBK’s barbershop workshops, where students like me can converse with older men about life and seek advice. MBK has truly had a positive impact on my college experience. I’ve been introduced to so many resources – tutoring, scholarships, mentors, activists and much more. I’ve met a great group of successful young men, and some who need guidance from someone with a background like mine. MBK has helped me

“To any working professional that is considering becoming a mentor, don’t let anything stop you.” to seek my full potential with opportunities to be a diplomat and the leader I was called to be. I didn’t use to volunteer because I didn’t have friends to go with me, but now I just drop a date and time in the chat and several MBK guys are there with me, getting involved to serve our community. To any working professional that’s considering becoming a mentor, don’t let anything stop you. Students are eager to meet someone who cares and who is willing to help them become successful. You can share resources and ideas that they never knew existed. And because you did it for them, in the future they might continue that legacy and do the same for others. - Carlos Joubert, SF Student and MBK Diplomat

My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) is a Santa Fe College program designed to increase the retention and success of Black males, both academically and socially. Mentors are always appreciated. To volunteer your time or resources, visit sfcollege.edu/mbk.

R EEPE ’S K ER H OT M Y BR

Natayla Bannister

SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Natayla Bannister

Story By:

VIRGINIA GRANT

few years ago, I was invited to write for the Business Report. Scott Schroeder was interested in increasing the diversity of his publication and asked if I would submit a monthly article. My articles would feature a Black professional and showcase their career or business and share their success story. I didn’t consider myself a writer and I have no journalism background. I agreed to do it, because I understood the need for more diversity in our city, especially in our media outlets. One of my favorite articles was one I did on Natayla Bannister. I knew of Natayla in the community and admired her leadership and what she was doing as the Executive Director of The PACE Center for Girls. I admired her energy and how she interacted with her staff and the students. So I was really looking forward to this interview. I met with Natayla in her office and completed a very lengthy interview; after the interview I reached out to her a few times just to clarify small details, she was always friendly and quickly responded to my requests. After reviewing my notes and listening to the interview a few times, I completed an article and titled it “Leaders Show Up Everyday.” I was very proud of this article because even though I had been writing for the Business Report for a few months by this point, this was the first time that I had actually done an

interview. With the other articles, I always emailed several questions to the professional being featured, edited their responses and submitted the article as a Q & A. So technically, this was my first article. I saw Natayla several months later and she told me that it was the best article that had ever been written on her. This meant a lot to me because even though I don’t consider myself a writer and I am definitely not a journalist, I realize the importance of capturing a person’s story and giving voice to it. As Gainesville Black Professionals continued to grow, I found myself attending more and more community focused meetings and Natayla was often in attendance in these meetings, as well. We occasionally had the opportunity to connect briefly before or after these meetings and began to develop a greater respect for each other and the work that we do in the community. The conversations were short but were always filled with words that provided strength, authenticity, and love. It seemed that we were using those encounters to pour into one another, to feed our spirits, to restore our souls. I am not sure what caused this dynamic, but it was refreshing and I appreciated every encounter and conversation. Shortly after the incident with George Floyd, we found ourselves in another meeting together. Of course, it was virtual due

to the pandemic, so there were no hugs but the connection was still there and possibly stronger than ever. We sent each other a private chat to say hello and check in. I closed the private chat and turned my attention to the meeting, but not for long. About five minutes later at the bottom of my screen I read, “I’m ready to tell my story, and I want you to tell it in SYNERGY.” My mouth dropped, my eyes filled with tears and my spirit filled with pride and humility. Natayla wanted me to tell her story. Natayla wanted me to tell her story in SYNERGY. At that moment, I felt so honored and accomplished. Someone wanted me to share their story, their personal story about their personal challenges in a magazine that I founded. “Wait, didn’t you already tell her story?” I know that’s what you’re thinking right now. Yes, I told her story; I told her success story. Now she is ready to tell her authentic story and I have the opportunity to give voice to the real story of a Woman of Color in Gainesville, Florida.

{Continued on Page 30}

AERIEL LanE

Leading a March of 3,000 for the George Floyd Family Story By:

STAFF WRITER

he murder of George Floyd, a Minnessota Black man who took his final breaths in May 2020 pressed to the sidewalk under a police officer’s knee, was seen everywhere. It played on a loop for viewers of national and international news. It appeared in everyone’s newsfeed on social media. It was the topic of podcasts, talk shows, and many other mediums of public conversation. Coverage of Floyd’s death was also plastered across Aeriel Lane’s television. Aeriel is a

SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Baltimore native who moved to Gainesville in 2013 with her then-husband and their biracial son. “When the death of George Floyd occurred, I think like the rest of us, I was a little bit confused and trying to figure out what I could do to kind of affect some sort of change on at least a local level,” she said. “And I had a lot of questions. I’m African American, but does that mean that I have to do something? And if I do something, am I putting myself at risk? What can I do?” Then, her 8-year-old son caught sight of the coverage.

“He looked at me and he asked me, ‘Could this happen to you, and could this happen to Mr. Sean,’ who is my partner.” At first, Lane told him no. “I realized that I wasn’t really telling him the truth because I didn’t know if it could happen to me or happen to a loved one or my family,” she said. “And I think at that point, when you’re a parent and you feel powerless, that’s when you’re like, ‘Okay, I have to do something.’”

TAKING ACTION TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE At first, Lane attempted to join existing local efforts. “I sent the mayor a message on Facebook and

asked him if there was any type of activism planned around the city,” she said. “And he just responded, ‘Not that I know of.’” Instead of accepting that there were no efforts to organize in Gainesville, Lane created a Facebook group to connect with local friends and plan a march in support of the Floyd family. “I think I was operating purely on adrenaline and emotions,” she said. “I want to say I woke up and I was like, ‘Okay, it’s time to plan, plan, plan, and put it together and get it done.’ But really, I think the emotion of feeling helpless and powerless to yet another Black man dying, being publicly lynched,

AERIEL LANE was the only thing that was really driving me forward.” Lane had to figure out a sidewalk route that would allow them to be socially distanced because of the COVID-19 pandemic and wouldn’t require a permit, since the permit office was closed. Then, she received a call from City Commissioner Gail Johnson. “Basically, she was giving us permission to walk the road without a permit in the interest of public health and safety,” Lane said. As the march grew closer, Lane’s nerves over leading it grew. “The night before, all of these riots had started in Atlanta, and they were looting and shooting and it was just bad,” she said. “And I had a bad feeling that, you know, things were going to take an ugly turn, but I had to suck those fears down.” The next morning, a call from her mother, Lorraine Lane, helped to calm her. “When I spoke to my mom that morning, one of the first things she said was, ‘Your dad would be so proud of you,’” Lane said. “And I think while it gave me a lot of courage, it also gave me the feeling of having some really big shoes to fill.” Aeriel’s father Ricky Lane, who died in 2004, was a former Black Panther. But Lane said that while he shared a lot of the values of an activist, when it came to raising his kids, he wanted them to decide for themselves how to think and act in the world. “I am appreciative of the things that he shared with me growing up about being your own person,” she said. “When you see something

that is wrong, if it is in you, stand up against whatever that wrong is in whatever way you see fit, and don’t let the crowd or the group sway you into decisionmaking.”

AN UNEXPECTED TURNOUT AND THE DAYS THAT FOLLOWED For Lane, the morning of the march was filled with panic attacks and thoughts of turning around as she made her way to Depot Park. “I was concerned about my safety and the safety of all the people who were planning to show up,” she said. “But by the time we got there and parked, I realized there was no turning back. So many people were there early, so many people were there with signs, so many people were there waiting to get started and ready to

take on any task that we needed done.” Lane’s friend Latalyia McKnight, who was also involved in planning the march, said that they only received 400 RSVPs for the march on Facebook. To their surprise, according to Lane, the actual turnout was between 2,500 - 3,000. “When everyone took their places at (Bo Diddley Plaza) and I was able to look out over the crowd of 3,000 faces, I immediately broke down,” Lane said. “The emotions just came flooding over and out of me. It’s a moment I’ll never forget. And those same people have been supporting me ever since then.”

After the march, Lane, her partner Sean McIntosh, and her friends began to wonder what they could do to affect long-term change, which led to them forming the organization March for Our Freedom. The group focuses on efforts such as providing educational programs, helping to register voters, and supporting Black-owned businesses. They also work with local police to affect training policies. Lane said that since the march, she’s also been focusing on educating her son about race and equality through reading, podcasts, and discussions ― ultimately teaching him that “‘Black Lives Matter’ isn’t just a saying.”

WHEN I SPOKE TO MY MOM THAT MORNING, ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS SHE SAID WAS, ‘YOUR DAD WOULD BE SO PROUD OF YOU,’ AND I THINK WHILE IT GAVE ME A LOT OF COURAGE, IT ALSO GAVE ME THE FEELING OF HAVING SOME REALLY BIG SHOES TO FILL. -Aeriel Lane gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

The Value of Hiring A

DIVERSE TEAM

Story By:

STAFF WRITER

utperforming major competitors and achieving higher profits is always a good goal. But how do you get there? One method to do this is by having a diverse team, which means employing people from different walks of life, backgrounds, genders, races, religions, and abilities. Having individuals of all these varying factors opens a wider door to business growth. Here is how it can benefit you. UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES A variety of perspectives within the workplace means different characteristics and

backgrounds can combine with different abilities and experiences. Put a variety of world views in one room and you’ll walk away with multiple solutions. It gives you better insight of your customers and target audience, addresses how to solve problems from different viewpoints, and can be crucial to business planning and execution. INNOVATION Diversity in the workplace leads to a higher innovation rate. This means that different approaches can be developed and applied to improve how things are done or how goals can be achieved. The benefit of more innovation allows your business to remain competi-

tive and adapt to changes within the economy. It also allows for improved productivity and efficiency when applied properly to problem solving and other work- related goal tasks. EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT When everyone in a group feels included, they are more engaged. This results in the right conditions being formed for all to perform at their fullest, commit to the goals set, and contribute to organizational success. With an enhanced sense of wellbeing brought on by sharing different personalities and learning how to understand each other’s values, this makes it easier for production to flow and flourish.

EMPLOYEE RETENTION A low employee turnover rate is a direct result of high employee engagement. Inclusion makes everyone feel valued and accepted, which keeps them happier while doing a job they may or may not love. It also encourages them to stay and grow the company that makes them feel good about what they do. A well oiled machine only works as it should when all parts are functioning, and doing it the right way. CREATIVITY Sameness breeds sameness. If you only hire people from the same background, same culture, and same perspectives, then you are limiting creativity. Expogainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

DIVERSE TEAM

DIVERSITY IS A SERIOUS COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE AND WILL TAKE YOUR COMPANY CULTURE TO

a whole new level.

sure to contrasting views and experiences creates an atmosphere for fresh concepts to melt together. Stand out, be different, and be unpredictable with new creative standards that can arise from the melted ideas. Diverse backgrounds will al-

ways bring diverse solutions to achieve a common goal: your goal. When you hire a diverse team, it looks good be-

cause it is good. It engenders goodwill for your industry and for your business. Diversity is a serious competitive advantage and will take your company culture

to a whole new level. If you want to leverage all these benefits, you need to start building your diverse team and managing them effectively.

Albert Barrett CEO, Stella’s Modern Pantry

volumes about the way he operates. Each culture is represented in the kitchen, from Venezuelan to Greek, sticking to fresh home-based ingredients to tantalize the tongue. Many distributors contribute to the freshness and the top tier quality that is created in the kitchen every day. A fully stocked bakery is also a part of the surprise and it only stops where your imagination will allow it.

Story By:

Aneka Shinohara

ravel culture chef, Albert Barrett, is the mastermind behind a twelve-year business. He is the owner of a local favorite called Stella’s Modern Pantry, located in Ocala, Florida. But it didn’t start there. His dream began from a young age in a much different environment. Albert started his journey, born and raised in the carribean, on the island of Jamaica. He attended Marcus Garvey High School where he first decided to study Food and Nutrition in the ninth grade. The subject proved mighty interesting and he went further to use those skills at home. But this wasn’t it. He went even further by pursuing a degree at the International Cooking Academy in

Pennsylvania. All endeavors led him to finally honing his skills, and travelling far and wide to master even more. The different cultures and people he met along the way molded his creative ideas. His favorite saying, “Food is Universal,” speaks

The inspiration that pushed him to start his business came from the multiple encouraging words from his teachers, family and especially his mentor. In fact, the pantry was named in her honor, as she died three weeks before the opening ceremony. Stella Otalla was his mentor during his first job at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. She trained him and encouraged him to do the unthinkable, seeing that his skills were truly

His advice for anyone looking to take up the mantle of making dining an experience is to “CREATE, NOT COMPETE.”

manifested. Despite this, his greatest accomplishment is yet to come. Albert believes that the future carries more weight than past accolades, so his best achievement is said to still be in the shadows. His advice for anyone looking to take up the mantle of making dining an experience is to “create, not compete.” He upholds the value that creativity is what will spark the flame and make one unique, then and only then, true money will follow. The aim should be to learn and to keep learning as the future only moves forward, never backwards or stagnant. That is how he continues to take his craft and his team to the very top. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

in return for taking up their time. This makes it easier when you finally meet them face-to-face and can refer to previous discussions.

BE TIMELY

Before you start networking, be sure to have a mission in mind, a schedule, and to keep track of time. Time is money and you never want someone to think you’ve wasted their time. Plan out your agenda beforehand, think of where you want the conversation to go, and stick to it. This helps to establish your professionalism, credibility, and to cover all of the critical topics you need to.

THE FIVE KEYS to Effective Networking Story By:

Aneka Shinohara

etworking is not easy. In fact, it may be one of the hardest things to do despite the presence of seven billion people on this planet. Harnessing your social and persuasion skills is the core factor of doing this crazy feat so today, let’s talk about the five keys to effectively networking.

REFERRALS

The best and easiest way to meet new people is through referrals from people you already know. Being introduced by friends or joining in with their conversations guarantees you a smoother welcome and opens the door to future conversations. But this is not to say you can’t meet people on your own. Harnessing your social skills on your own will prepare you for the hard introductions later. Plus, not everyone knows your friends so

it’s good to have a mixture of both methods.

USE SOCIAL MEDIA

Accurately leveraging social media is another easy and simple way to reach out and connect with potential people you’re aiming to meet. Everyone can be found online today, from LinkedIn to Twitter and even Facebook. Seek out like-minded or key people by giving them a follow and/or commenting on their posts. Start a conversation and offer them value

LET THEM SPEAK

It isn’t a conversation if you’re the only one speaking. The key to being proficient at communication is to first listen, respond, and then allow the other person to continue. If you don’t listen, then the person you’re talking to may feel as if you are uninterested in what they have to say.

ALWAYS FOLLOW UP

If you want to keep a mutual connection and establish rapport with another person, always find a reason to keep the relationship going. To keep yourself fresh in their thoughts, try to find at least three reasons yearly to reconnect with the members of your network. If you found an article pertaining to their work, send it to them and let them know what your thoughts were. If it’s their birthday, send them a GIF or a custom message, nothing generic. We’re supposed to be real, right? All in all, remembering these few basic rules will help you to succeed at networking. A steady, reliable network results in new customers and friendships.

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

A Resilient

Leader ALEXIS SPEED Story By:

SAMANTHA CHERY

t UF Health Shands Hospital, a highlytrained team of health professionals care for its smallest and most fragile patients. The neonatal intensive care unit provides specialized medical attention for babies from birth to 28 days old. Registered nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners and respiratory therapists all collaborate as “everybody’s there for the babies,” said 36-yearold Alexis Speed, who is a clinical leader at the hospital’s NICU. Alexis always wanted to be involved in healthcare and attended the medical magnet programs at William Dandy Middle School and Blanche Ely High School in Fort Lauderdale. She was particularly fascinated by the newness of life and the resilience of the babies, constant reminders of “how

SYNERGY MAGAZINE

amazing life is and how amazing God is.” This made neonatal care the perfect fit. The occupation is also vital – the vigilant work of a NICU staff can be instrumental in affecting a baby’s lifetime health. “Babies are dependent on the care that we’re giving them,” she said. As a clinical leader, Alexis loves building rapport with the day and night shift workers and learning more about how the unit fits into the rest of the UF Health network. However, her current job didn’t come easily. She initially applied and was rejected for the position in 2013. From then, she took a break from UF Health to be a travel nurse, temporarily working contractually for hospitals in south Florida.

Resilient in the face of rejection, Speed rejoined UF Health in 2016 by taking on a different leadership job as a unit educator, where she educated the nursing staff on changes necessary to improve the workplace processes and practices. “I was able to observe what happens in nursing leadership and see what the daily responsibilities were, most of which I was already doing,” she said. When one of the two clinical leaders was promoted, she had many of the skills she needed to fill in as the interim clinical leader and subsequently into the role officially. “I didn’t want someone else to come in and do what I know I’m able to do,” she said. Now with the career she strived for, Speed tries to maintain a peaceful, enjoyable life.

“It’s definitely important for your job to make sure you’re doing your best and producing good results and being effective, but at the same time, you have to balance it with making sure you’re taking care of yourself outside of work,” she said. She has to remind herself to not overwork and to reach out to her NICU staff for help when overloaded with tasks. Outside of the workplace, her parents have also cheered her on throughout her career journey. Her father brought stability, consistency and taught her the importance of hard work, while her mother established her gogetter attitude and sense of persistence. With the encouragement of her support system and staff, she has the fortitude to be there for resilient babies and their families.

Angela

HOWARD Story By:

Annissa Brockington

n 2019, Angela Howard took the plunge – family in tow – to embark upon an opportunity of a lifetime as the new President and CEO of the North Central Florida YMCA in Gainesville, Florida. Although not new to leadership, Howard would be the first African-American female to serve in the role since its doors opened in 1967. Believing that she was destined to serve others, Howard’s road to Presidency was a cry far from traditional. Her introduction to the Y began many moons ago as a youth member enrolled in swimming lessons (one of the many activities offered through the Y). She would later earn two post-secondary degrees (BS in Organizational Management and MBA), before returning to the agency well known for its mission to “…put Christian principles into practice through programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.” Over the past 15 years, Howard served in a variety of roles within the Y, including Director of Youth and Teen Services and Branch Executive Director – each role preparing her for her most challenging opportunity of revitalizing and breathing life back into what she lovingly referred to gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

ANGELA HOWARD as a “hidden gem,” the Gainesville location. Humbled by her experiences, Howard credits her continual growth (personally and professionally) to a circle of strong mentors, coaches, and family members. “I was blessed to have a strong and encouraging mother with whom I talk to every day, coaches who introduced me to the nuances of effective leadership, and internal and external mentors who ensured my access to resources historically excluded from women and people of color.” Although the world has its ills, Howard’s experiences demonstrate that leadership opportunities are within reach when accompanied by the right mindset.

“One of the biggest lessons I can share with others is to invest in yourself and not give up. If you listen to those around you who spew words of discouragement, or feel that you are not what they feel you should be, you’ll never experience the magnitude of your greatness or reach your intended destination.” Howard vividly recalls her initial hesitancy in pursuing participation in the Y’s Multicultural Program and its year-long CEO Preparation Institute. Encouraged by two of her most memorable mentors, participation in these programs would serve as the springboard to her ultimately securing the position of CEO of the Gainesville location. Both programs (which are centered on executive development) opened her

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eyes to a plethora of ways to expand her reach and the organization’s impact within the communities served. “No one acquires the skills needed to be an effective leader overnight. Effective leaders are visionaries who possess the gift of motivating and influencing those that they are responsible for leading. My effectiveness and overall success in this role is largely dependent upon my keen ability to connect with the community, strong fundraising skills and financial competency, and ongoing efforts to establish sound and stable partnerships/ relationships – both internally and externally.” Howard accepts and acknowledges that her new role and location comes with its own set of challenges.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS I CAN SHARE WITH OTHERS IS TO INVEST IN YOURSELF AND NOT GIVE UP. -Angela Howard

“It’s hard to prepare for the unknown. Every day brings about a new surprise and opportunity to problem-solve.” Howard describes her new role as an amazing journey presenting her with the daily blessing to serve others and make a lasting impact on the community in which she lives.

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Brianna

Chesteen Story By:

C. M. Schmidlkofer

hile most 8-year-old girls were hosting tea parties for their dolls, Brianna Chesteen had already made a very grown-up commitment to help others achieve and maintain good health in her community. Noticing her family members struggle with chronic health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and breast cancer, she had become impassioned with the idea of providing a health education center for minorities – and told her mother about her desire one day on the way to school. “I wanted to know why, and if I can help my family maintain a healthier lifestyle,” she said. “That one question sparked my interest in

I WANTED TO KNOW WHY, AND IF I CAN HELP MY FAMILY MAINTAIN A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE. -Brianna Chesteen

pursuing a career in public health and education.” She held to her dream, moving from her hometown in Ocala at age 17 to Gainesville to attend Santa Fe College, achieving her Associate’s Degree in Health Science in 2013, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health in 2015 at the University of South Florida in Tampa. To better understand the relationship between health and behavior and how psychology might be applied to effective health education and wellness programs using a holistic health approach, Chesteen obtained a Master’s Degree in Health Education and Behavior from the University of Florida in Gainesville in 2017. At that point she worked within the Eastside of Gainesville community as a volunteer on research projects specializing in HIV. Her goal was to learn first-hand of the struggles Alachua County residents faced in order to create health education programs specific to their unique needs. In August 2019, her dream of opening a non-profit holistic center, specifically for minorities, came to fruition when gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

BRIANNA CHESTEEN

ONE OF OUR GOALS AT THE CENTER IS TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ON HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE THROUGH OVERALL HOLISTIC HEALTH, WHICH FOCUSES ON THE MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT. -Brianna Chesteen she founded the Health Education and Training Center of Gainesville, Inc. which serves those in East Gainesville. This is an area, Chesteen says,

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that experiences limited transportation, health education and healthier food option resources. “One of our goals at the center is to educate the community on how to maintain a healthier lifestyle through overall holistic health, which focuses on the mind, body, and spirit,” she said. “All of our classes are geared toward recognizing the different elements of health, and how to experience health holistically.” Chesteen’s team started teaching health and wellness classes out of the Library Partnership and the Headquarters Library in Gainesville, but today online learnings are the norm. H.E.A.T. is designed to help bridge the gap between health education and accessibility to resources within the rural side of the community,

offering live-streaming and pre-recorded classes online during convenient afterwork hours taught remotely by volunteer instructors from all over the world at affordable prices for individual and group rates. Some offerings are free. Wellness planning, cooking classes, group grocery shopping events, exercise plans, nutritional goal setting, yoga and meditation are some of the many offerings. Guest speakers are invited from within the community they serve to provide discussionbased classes on sexual health, physical and mental health as well as diabetes/ high blood pressure management, resume writing, career planning and more. New topics are offered each week. “The goals that we have set are individual and tailored to each class we teach,” she said.

“However, our company’s goals are tailored to the center. The goals we have set for the center have influenced me to create leadership goals. I have goals that include sponsorship, maintaining relationship with our sponsors, and team management goals. These goals that I have set have encouraged me to maintain structure within our organization and team management.” Flexibility, adaptability and the ability to engage stakeholders are the most vital skills she found necessary in her role as founder and CEO. “In order to maintain any nonprofit organization, managing stakeholders and engaging them within the decision-making process is the most valuable aspect of maintaining a non-profit and building a solid relationship with the community,” she said.

BRIANNA CHESTEEN

...THIS YEAR HAS TAUGHT ME TO STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND TO TAKE CALCULATED RISKS TO MAKE ROOM FOR TRANSFORMATION. -Brianna Chesteen Her journey has taught her perseverance, patience and dedication are the keys to resolving problems and achieving success. “I would advise anyone who would like to start a non-profit to thoroughly engage stakeholders, and to conduct a needs assessment to examine the needs of the population

that you are serving, which will allow you to tailor your program or services you are offering toward your target population.” The goals she has set for the center include creating leadership and team management roles and maintaining relationship with sponsors. “I believe this year has been my saving grace, which has molded me into stepping fully into the leadership role. I have taken a leap of faith and have decided to fully support the center as a full-time staff member. This year has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and to take calculated risks to make room for transformation. This year has changed my perspective on how I see the world in terms of change within my environment. I have learned to embrace change and to understand that without

change I would not be able to grow.” Chesteen believes her greatest accomplishment is knowing H.E.A.T. has touched many lives over the course of a year. This is evident by the company’s popularity on Instagram and Facebook and the number of participants in its offerings. “We are accomplishing our marketing goals that we had planned for three years in less than one year, and that has been a blessing and accomplishment for the center. By accomplishing this goal, it has encouraged me to continue to collaborate with other small businesses to help bridge the gap between health education and the accessibility of community resources.” Chesteen says none of this would have been possible without the support and inspiration of her

mother, Shannon Williams, a single mother of three who is currently furthering her own education by pursuing a Master’s Degree while working full-time and raising Chesteen’s younger siblings. It was her mother to whom she confided her childhood dreams of serving minorities in her community by offering health services and it was her mother who Chesteen says paved the way for success with encouragement and setting an example for her to follow. “I am truly inspired by her resiliency and her motivation to strive for success no matter her circumstances,” she said. “My mother has shown resiliency amongst the adversaries she has faced and has maintained professionalism. My mother is a great example of resiliency, motivation and determination.”

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

Natayla Bannister

{Continued from Page 13} We will begin Natayla’s story in 1983 when her

IN NEW YORK, I LOOKED AROUND AND SAW A WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE THAT WERE DIFFERENT BUT WERE THE SAME. I NEVER HAD TO THINK ABOUT MY POSITION AS A WOMAN OF COLOR UNTIL I MOVED TO FLORIDA. - Natayla Bannister 30

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parents met in New York. Both of her parents are from Guyana and had migrated to the United States with their parents. Natayla says that her grandparents were looking for a better way of life and came to America for the opportunities. In New York, Natayla lived in an upper middle class neighborhood, attended private school and remembers a very happy childhood. Her parents divorced when she was twelve and she moved to Florida with her mother and three younger siblings. They moved in with her grandmother, and life as she knew it changed in many ways. Her grandmother lived in a lower income neighborhood, she would attend public schools and a once diverse community was now primarily Black. Natayla was old enough to know and expect that life would be

different in a new city, but nothing could prepare her for the lessons that came with her move to Florida. Her first lesson would be on racism. “Get out, you n*@@^#! You’re nothing but a n*@@^#.” was an insult hurled at her mother by a store manager one afternoon. Natayla doesn’t remember what the disagreement was about, but she remembers that those words quickly ended the conversation. After leaving the store, Natayla tried to ask her mother what was going on, “Why did she call you that, mom?”. Her mother shed tears but had no words. That experience taught Natayla that it doesn’t matter what your ethnicity is, people of color are all the same in the south. She learned in her new world

that being different wasn’t going to be easy. This was the first time that she thought about her race and ethnicity. “In New York, I looked around and saw a whole lot of people that were different but were the same. I never had to think about my position as a woman of color until I moved to Florida.” This was when she learned that being Black or Brown was the same. Her second lesson was on colorism. Natayla was entering middle school when she moved to Florida and there she would learn that Black and Brown was not the same. Natayla was placed in a new minority and immediately began to experience the challenges of being Brown in a Black space. The Black kids didn’t care for her very much and made it clear to her that

Natayla Bannister she wasn’t accepted or welcomed. She remembers one incident where a classmate brought a knife to school and was planning to fight her. Fortunately, the administration learned

AT UF, IT WAS DIFFERENT, AGAIN, IT WAS LIKE EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE MORE WHITE PEOPLE THAN BLACK PEOPLE, THE BLACK PEOPLE JUST CAME TOGETHER. IT WASN’T ABOUT COLORISM EITHER. - Natayla Bannister

of the plot and the student was expelled from school. But the incident still left Natayla with more unanswered questions about where exactly she would fit in. Natayla would soon leave Orlando and enter college at the University of Florida. Natayla entered UF in 2006 and soon found herself dating one of the football players. She soon met some of the other football players’ girlfriends and they began to hang out and this circle of young Black women became her safe place. “I met some of my best friends at UF.” she recalls. “At UF, it was different, again, it was like even though there were more White people than Black people, the Black people just came together. It wasn’t about colorism either.” Natayla was finally com-

fortable and thought all of the unanswered questions of racism and colorism had been resolved. She was a young adult, had a strong

circle of support and was ready to ambitiously take on the world.

{Continued on Page 58}

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Carl WATTS Story By:

Annissa Brockington

ot all men are destined to lead or serve. However, those that do have an unshakeable calling and make a lasting impression on the lives that they touch. Carl Watts, Founder, Owner, and Executive Chef of the Underground Kitchen, is one such man. As a high school student, Carl never imagined becoming a restaurateur and resuscitating urban cuisine within the same community where he was raised. Carl describes his high school years as a bit rough, and as a result, he limited himself to only two options post-graduation ― serve in the military or pursue entrance into the Police Academy.

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

CARL WATTS Needless to say, destiny would have its way. Carl attended and completed Sante Fe Community College’s Public Safety Program in 2010. Shortly thereafter, Watts was hired by the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) where he worked as a Gang Intervention Specialist for five consecutive years and assisted with the Reichert House Youth Academy (RHYA) Program. RHYA, which provides services to assist at-risk youth with achieving a lifestyle free from drug abuse, violence, and incarceration, was a near and dear program to Watts. As a former graduate of the program, Carl had first-hand knowledge and experience in the program’s overall effectiveness and positive outcomes with troubled youth throughout the Gainesville community. Although this presented Carl with an opportunity to give back to the community that helped redirect his path, he recognized that his true passion and purpose in life had not yet been fulfilled. Carl dreamed of one day owning his own restaurant and highlighting Black and Brown culture and its colorful, heartfelt food. However, he knew that his dream of owning his own restaurant could not be accomplished without gaining experience within the restaurant industry. So in 2015, Watts decided to take a leap of faith (with his partner’s full support) and secured a dishwashing job with the Blue Gill Restaurant. Unimaginable to Watts, this leap of faith turned out to be one of the most pivotal milestones in his life. No stranger to humble beginnings, Carl navigated his way through the food chain. Over the span of

SYNERGY MAGAZINE

six years, he would master each role from dishwasher to line cook, and ultimately land the role of kitchen chef (responsible for a crew of 16 employees). However, as a young leader, Carl admits that his skillset placed him in environments that his mindset was not yet mature enough to manage. In spite of these challenges, Carl did not lose hope. With years of experience under his belt, a supporting mentor, and savings intact, it wouldn’t be long before fate would come knocking once again. In 2019, COVID hit the U.S. with a vengeance. Within two days, Blue Gill was forced to close its doors and 85% of its staff was laid off. Holding true to the philosophy that “you don’t abandon what you believe,” Watts credits COVID for the opening of his restaurant and his expanded efforts throughout the community. “COVID forced me to break away from my comfort zone and allowed me to address not only an educational but also a cultural gap within our community.” Watts believed that soul food and

A LEADER SHOULD CAPITALIZE ON THOSE TEACHABLE MOMENTS AND RELISH IN THE FACT THAT OTHERS WILL EXCEL AS A RESULT OF THEIR INFLUENCE. - Carl Watts

its associated history were on the brink of extinction in Gainesville. His restaurant business model is centered around the idea of creating and offering high-quality, culturally-infused cuisine to the Gainesville consumer. Carl also believed that it was important to continue paying it forward by recruiting and hiring youth from the Reichert House Program and arming them with the knowledge and skills needed to support themselves and their future families. Grounded on the principle of “food is freedom,” the Underground Kitchen opened its doors in 2019 and the Empowerment Chefs initiative was formed shortly thereafter. However, opening during a time of uncertainty came with its own set of challenges. While many may have thrown in the towel, Watts heeded the call (to serve and lead). The community that once saved Carl now needed saving. It was without hesitation that Carl made the decision to withdraw his remaining savings and use the funds to donate

free meals to those in need throughout the Gainesville community. It wasn’t long before others moved by his efforts joined the initiative. By week seven, over 9,100 meals had been prepared and donated to families in need. “If you’ve ever been a recipient of a blessing, you should feel compelled to bless someone else. We’ve (my fellow chefs) been granted this gift from above without penalty. Our patrons have supported us for years. Here’s our opportunity to support them.” Watts feels that a leader should train with the goal of having the trainee to one day fill their shoes. “A leader should capitalize on those teachable moments and relish in the fact that others will excel as a result of their influence.” Watts lives by the motto “a man’s word is his bond” and equates most of his success to the practice of doing what you say you’re going to do. Many can attest that Carl not only talks the talk, but also walks the walk. In fact, Watts was recently nominated and featured as one of Gainesville’s Hometown Heroes as a result of the community outreach efforts through his Chef Empowerment free meal program. Carl identifies his 12-year-old daughter as the person who has had the biggest impact on his journey to success. “She is a daily reminder of why I need to make a difference and build a generational pipeline. She is the future.” “Each of us have purpose, we just have to commit to finding out what it is. I now know that I was called to make the world a better place, one morsel/ bite/meal at a time.”

Story By:

SAMANTHA CHERY

hanae Jackson, 41, loves nothing more than enjoying weekends with her children, aged 21, 20 and 16. Whether they’re popping popcorn, arguing the results of their latest round of Uno or Monopoly, discussing politics or religion, or leaving the movie theater dewy-eyed after a showing of The Hate U Give, Jackson cherishes each moment as they reflect and giggle through the night. They can’t frequent movie theaters anymore due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but their TV lineup includes Fresh Off the Boat, The Goldbergs and Family Guy, which Jackson allowed the kids to watch even when they were younger.

Chanae

Jackson

The Woman Behind

Accidental Activism

Jackson would stay in her happy place at home and at peace, but the world outside their home doesn’t mirror the future she wants her kids to inherit. Every day she fears that someone will inform her that one of her sons has been detained by police or killed. She waits for the day that her son can have the same opportunities as his friends with the same experiences but European-sounding names. Gainesville and Ocala residents know Jackson as the “accidental activist.” She speaks her mind, and people listen to her. But not many know who she is outside of news stories. Her goal wasn’t for her name to be magnified in news stories. She calls her advocacy selfish, as she simply strived to affect change for her children. When her colleagues became too busy or too hesitant to be the public face of change the community sought, she felt she had no choice but to fill the role of activist. “I’m just doing the things I’m supposed to do,” she said in the Facebook Live discussion “Uncomfortable Voices: Economics and Reparations,” hosted by Rev. Ron Rawls. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

CHANAE JACKSON Jackson catches about four hours of sleep each night. The rest of the day, she’s up and about, mobilizing the community for change: change in the local public school system, change in how Black families invest, change in the policing system and change in healthcare access.

decisions don’t just affect me,” she said. While her childhood circumstances meant she had to make sacrifices to survive, education reimagined the trajectory of her life course.

When Jackson entered second grade, she tested into the gifted program, granting her educational Being a public figure may opportunities that other have been unintentional for Black students in Alachua her, but her boldness wasn’t County were not receiving. a mistake. She learned to play Jackson’s early life was chess and be creative in filled with many challenges. arts programs. She spent six Her mother was a crack weeks at a Duke University user, and her father was summer program for highincarcerated for much of achieving students. She her childhood for selling was surrounded by adults drugs, so Jackson acted who had the money to as the primary caretaker vacation in places like because she was the oldest Egypt or the Hamptons and of eight children, even who exposed her to a wider when raised by their aunt range of vocabulary that and great grandmother. helped her do well on the SAT. “I knew early on that my

But she was often the only Black student in her classes. The lack of people who looked like her in her classrooms made her hide her authentic personality. She didn’t have a voice and didn’t feel like she could be herself at school until she attended Eastside High, where she took advanced placement and honors classes and was immersed with more Black students.

of a world where there’s room for critical thinkers in education. She wants schools to bring back curriculum for life skills like writing a check, and she hopes they’ll start teaching an accurate, unbiased version of history in classes. Jackson believes this robust educational system can better accommodate diverse students and create a better society.

“America always says, ‘Oh, we’re a melting pot.’ Eastside wasn’t the I don’t think it should be a subpar school that Jackson melting pot, because when was warned about before you’re a melting pot, many she became a student things melt together to there. Instead, she believes become something else,” the negative reputation was she said. “We should be fabricated by assumptions like a salad, because when about the large population you’re a salad, everything of Black students. comes together in order for From a young age, it to taste good and each Jackson has witnessed person can still be whoever institutional flaws that they are. The perfect world disadvantage Black for me would be a very, people. So she dreams very tasty salad.”

Dekova Batey City of Gainesville

Program Coordinator

Story By:

Aneka Shinohara The concept of community and outreach is displayed through the living embodiment of Dekova Batey, a 43-year old professional employed by the City of Gainesville, Florida for twenty-five years. His journey is one of true compassion and honest interest in helping persons to grow and become the best version of themselves that they can be. Dekova came from a small family, living in Gainesville Housing Authority properties with his mother and two younger sisters. He attended the Greater New Salem Baptist Church where he was exposed to a range of leadership and growth opportunities, being the only youth at the time. He was mentored by Deacon Alzene Davis, who took him under his wing, groomed him in the process of becoming a young man, and paved the way for his future profession. Not only did Dekova grow in church, but he also carried these skills and interests throughout his time in high school. He started as President of the Medical Club at Eastside High School , where his initial career path was to become a doctor. He took part in the Help Occupation Students of America Group where they volunteered at hospitals and helped with patient care. He then became active in student government where he mingled with more young adults and sharpened his leadership skills. The inspiration that pushed him into the area of outreach was attributed to his cousin, the late Geleta Daliyeese Bolen. She is a recognized music prodigy

who recommended him to be the representative of their church and encouraged him to do his best. This opened the door for him being involved in conferences on how to assist the youth, mold them, shape them, and strengthen his leadership ability. His advice for anyone looking to be involved in their community and interested in guiding people is to simply “get involved.” He highlights that most communities have lost their flavor because the history is downplayed or unknown. This is key in how the youth grow and assimilate, impacting the choices they make and what they want for their future. To be able to guide and direct, being genuinely involved in the community and its residents, is the first and most important step. Talk to the neighbors, take part in neighborhood development and connect in any way you can. This is the philosophy that Dekova lives by. His greatest accomplishment is just seeing the success in students that have matured. Watching them grow and impacting their lives for the greater good gives him a warm feeling in his heart. The only challenge he has encountered is how to communicate with the youth. Different ages require a different approach, but he puts in the effort to get his message across the right way. Even now as the 2020 pandemic is still active, he has shifted to connecting virtually within the community and among the staff accompanying him. He is still offering services, teaching and reaching out because there is never really an end to outreach. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

Connie Pierre-Antoine ... IF YOU WALK WITH STRUCTURE AND COMPASSION, YOU’VE GOT TO USE BOTH FEET. - Connie Pierre-Antoine

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connie pierre-antoine Story By:

Zondra Victor

onnie Pierre-Antoine has dedicated her life to helping improve the quality of life for children and families. As a professional in child welfare for over 20 years, Connie has been able to provide muchneeded attention to areas that may have been forgotten about in her profession. Her organization, Genesis Family Enrichment Center (FEC), leads with the vision, “Strengthening Families. Transforming Communities.” At the beginning of her 14-year career with Partnership for Strong Families, Connie started as a trainer and diligently worked her way up to reach her position as Staff Development Director. Her natural leadership skills charged her initiative to grow the program. She and her staff were responsible for the professional development, certification and continued education of child welfare professionals and helped in steering the organizational goals for other departments such as licensing and adoption. During her time there, Connie developed a new program where biological parents could self-evaluate and track their growth as they work to address the problems that brought them to the department’s attention. This program helped parents rebuild the foundation of their families by helping them heal from their past. While managing such a progressive program, Connie decided to further her own professional development by returning to school. Connie enrolled in Trust Based Relational Intervention training at Texas Christian University and became a TBRI and Certified Parent

Instructor. In full transparency, she disclosed her vision and her goals of furthering her education with her supervisor. She shared her plans of starting her new organization, Genesis FEC, which garnered support from her supervisor so that she could still work full-time and travel to take courses. Soon afterward, she left Partnership for Strong Families to start her organization and make her vision come alive. Genesis FEC is a nonprofit organization Connie founded in 2018 that focuses on addressing the impact of trauma and creating experiences for children that promote resilience within the community. “When you show up, you show up,” said Connie about her unwavering ambition. “If I was going to leave my kiddos for work, I was going to work hard.” As a child of immigrant parents, Connie learned about how to have an unmatched work ethic in her own household. She continues to be an example for the employees and volunteers she hires at Genesis FEC. She also holds her team to a higher standard of being able to understand the backgrounds and needs of the families they serve. “I can’t teach someone to have compassion,” said Connie. “A lot of volunteers have experienced life, and that brings compassion.” Leading with compassion is one of Connie’s core values of her organization. She finds this to be the key when working with parents who come from tough environments. While training is available for several skills needed to perform their job, the team members at Genesis FEC are expected to have a heightened level of

understanding and to know why they are doing the work they do. “They need to know their why,” said Connie. “We’re not selling a product. We’re selling a service. Families come to be served and healed.” Genesis FEC holds TrustBased Relational Intervention (TBRI) workshops for both professionals and caregivers who work with children from tough environments. Connie has facilitated several of these workshops herself and has created other programs to help improve familial habits, such as TBRI Nurture Groups, which is a complementary program that offers a safe space to work through trauma through child-centered activities, and ADHD/ ADD Assessments, which helps parents gain more knowledge about the cause of their child’s behavior and gives parents unconventional coaching and an action plan. “If you only walk on one leg [structure], you’re going to be unbalanced,” said Connie when asked about the critical skills needed when working at Genesis FEC. “But if you walk with structure and compassion, you’ve got to use both feet.” Connie’s focus and determination not only comes from her experience in child welfare, but as a mother of three. “As a trainer with Partnership [for Strong Families], I was taught it is not personal, you just go and do the job,” Connie explained. “It is personal. I have a daughter diagnosed with ADD. I have a son with sensory challenges. As a mother, I didn’t know how to meet their unique and peculiar needs.”

Seeing so many children being underserved throughout her career, in addition to struggling to find the resources needed to help her own children, motivated her to provide those resources herself. While carrying out her work with Genesis FEC, Connie has encountered some challenges along the way. The organization is working hard to find solutions on how to get communities “unstuck” about the definition of what an intervention for families should look like. There are also other limitations including the fact that they do not accept insurance. Nevertheless, these challenges have been accompanied by an expanded outreach to families outside of the Gainesville area. Since going mostly virtual, Genesis FEC has been able to provide services for even more families than expected. The organization has learned how to engage people virtually and currently holds virtual consultations, workshops, courses, and coaching. Connie has received inspiration from TedTalks as well as from other female leaders. She believes the ability to multitask makes women great leaders. Throughout her journey, Connie has also gained inspiration from the families she serves at Genesis FEC, noting that they always have something to teach her. Connie wants other people who are trying to make their vision come true to learn to adapt. “Be flexible. Don’t be rigid,” said Connie. “Be flexible with understanding and relating to people. Still keep your vision, but be flexible.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

FAMILIES CHOOSE US!

Desheba Rutledge

On a Wing and a Prayer Faith has led a Gainesville entrepreneur to overcome challenges to do the work she loves

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

Desheba Rutledge Story By:

C. M. Schmidlkofer

esheba Rutledge could have spent her entire career working for others: earning a good living in a respected profession, climbing the corporate ladder, and achieving recognition for her efforts. Since 1996 she’d been working in the medical billing services field, experiencing nearly every aspect of the vast industry. It was a career the Newberry mother of three enjoyed and had trained for. “I love medical billing. I like figuring out why claims have not paid. I like figuring out why accounts are all messed up. I like learning new practice management systems and becoming an expert at it. I like knowing how different insurance companies work.” But suddenly in 2012, she found herself without income or job prospects. That is when her life changed from depending on others for sustenance to becoming a woman in charge of her destiny. With the support of her husband Dondrick and her children Jasheyla, Kelaiah, and Isaiah, she set up an office at home and contracted her skills to medical billing services to keep the bill collectors at bay while she completed her coursework at St. Petersburg College, earning an Associate of Science (A.S.) for Health/ Health Care Administration/ Management in 2013. For a year, the family made ends meet on Dondrick’s salary while she worked to gain her footing in a new world. “Yes, we struggled hard and our house was even in

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foreclosure for a year during that time, but we never went hungry, never was homeless, never went without what we needed. God kept us through it all and He always had much better in store.” In 2013, she officially opened JKI Medical Solutions, LLC, a full-service medical billing company. The Newberry company specializes in customizing its many services to her clients. Those include insurance benefits, verifications, medical billing to insurance electronically and by paper, insurance follow up, patient billing and collections, credentialing, appeals, coding, and consulting services. “I have worked with many different types of offices including mental health providers, oral surgery providers, ophthalmologists, home modification specialists, nurse registries, neurologists, occupational, and physical therapists.” It wasn’t easy. There were many times she wanted to give up because she had no clients, there wasn’t enough money, or because some of the clients didn’t pay her. Feeling overwhelmed, she felt as if there wasn’t a future for her business. It was Dondrick’s love and support that gave her courage to continue. “I will always say God first, but secondly my husband had a huge impact on my journey. Without his consistent prayers, motivating and encouraging words, I don’t think I would have had the courage to step out on faith and start and continue this business.” As her business grew, she moved operations from home to a small office and later into a larger building with four offices and hired

employees. She said her greatest career accomplishment was hiring her first employee. The leap of faith demonstrated to her how far she had come in her business. The most critical skill needed in her business role is patience, she said. Nothing happens overnight; everything takes time to nurture and become something bigger. “Even with all the medical billing experience I had, and all of the knowledge I had obtained by going to school, it took a lot of patience to get my first client and to continue getting clients. Sometimes it can take a year to get a new client, and sometimes they are in overflow and you have three all at once. It is definitely a marathon and not a race.” Understanding there will be a lot of “noes” before there is a “yes” is critical to building a business. By trusting your expertise and knowledge, this will lead to others seeing that in you and entrusting their business needs to you. “You can’t compromise your character because of fear. Know that what God has for you is for you and to be patient and in God’s time, it will happen as it should in His will and His way. Anything outside of that will be forced, you will be unhappy or the job/client will be a nightmare.” Events in 2020 had a significant impact on Dasheba’s life. Losing her largest client due to COVID-19 and the subsequent decrease in surgeries cut her income by more than half. When other clients had to close their offices due to the virus, she was forced to close her own office and return home to work.

BUT YOU HAVE TO TRUST GOD TO GET YOU THROUGH IT ALL. FOR ME, GOD HAS TO BE PART OF EVERY DECISION OF THE BUSINESS IN ORDER FOR IT TO CONTINUE TO SUCCEED. - Desheba Rutledge

“Most of my current clientele are smaller offices and they are located all over, including Utah, Virginia and south Florida. Working from home due to COVID-19 has reduced a lot of the costs as well as the responsibilities that running a formal office with employees requires.” Overall, events in 2020 caused Rutledge to slow down a bit and refocus and plan for what is next. She began to think of other ways to create revenue streams and other business ventures she can move forward with, and to be open to different opportunities. Trusting God is the biggest lesson she has learned during her career. Owning a business is challenging and it takes hard work to start it, grow it and keep it going. While there are high points, there are also low points and sacrifices. “But you have to trust God to get you through it all. For me, God has to be part of every decision of the business in order for it to continue to succeed.”

Rooted and Grounded Desmon DUNCAN-WALKER

Deep family roots hold a Gainesville resident secure to the community she works to protect. Story By:

C. M. Schmidlkofer

s a descendant of one the earliest families to put down roots in the now historic Pleasant Street district over 100 years ago, Desmon DuncanWalker fights against gentrification and inequitable housing in one of Gainesville’s first Black settlements today. She founded Gainesville Alliance for Equitable Development (GAED) in 2018 ― an organization of community advocates dedicated to improving quality of life outcomes for the most vulnerable ― as a way to protect its history while ensuring development of affordable housing for residents there. GAED is credited for launching the “Stand for Seminary Lane” campaign and Gainesville’s Black Communities Matter movement in 2020. “We began with the challenging but important undertaking to protect the historic Fifth Avenue community and to ensure that the former displaced residents of the affordable housing complex ― Seminary Lane ― would be able to return to the homes they were promised would be rebuilt for them,” Duncan-Walker said. When demolished in 2009 after the buildings fell into disrepair, the Gainesville Housing Authority promised to rebuild them but today considers a proposal for luxury student housing from an Orlando developer. GAED organized a protest gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

Desmon DUNCAN-WALKER in June 2020, to remind City officials of its promise and bring attention to the situation with media coverage. “I do enjoy this work because it mobilizes and empowers citizens to be proactive in strengthening their communities,” she said. “We address issues like gentrification and the affordable housing crisis.” Duncan-Walker said while this effort has been its primary focus to date, it is not the entire scope of its work, which includes all of Gainesville’s historical Black neighborhoods. “We are laying the foundation and building capacity for GAED to live out its broader mission of development without displacement, historic preservation, and affordable housing in an effort to improve quality of life outcomes for the most vulnerable.” It currently watches a proposed development

WHEN THE ODDS APPEAR TO BE STACKED AGAINST YOU AND OBSTACLES ARISE THAT WOULD IMPEDE YOUR PROGRESS, DON’T QUIT... I HAVE LEARNED THAT PERSEVERANCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY PAYS OFF. - Desmon Duncan-Walker 44

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moratorium on major development in Pleasant Street and other East Gainesville areas that would limit most development to affordable housing, small retail stores and health care and other health service/ products buildings. “Seeing the community reinvigorated (by our programs, efforts and advocacy) and emboldened to take its future into its own hands” has been the most satisfying part of her work, she said. Starting an organization composed of community activists can be daunting, but Duncan-Walker was encouraged to move forward by the can-do attitude of her community. “Seeing the needs and the desires of our historic and vulnerable communities going overlooked but seeing the indomitable spirit of these communities, their knowledge, wisdom, courage and energy gives me the courage to work with and for them.” Goal-setting has been essential in her journey. “It has allowed me to dream big, set ambitious benchmarks for GAED and gauge our progress. Goalsetting has let us know what we’ve done well and what we can improve,” she said. Vision, empathy, the ability to listen and communicate effectively along with integrity and resilience are the qualities Duncan-Walker said are necessary qualities to succeed in community work. In addition, a leader needs to work hand-in-hand with community members to find the best solutions, she said, placing them first and providing a platform for

them to express their needs and concerns. “When the odds appear to be stacked against you and obstacles arise that would impede your progress, don’t quit,” she said. “I have learned that perseverance in the face of adversity pays off.” For those unfamiliar with Duncan-Walker, not only did she grow up in the Alachua County community, but she has professional and religious ties here today. She and her family have been members of the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, an epi-center of the Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street neighborhood for over 150 years. Her 94-year-old grandfather, Collins Duncan, continues to

operate Duncan Brothers Funeral Home, which was established in 1953. She assists her mother, Iris Duncan, with administrative duties and serves as mortuary makeup artist and funeral service attendant. She credits her parents and her grandparents for her successes in life. “My parents and grandparents each individually poured into me and instilled different values that encouraged me,” she said. “Whatever success I have attained is directly linked to their guidance and influence in my life.” Desmon is currently working on her first book about the gentrification of Gainesville’s historic Black communities that culminates years of sharing her insight about Black

Desmon DUNCAN-WALKER communities, history and culture at conferences and public venues. Beyond her career in arts administration and management, DuncanWalker is an award-winning actress, singer, director, public speaker and the former writer, producer and talk show host for the Alachua County NAACP’s radio show “The Voice” on Magic 101.3. Her most fulfilling artistic accomplishment to date was directing awardwinning actor and political activist Danny Glover in an original play entitled “From the Front Porch” at the Miami Arena. She is excited about her latest project that is in preproduction: a documentary about the gentrification of Gainesville’s African American communities. Her biggest challenge is making sure she takes the time for adequate self-care with her busy schedule.

...THROUGH THE POWER, STRENGTH AND WILL OF THE COMMUNITY, OUR GOALS ARE ATTAINABLE.” - Desmon Duncan-Walker

“Whether it’s assisting at my grandfather’s business or working with the GAED ― my work can be allconsuming,” she said. “2020 has been the most challenging year I have seen,” she said. “It has strengthened my resolve, however, that our work in the community is not only necessary but that through the power, strength and will of the community, our goals are attainable.”

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Help us plan the future of our city! Imagine GNV will guide the long-term growth in Gainesville to advance the quality of life, equity and resilience in all neighborhoods across Gainesville over the next decade.

Imagine GNV will seek input from the community January-August 2021. Visit www.ImagineGNV.org for upcoming opportunities.

What is Imagine GNV? With community input, Imagine GNV will become a legally-binding planning document that will require the City of Gainesville to take concrete steps over the next decade to address longstanding racial inequities, reinvest in communities and make Gainesville a place where everyone can enjoy a healthy, happy life.

Why is this important? Imagine GNV will guide city decisions across almost every aspect of life in Gainesville, including housing, education, healthcare, public transit, utilities, public safety, community services and more. Examples include: • Where economic development is focused • Where new homes are developed, what they look like and who they’re built for • What bus and transportation routes are funded • What the process for approving new real estate development looks like

Get involved! Apply to be a fellow. Attend a city listening session. Host your own neighborhood workshop - we’ll help! Visit www.ImagineGNV.org for more info!

Diane

johnson

Patience with the Process Story By:

SAMANTHA CHERY

f books are windows to the world, then libraries must be the storehouses of society, right? “Not exactly,” says Diane Johnson. Johnson has witnessed how libraries have transformed for the better over the years. Now as manager of the Alachua County Library District’s Cone Park branch, she wants people to see how they are more than just book repositories. “Libraries have changed their image,” she said. “They’re a lot more engaged directly in the community with a lot more to offer.” She first fell in love with the tranquil environment that freed her mind to think as a little girl living with 13 siblings in Newark, New Jersey. “There was a lot of activity going on in my home all the time,” she said. “So

libraries as a child turned out to be a place where I could find quiet and peace.” She moved on from the community library to the downtown branch of the Newark Free Public Library at Rutgers University in her teenage years. “It’s always just had a wonderful presence,” she said. “I just enjoyed milling around and the sense of hope that resonated through being in a place where people were engaged in academic activities.” Despite her passion, she didn’t immediately dive into a library career after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. She instead married Darryl Johnson, and the couple raised six children together. As the kids entered grade school, she put her career ambitions on hold and opted for administrative assistant jobs with set hours to put her family activities first. She had to “have patience with the process” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

DIANE JOHNSON and trust that she would eventually have the opportunity to land her dream job as a library manager. “It was difficult to watch other women succeed in their career choices while I was taking care of my six children,” she said. “But in the end, in 2006, I had gone back to school, and I got my master’s in library sciences at age 50.” With the encouragement and love from her faith, family and friends, Johnson’s patience yielded success. She’s now managed the county library’s Cone Park branch for about five years. “Diane Johnson brings passion for community engagement,” said Emily Young, public services administrator and Johnson’s supervisor. “She enthusiastically informs

community members of services provided by the library district and has established new partnerships to encourage community members to visit the Cone Park Branch.” One such collaboration was with Desmon Walker, coordinator of the A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center. Walker curated the Life and Legacy of A. Quinn Jones Touring Exhibit, which were educational pictorial panels that showcased the local historical figure at the library for Black History Month. “I provided the venue; she offered the history. It was a win-win partnership for both organizations,” Johnson said. Johnson sees each day at the library as a new opportunity to make memories with local residents.

Babies prepare themselves to learn to read. Small children discover the wonder in books themselves. Teenagers reach out to the community and learn to give back. And adults bring their families into the library for the cycle to repeat. From food drives to flash drives, libraries are no longer just the quiet place where people go to check out books anymore. They are community-oriented entities that help people reach their goals. Time may have changed the look and feel of libraries from what Johnson first experienced, but she loves them just the same. “Very often, I find that people today want it all. And they want it right now,” she said. “Often life does not work that way. Often you have to just be patient

OFTEN YOU HAVE TO JUST BE PATIENT AND LET THINGS FLOW AND DEVELOP IN YOUR OWN TIME, ORGANICALLY. - Diane Johnson

and let things flow and develop in your own time, organically.” Patience prevails. “Now I’ve got the career, and I’ve got these six terrific adult individuals who happen to be my children, who I love and who love me, and it’s kind of all worked out.”

Dr. Paul

broadie Story By:

Zondra Victor

THE FOUNDATION OF BEING NOT JUST SUCCESSFUL, BUT A GOOD HUMAN BEING, IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO PUT OTHERS BEFORE YOURSELF. WHATEVER YOU DO IN LIFE, MAKE A DIFFERENCE.” - Dr. Paul Broadie

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

Dr. Paul broadie

r. Paul Broadie II is seven months into working in his presidential role at Santa Fe College. He formerly held the role of president at both Housatonic Community College (HCC) and Gateway Community College (GCC), where he learned one of the most essential skills of success: delegation. “It magnified the importance of being surrounded by a strong team and being visible and out in the community,” said Dr. Broadie. “You learn to learn the different cultures of the campuses and to lean on your team as you implement strategies and initiatives.” Dr. Paul Broadie’s 28-year career in higher education is as impressive as his motivation to accomplish his goals. He held positions in academic affairs, student services and continuing education before earning his presidential status. Without a doubt, the Bronx, New York-born professional credits his parents with being the reason for his success in education. “My parents [taught me]. The foundation of being not just successful, but a good human being,” said Dr. Broadie. “It’s very important to put others before yourself. Whatever you do in life, make a difference.” Dr. Broadie’s affinity for helping people and making them realize their greatest potential has allowed him to be creative in leading several university programs, services, and technological improvement initiatives. “I had expected to work in corporate America and worked in SGA for the college,” said Dr. Broadie. “When I saw what higher education does for people, I chose to do it for the rest

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of my life.” Dr. Broadie puts his students and community first by creating educational opportunities and new degree programs for students. At the same time, the Santa Fe College president has improved the school’s notoriety. Dr. Broadie makes it a priority to address student-related issues in addition to carrying out his usual duties such as managing enrollment, analyzing retention rates, and managing staff and faculty at Santa Fe College. Dr. Broadie acknowledged that his secret weapon of success in his role as a leader is simply listening. “Listen,” said Dr. Broadie. “As you listen, you pull from what you’re hearing and then turn it into action.” Although Dr. Broadie has been at Santa Fe College for a short time, he has already brought the dream of former Santa Fe College president, Dr. Sasser, into fruition. The college has broken ground on the 86,000-square-foot property that will soon become the new financial aid and advising office. Dr. Broadie was thrilled to begin Dr.

Sasser’s vision of the Blunt Campus. “I want there to be a beacon of hope for anyone who passes through those doors,” said Dr. Boadie. The new building will be the school’s new “seed center,” hosting business, entrepreneurship, and IT programs. Dr. Boadie continues to grow the school’s relationships by forming partnerships with the community and local businesses that are aligned with Santa Fe’s mission. “I’m very intentional and very deliberate,” said Dr. Broadie. “Clear priorities all over the institution, then have three or four goals. You have to think, ‘What are our priorities and how are we going to meet our goals?’” Dr. Broadie’s actions set the tone for other personnel on his staff to follow. Although he is required to fulfil his duties as president, he never forgets that he is serving people. “I know that every day that I sit in this chair, I have the power to change somebody’s life,” Dr. Broadie stated. “There are people that walk into these

doors that have bigger problems than I do. It has given me the courage to do it with a smile.” Dr. Broadie has goals of educating the new generation of students and showing them that it is possible for them to start their own business and be in the middle-class economic status. His time at Santa Fe College has been a rollercoaster dealing with the pandemic, but it hasn’t stopped the college from reaching out to their community as well as their students. “It’s not important to close equity gaps, but to shatter equity gaps,” Dr. Broadie alerted. “We have a major goal to put the community back together.” Dr. Broadie’s values of teamwork, dedication, and community are seen throughout his work as well as the work of his staff and faculty. “Lead with compassion, lead with integrity and focus, encourage the growth of those around you, said Dr. Boadie. “Never stop listening, learning and leading.”

Dr. Dave Canton

A Triple Threat: A Director, Hip Hop Historian, and Podcaster Story By:

Mia Brabham

“

I teach the past but I don’t live in the past, because I can’t live without my Wi-fi, like LL Cool J who can’t live without his radio. The witty, gregarious, and loquacious Dr. David A. Canton has enough energy and passion to power a large lecture room ― or more aptly ― an entire academic program. After a nationwide search, in August 2020 Dr. Canton was named Director of the African American Studies Program at University of Florida. As a full time administrator, Dr. Canton’s role is to ensure that the program, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary, follows its mission statement by

providing students first rate teaching, bringing in compelling speakers, recruiting a new cohort of engaging faculty, offering a dynamic set of classes and running the budget. But his true goal? Taking the program to the next level ― and with enthusiasm, passion and short and longterm planning. “The opportunity to build a department is exciting,” he says. “The founders of Black studies programs across the country knew the power to make institutional change comes through departments.” He believes a reinvigorated program has an opportunity to help shape public policy and make societal change. He is passionate and adamant about building a 21st century program

that teaches students how to become critical thinkers and take what they’ve learned into their communities, as well as the country at large. Teaching and learning is intergenerational and his pedagogy is “not either-or, it’s a synthesis.” He recognizes the power of social media and technology, and is dead set on providing the students the tools and resources they need to merge theory and history with the audience they can reach on social media. When their students have online debates, “they can respond with facts, content and analysis. They can quote a scholar and a book. Like in chess, they will have their opponent in checkmate.” Dr. Canton encourages his students to

embrace the acquisition of knowledge ― and like a rap battle ― he wants his students prepared and ready to win. Born and raised in the Bronx, Dr. Canton didn’t grow up having any Black teachers. He didn’t learn about Ida B. Wells and W. E. B. Du Bois until getting his B.A. in history from Morehouse College. While pursuing his MA in Black Studies at The Ohio State University, he learned as a scholar that he must “read everything, and one has to read more than one perspective.” While it’s impressive, shaping a department (and hopefully, in the future, a graduate program) is certainly not the only interesting thing he does at the University. Dr. Canton is an gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

Dr. dave canton Associate Professor of History who teaches 20thcentury African American history, including the Civil Rights Movement, Why Sports Matter, and the History of Hip-Hop. “I just revised the syllabus for my Hip-Hop course and I’m really excited.” The course examines Hip-Hop music and culture from its Bronx origins to current day. Dr. Canton takes students on a memorable and engaging hip-hop journey from start to finish, emphasizing voices including Rakim, Cardi B., Kodak Black, Trina, Kendrick Lamar, and so many more. Students are required to compose, explain and perform their rhymes in the class. “There is no judgement. If you want to do ratchet, do ratchet! If you like to rap about going to the clubs, popping bottles, and how much drip you have, rhyme about that! If you grew up wealthy and Black, I don’t want you to rhyme about how you grew up in the hood eating mayonnaise sandwiches and drinking red Kool Aid. I want to hear about your summers at Martha’s Vineyard and stories about your grandparents who graduated from college in the 1950s. Coming from an upper middle class Black family doesn’t make you any less African American. I provide students with creative freedom, and that’s Hip-Hop.” The class also touches on the cultural impact and conversations surrounding Hip-Hop. There’s a unit on respectability, where Dr. Canton talks about the binaries for female rappers. He explores why female MCs like Meg Thee Stallion and Cardi B. are criticized

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for taliking about sex, while Queen Latifa and Lauryn Hill are praised for not talking about sex. “Black male rappers can talk about sex and are praised. The question is, ‘What are the origins of those ideas?’” Dr. Canton likes to incorporate data in his courses. An interesting conversation he brings up in his class is that White people became the number one consumers of Hip-Hop in the 90s. In spite of many commercial Hip-Hop artists’ offensive lyrics, more African Americans are enrolled in college, and the “Hip-Hop Generation” of African Americans born between 1964-1984 is one of the most successful generations in history.

titled “The Podcast for Your Punk Ass.” On the show, he talks about race, history, sports, pop culture, and politics. Everything from the n-word to the lack of Black football coaches in the NFL has been discussed.

They started the show three years ago in the fall of 2017, and just released their 40th episode. “It’s a small, intimate audience. Our #1 listener, outside of my wife, is a woman from Hamden, Connecticut.”

“I’m like a Black Baptist Minister; when the spirit hits me I start to drop that knowledge!”

Outside of the University and his podcast, Dr. Canton is passionate about engaging the Black community in Gainesville and is looking forward to working with local leaders and organizations.

The 30-minute shows are free-flow, and he brings his love for music to the podcast by including music produced by his friend of 20 years, Jerry Beeks, a member of the Hip-hop group Bronx Slang.

With Dr. Canton on the mic, in the community, and as the director of the African American Studies Program at the University of Florida ― change is on its way.

“I am most proud of the consistency of our podcast.”

“We don’t just look at anecdotal evidence, we look at data. Simple math: Whites are the majority. And they listened to ‘gangsta’ rap or commercial Hip-Hop to live vicariously through the lyrics, like watching an action movie. Unfortunately, too many White consumers embrace the lyrical fantasies and assume that’s how all Black people live.” Dr. Canton also talks to students on how to ensure that those who create Hip-Hop are properly compensated. For a new project in the class, students are tasked with creating an 8-minute podcast. Classmates team up and become producers, editors, and hosts. For Dr. Canton, this isn’t an unfamiliar venture into a modern-iteration of radio media; he knows all about podcasting. Dr. Canton brings three degrees worth of knowledge and years of teaching experience to the table as host of his podcast,

Alachua county-wide

Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board

(352) 393-8493

/ www.gnv.bikeped.com

INSULATED

Insulate, by its purest definition, means to “place in a detached situation; isolate.” Story By:

Annissa Brockington

ot every student dreams of or has an interest in pursuing a college degree after completing high school. However, for parents of students who do wish to obtain a college degree, there is a communal hopefulness that the experience will not only be life-changing, but adequately prepare them to compete and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Insulate, by its purest definition, means to “place in a detached situation; isolate.” This article was birthed from a compilation of conversations surrounding the state or strategic-extinction of minority Black and Brown males (be it self-inflicted or racially motivated), and the efforts made by parents or caregivers to insulate their Black and Brown students from the projected threats or acts of social, emotional, or physical violence. Instead of seeking higher educational opportunities through local or state colleges and universities, it is becoming increasingly more popular (if not deemed as an absolute necessity) for parents to encourage or outright insist that their Black and Brown children pursue acceptance into a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), or a faith-based institution. Today’s dinner table exchanges between parents and boys are intentional discussions about how Brown and Black boys must protect themselves from be-

ing the next Trayvon Martin, Oval Four, Michael Brown, Groveland Four, Ahmaud Arbery, or George Floyd. In Khan’s (2019) Los Angeles Times Black were noted as being “2.5 times more likely than White men and boys to die during an encounter with cops.” According to the article, 1 in 1000 Black men and boys in America can expect to die at the hands of police. Although the media is inundated with stories related to police brutality on boys and men of color, this pales in comparison to the systematic attack against boys of color which continues to manifest itself in a variety of less public, but equally detrimental, forms. Although there is data that represents that disparities do exist between minorities and non-minorities in areas of wages earned, access to resources, housing, employment opportunities, etc., some feel the current climate fosters an environment where the attack against boys and men of color is the acceptable norm and remnants of generationally-transmitted conditioning. Although camouflaged, this skindemic is among some of the oldest and most widespread diseases of human kind. Mentally manufactured on the basis of a person’s skin color, the skindemic remains entrenched within the fabric of a societal belief system shared by both minority and non-minority groups. Aside from the cadre of tips shared with Black and Brown youth about how to avoid “racially charged” confrontation with members in society (including

encounters with law enforcement), parents are identifying HBCUs, HSIs, or faith-based institutions as safe havens and communities within which to insulate their Black and Brown children from societal mishaps or ills. In fact, educational statistics over the past decade reflect that enrollment within HBCUs and HSIs are on the rise. Concern for acquiring or maintaining racial identity may be among the reasons why parents or guardians of Black and Brown boys may push the HBCU or HSI attendance agenda. William Cross’s Racial Identity Development Model (1971), as cited by Tatum (1992), identified the five stages of the Black racial identity development process as the following: • Pre-encounter (thirst for acceptance by majority group, need to behave in ways fitting with the majority group) • Encounter (feelings of not belonging to any group, identity lost) • Emersion/Immersion (embrace Black culture, possess a sense of pride for culture) • Internalization (secure with who they are, open to relationships with majority group) • Internalization Commitment (need to take action to confront racial disparities) Parents believe that when a child is able to successfully navigate through the stages of Racial Identity Development (ultimately reaching the stage of Internalization Commitment),

they are better prepared to confront or manage encounters of both covert and overt acts of racism. Aside from the obvious questions related to accreditation, tuition costs, and quality of programs offered, parents must also give some critical thought to whether it is safe to assume that historically Black, Hispanic, or faith-based institutions are adequately and systematically armed to combat the psychological underpinnings which have led many within our society (regardless of race, ethnicity, or skin color) to an internalized belief of racial or ethnic inferiority or superiority. Evidence of HBCUs’ and HSI’s effectiveness in addressing psychological underpinnings is reflected through their ability to offer engagement in spaces where Black or Brown people have not been historically represented, intentional promotion of positive messaging and self-imaging, exposure to a supply of successful mentors who more closely mirror their race or ethnicity, a perceived sense of advocacy for relevant issues faced within their communities, and the feeling of a shared goal to assist them in achieving their academic and future career goals. The ideology of insulating our Black and Brown boys in an effort to protect and save them should be carefully examined and pondered. Regardless of where a student ultimately chooses to attend college, it will continue to be critical for all institutions of learning to acknowledge and give credence to the skindemic that continues to plague our society. Acquiring and sustaining a belief of selfworth, visibility, and purpose will have implications that reach well beyond postsecondary experiences. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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“ “ ““

Meet Tequila Copeland! Meet Tequila Meet John Harris!Meet Meet Tequila Tequila Meet Tequila Meet Tequila Copeland! Copeland! Copeland! Copeland! Copeland! Meet John Harris! Meet MeetMeet John JohnJohn Harris! Harris! Harris! Meet John Harris! If you want to have a lasting influence upon the world, you must invest in people’s lives If you want to have a lasting Ifinfluence you you want want totohave have have aworld, alasting lasting lasting upon theaworld, youa lasting influence upon the you If Ifinfluence you want to If you want to have influence upon upon the the world, world, you you must invest invest people’s lives must ininowner people’s lives influence upon the world, you influence uponlives the world, you John Harris is the proud of Eastside Pop Shop. Through JTEP, Harris launched his must must invest invest in in people’s people’s lives must people’s mustbusiness invest lives in 2014 –in leasingpeople’s aninvest office in Pine in Meadows, which serves aslives his storefront, and

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Pine Meadows, asHarris his storefront, and she Cleaning Tequila inhire 2015 to say mentor, hire and cultivate employability skills Roch Ro people inmothers; need. Service isat atshe the core ofher her business. One can find Copeland theIf this she I in amis2015 forever grateful. All Iexpanded can isher that my life has truly changed.” is anwithin opportun teenage teenage however, however, she has since then then expanded her hiring hiring criteria criteria toskills tofeeding hire hirewithin more more people need. Service the core ofsince business. One can find Copeland feeding the Cleaning by Tequila tobyhas mentor, and cultivate employability John Harris is the proud owner of Eastside Pop Shop. Through JTEP, Harris launched his participating in training programs, such as a business bootcamp. Prior to starting his because I had someone who really cared about me and my business.” business business in in 2014 2014 – – leasing leasing an an office office in in Pine Pine Meadows, Meadows, which which serves serves as as his his storefront, storefront, and and participating in training programs, such as a business bootcamp. Prior to starting his and teenage mothers; however, she has since then expanded her hiring criteria to hire more she sheh homeless, distributing hygiene bags, and even paying the utility bill for someone in need. John Harris is the proud owner of Eastside Pop Shop. Through JTEP, Harris launched his and you are offered,” Copeland urges others to “just accept it because it‘s life changing.” people people in in need. need. Service Service is at is at the the core core of of her her business. business. One One can can find find Copeland Copeland feeding feeding the the homeless, distributing hygiene bags, and even paying the utility bill for someone in need. teenage however, she has since then expanded her hiring criteria to hire more business inin2014 –and leasing an aoffice inserves Pine which serves as his storefront, andmothers; own business, Harris was unemployed and under awhich doctor’s care.Meadows, Today, successful participating participating inHarris training training programs, programs, such such as asaunder business a business bootcamp. bootcamp. Prior Prior tostorefront, tostarting his his own was unemployed doctor’s care. Today, hehestarting isisaasuccessful age people in need. Service iswas atapaying the core ofutility her1818business. Onethe can find Copeland feedingand the andr Copeland also credits her success to JTEP. “I a resident for years before the agen business inbusiness, 2014 –inleasing an office Pine Meadows, as his and homeless, homeless, distributing distributing hygiene hygiene bags, bags, and and even even paying the the utility bill bill for for someone someone in in need. need. Copeland also credits her success to JTEP. “I was resident for years before people Service is at thedistributing core of herhygiene business. One can findpaying Copeland feeding thesomeone in need participating in training programs, suchcare. as aoften business bootcamp. Prior to starting his in need. business owner, first-time home buyer, and presenter. One can often find Harris giving a own own business, business, Harris Harris was was unemployed unemployed and under under a doctor’s a doctor’s care. Today, Today, he he is a is successful a successful business owner, first-time home buyer, and presenter. One can find Harris giving a acc homeless, bags, and even the utility bill for agen age program. After being on the program for 2 years, I branched out and brought a house with acce participating intotraining programs, suchbuyers as a business bootcamp. Prior tocredits his Copeland Copelandalso alsocredits credits herhygiene success success tobags, toJTEP. JTEP. “I2was “Iyears, wasa resident apaying for 18years years before before thethe program. After beingheron the program for Iresident branched and brought a houseinwith homeless, distributing and even thefor18out utility bill for someone need. own home business, Harris was unemployed and under astarting doctor’s care. Today, successful seminar other first-time home throughout theOne city. Harris hissuccess success toa he is-aprogram. business business owner, owner, first-time buyer, buyer, and and presenter. presenter. One can can often often find find Harris Harris giving giving a seminar to other first-time home buyers throughout the city. Harris credits his to sm Copeland also credits her success to JTEP. “I was a resident for 18 years before the acces acc the help of GHA and the work they were giving me via contracts and networking opportunities. sma program. After being onthe the program program for for2giving years, 2“Iyears, I branched branched outfor outand brought brought a house a house with the helpaofAfter GHAbeing and on theher work theytowere me contracts and networking opportunities. own business, Harris wasDavis. unemployed and under ahome doctor’s care. Today, hegoing isOne a successful also credits success JTEP. was aI via resident 18andyears before the with business owner, first-time buyer, and presenter. cangoing often find HarrisCopeland giving JTEP and Pamela During thebuyers tough times, “Ijust just kept going and and going seminar seminar to to other other first-time first-time home home buyers throughout throughout the the city. city. Harris Harris credits credits his his success success to to JTEP and Pamela Davis. During the tough times, “I kept going and going and program. After being on the program for 2 years, I branched out and brought a house w smal sm I am forever grateful. All I can say is that my life has truly changed.” If this is an opportunity the the help help of of GHA GHA and and the the work work they they were were giving giving me me via via contracts contracts and and networking networking opportunities. opportunities. -city. I am forever grateful. AllonI can say is that my has truly changed.” Ifand thisbrought is an opportunity business owner,I had first-time home buyer, and presenter. One canbusiness.” often find going Harris giving a seminar toreally other first-time home throughout theand Harris tooffered,” program. After being the program for 2life years, Itruly branched out a house with opport because someone who cared about me and my JTEP JTEPandandIPamela Pamela Davis. Davis. During During the thetough tough times, times, “I just “Iand justbuyers kept keptgoing goingandandgoing andgoing goingcredits hisIsuccess because had someone who really cared about me my business.” the help of GHA and the work they were giving me via contracts and networking you are Copeland urges others to “just accept it because it‘s life changing.” am I am forever forever grateful. grateful. All All I can I can say say is that is that my my life life has has truly changed.” changed.” If this If this is an is an opportunity opportunity you are offered,” Copeland urges others to “just accept it because it‘s life changing.” seminar to other first-time home buyers throughout theand Harris credits success JTEP and Pamela Davis. During thecity. times, “I justhiskept goingtoand going-and going the help of GHACopeland and theforever work they were meitisvia contracts and networking because because I had I had someone someone who who really really cared cared about about memeand mytough mybusiness.” business.” I am grateful. Allgiving I accept canaccept say myit‘slife truly changed.”opportunities. If this is an opportun you youare areoffered,” offered,” Copeland urges urgesothers others toto“just “just because itthat because it‘slifehas lifechanging.” changing.” JTEP and Pamela Davis. During the tough times, “I just kept going and going and going because I had someone who really cared about me and-my business.” I am forever grateful. All I can say is that my life has truly changed.” If this is an opportunity you are offered,” Copeland urges others to “just accept it because it‘s life changing.” --

because I had someone who really cared about me and my business.”

- you are offered,” Copeland urges others to “just accept it because it‘s life changing.” -

h nities. y

Meet Malik Brown & Shafon Addison! Husband and wife Malik Brown and Shafon Addison established Mr./Ms. Fix It Handyman Service, LLC in 2013. “JTEP provided me with training, which helped me to realize that I can actually turn around an apartment unit,” states Malik. “We learned how to plaster drywall, paint, and clean professionally. JTEP also taught us how to bid on jobs and how the industry works regarding payments.” The business continues to do well, even during the coronavirus. They hold contracts with the City of Gainesville and surrounding gas stations. They have three employees and strategically recruit from the GHA community. Other successes include purchasing a home two years ago. When Brown is not ‘flipping’ an apartment, one can find him talking to young males in the GHA community, encouraging them to sign up for JTEP.

Meet Patricia Johnson! Tired of being told no, Patricia Johnson decided to tell herself yes four years ago by participating in JTEP and incorporating PJ’s Cleaning Service. Growing up, Johnson had it rough and circumstances got even harder after she was convicted of a felony; however, Johnson found her second chance through JTEP. “I think it is a great program. I love it. It gives you another chance in life,” she says. “It does not always have to be no, no, no; so I am just honored to participate in and complete the program.” Not only did GHA help her launch her business, the housing authority also contracts her company to clean various buildings and serve as an extension of the maintenance staff. -

Photo by James Hardy

Meet Sheila Rochelle! Sheila Rochelle broke generational cycles when she incorporated her business, SheilaShine Cleaning Service, Inc. in 2014. Growing up and living in the same complex (Sugar Hill ) that her mother moved into in 1967, Rochelle realized that she was destined for greater heights. She also realized that she’s always had an affinity for cleaning, from cleaning houses after school with her mother when she was 13 years old to the various housekeeping jobs she held afterwards. This epiphany prompted her to open her own cleaning business. That is when she decided to participate in the "Paint Your Way into Business," a subset program of JTEP. “JTEP changed my life from making $250 every two weeks to making $50,000 per year,” says Rochelle. “My business allowed me to move out of public housing and into a three-bedroom home. I went through a terrible divorce, but being in this program kept me focused, and I grew from it.” Rochelle’s resilience is not the only thing that grew, her business took flight. At one point, she had more work than employees. So, Rochelle recruited members of the GHA community and reached out to CareerSource of North Central Florida, the local workforce development agency, for staffing assistance. In addition to helping her launch her business and providing access to various training opportunities, JTEP introduced Rochelle to the City of Gainesville small business procurement program, through which she holds several contracts.

Meet Monique Brumfield!

Two-times entrepreneur Monique Brumfield owns and operates Monique’s Candyland, incorporated in 2015, and Better Quality Bookkeeping and Tax Prep, incorporated one year later. Her journey down the entrepreneurial path was inspired by John Harris’ success - with his Eastside Pop Shop. After attending his grand opening, Brumfield approached GHA staff and inquired about the program. Through JTEP, GHA provided Brumfield with a starter loan, which she has since repaid, and an office location for both businesses. To other residents looking to start their own businesses, Brumfield encouragingly says, “You can do anything that you put your mind to. Sky’s the limit.”

“

The best is yet to come

“The best is yet to come,” says Pamela Davis. “We want our residents to enter the program, rise up and move out, so other residents can have the same opportunity,” to keep the cycle of ‘paying it forward’ going strong. For more information about GHA, visit https://gainesvillehousingauthority.org. 1. This quote is attributed to George Barna, a New York Times bestseller and award-winning author, researcher and professor.

Surviving Toxic Leadership

in the Workplace

Story By:

STAFF WRITER

hen Dr. Margaret Gary was a young woman just reaching adulthood, she didn’t wish for much; all she wanted was a mobile home and her own property to park it on. She grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s in a small town called Ocklawaha, Florida, where racial boundaries were clear. “There was not a lot of hope,” she said. “There were very few people that were educated even past high school. They weren’t motivated.” She and others from the area knew not to dream outside of the box society put them in. Gary was married by 18, and not soon after, a trip

THERE’S A LESSON TO BE LEARNED IN EVERYTHING. AND THAT LESSON IS NOT JUST TO BE LEARNED, BUT TO BE TAKEN AND USED FOR THE GREATER GOOD. - Dr. Margaret Gary 56

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with her husband to visit his family in Atlanta had a profound effect on her perspective. “Driving through this African American neighborhood with these beautiful, extremely large homes… all of a sudden, I knew that there was a bigger box out there,” Gary said. Gary’s newfound perspective helped bring about many opportunities in her life, including her educational endeavors. She’s earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, an MBA with a healthcare management emphasis, and in 2019, she completed her dissertation for her doctorate program in business administration with an emphasis in organizational behavior and leadership. She also had a 19-year career in an organization where she managed customer service, international sales, and technical support, in addition to co-managing the domestic sales team. Unfortunately, her time as an upper-level manager with the organization was marred by what she refers to as “toxic leadership” by her manager. The toxicity from Gary’s manager began in 2008, around the time of President Barack Obama’s first election period.

“We found ourselves on two different ends of a spectrum in terms of political affiliation,” she said. “We always were, but that was a very heated time. Real personalities came out during that time.” Gary had her bachelor’s degree and was managing multiple departments. But when it came time for a promotion, her manager would tell her she “wasn’t qualified.” So Gary pursued her other degrees and continued to put in the work. “I thought the degrees were going to help me get there, but eventually I realized it wasn’t the degrees,” she said. Soon, Gary’s manager’s behavior worsened. She describes herself back then as not being “politically fluent,” which her manager used to disparage her. “He would say, ‘People like you shouldn’t

be allowed to vote,’” she said. “He would tell me things about Obama and why I shouldn’t be voting for him. I didn’t know enough to hold conversations about the things he would bring up, and so he would challenge me on that and get very angry.” Though his remarks usually centered on politics, Gary said she believes his actions were brought on by the fact that she didn’t accept what he said and would speak her mind. Eventually, her manager’s behavior reached a tipping point. “One day, I had to lock my office door,” Gary said. “I thought I was about to be

Dr. Margaret gary attacked. He was standing in front of me, leaned over me, screaming and pointing. And I don’t even remember all the words that he said, but it got very heated.” Her manager was required to attend anger management courses, but by then, Gary’s decision was made: she resigned after 19 years. TURNING TOXICITY INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH Although it was a negative experience for her, Gary was inspired by the happenings of her last job to start working on a book called Surviving Toxic Leadership with Gratefulness. In her book, which is a continuation of her doctorate thesis, she aims to look at toxic leadership from a human resource

manager perspective. “(The book) is a toolkit, so to speak, not just for individuals suffering from toxic leadership, but also human resource professionals who are suffering and responsible for mitigating suffering,” she said. In her book, Gary also talks about building “spiritual muscle” and having mentors, like her pastor, who can help you do that. She recalls a particular message he delivered that illustrated the point. “My pastor (holds) up his muscle and he starts out saying, you know, ‘Look at these muscles,’” she said. “He explains that these muscles help him achieve things that without them, he would not have been able to achieve. And he

points out that, to get these muscles, he went to the gym and he endured some pain. “The sermon, of course, switches to discussing why, from a spiritual perspective, we’re able to sustain and survive through situations. It’s because we’ve built up, we’ve prayed up, we’ve experienced some things, and we’ve made it through some things. We were able to see the bright side of some things.” Another mentor she mentions in her book is a man she met in her childhood named Mr. Welcome. “Since I was probably seven or so, whenever he would see me carrying my purse, he would greet me saying, ‘There’s my business woman.’ And he always called me that. Coming

from a small town like that, having someone put a positive label on you, it becomes an expectation (to move) beyond boundaries.” It was experiences like these, she said, that allowed her to survive the toxicity from her manager, and she encourages people to help show others “who they are and who they can be” from a young age, helping them build spiritual muscle, too. As for what she endured during her 19-year career, she’s learned a lesson that she also hopes is picked up in her book. “I’m learning that there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. “There’s a lesson to be learned in everything. And that lesson is not just to be learned, but to be taken and used for the greater good.”

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Natayla Bannister

I WAS CREATING THESE PROGRAMS THAT WERE WINNING NATIONAL AWARDS AND BRINGING SO MUCH ATTENTION TO OUR CENTERS. WE WON FOUR NATIONAL AWARDS IN A ROW. - Natayla Bannister

Natayla Bannister {Continued from Page 31}

Natayla found a sense of belonging at the University of Florida that she had not experienced since her early years in New York. She was happy, had good friends, and was making plans for her future. She was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Family, Youth, and Community Science with aspirations of attending law school to become a lawyer. As she approached graduation, she began studying for the LSAT and decided to volunteer at a local recreation center as a practicum for her specialization in youth development. While volunteering at the center, she recognized her true passion was to serve underprivileged youth. Natayla states that the practicum completely changed my life. She fell in love with the kids at the center

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and saw an opportunity to make a real difference in their lives. Natayla’s practicum turned into a full-time career. Her first position was as office assistant, she remembers, “I would check in all the kids at the front counter.” While earning her Masters degree, she was promoted several times and as she was graduating, she was offered the position of director of one of the sites. Natayla loved her job so much that even her friends would want to hear about her kids at the center. “Everyone knew how dear this job was to me.” Her love for the job was reflected in her successes as well. “I was creating these programs that were winning national awards and bringing so much attention to our centers. We won four National awards in a row.” She progressed through the

positions of director, area director, vice president and the next step would be CEO. Unfortunately, Natayla would never serve as CEO. The sense of belonging and purpose that she had found at the center would soon be interrupted with the reality of racism, colorism, ageism, and sexism. As a young successful professional, Natayla had allowed herself to forget the lessons of race, ethnicity, and color of her childhood. She found herself in that comfortable place that Black professionals are often able to find when they reach a level or success, or are able to create a space of their own. All of that was shattered when she received a text message, “Are you available to talk?” This text came from a board member of the center. Natayla doesn’t remember why but

she immediately knew that something was wrong. She called the board member and they agreed to meet later to talk. In this meeting, Natayla was informed that she was the topic of a recent board meeting. She learned that her plans of serving as CEO of the center would not be realized. She learned that her ability to serve in that capacity was being questioned because of her ethnicity, race, gender, and age. Though Natayla had worked at the center for many years, her ability to lead was now in question. In this meeting, some very harsh comments were made. Even if we gave her the job, we wouldn’t pay her the amount that is allocated for the position. I’m not sure that she is qualified for this position. She is too ethnic to be the head of this agency,

Natayla Bannister and that is not the look that Gainesville would appreciate. The only reason she is growing is because she is attractive. Being a woman of color, she will never be able to raise money in this community. She learned that her sense of belonging was a false sense of security. She learned that no matter how hard she worked, how much she assimilated, how many awards she won, how many programs she created, how much she loved the kids and how much she believed in the work that she was doing, in that moment she was reminded that she was Brown and therefore not good enough. Natayla recalls, “I could do everything perfect, and

it is still not good enough for you. I could not rationalize it and that was the heartbreaking part for me.” Natayla found herself face to face, front and center with the trauma of -isms that continue to plague our city. The following weeks would be challenging for Natayla, as she had to accept the fact that her career at the center was over. Natayla had a life changing decision to make. Should she stay and fight against a system that was aligned against her, or should she move on to lead an organization that would recognize and welcome her leadership skills as well as her diversity? After considering all of her options, she decided that it was time to move on

and she began looking for other opportunities. Natayla remembers that she was initially going to leave Gainesville. She wondered, “How can I be effective in a community that thinks this way about me?” But she had developed a love for Gainesville. She recalls, “Gainesville became very dear to my heart.” So, when she was asked to interview for the position of Executive Director for the PACE Center for Girls, she was open to the idea. She recalls this as a pivotal point in her career. “I remember the girls interviewed me, it was an instant connection – they needed me, and I needed them.” Nataylia knew this was where she needed to be and was meant to be. She knew that she could make

a difference and she wanted to be in a place where she could affect change.

{Continued on Page 96}

I COULD DO EVERYTHING PERFECT, AND IT IS STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU. I COULD NOT RATIONALIZE IT AND THAT WAS THE HEARTBREAKING PART FOR ME. - Natayla Bannister

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

Tyran w. butler

Tyran W. Butler

Life Lessons

A Gainesville educator says life is the best teacher Story By:

C. M. Schmidlkofer

local educator says the best lessons for success come not just from the classroom, but from our own unique life experiences. “Lean in to what comes to you if there is good that you can do and lessons to be learned. We always learn from our experiences. I encourage people to embrace new and/or unexpected ones.” This sage advice is shared by Tyran W. Butler, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs for Career and

LEAN IN TO WHAT COMES TO YOU IF THERE IS GOOD THAT YOU CAN DO AND LESSONS TO BE LEARNED. WE ALWAYS LEARN FROM OUR EXPERIENCES. - Tyran W. Butler 60

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Technical Education at Gainesville’s Santa Fe College. Speaking from experience, she said being open to receiving what comes your way is valuable, even if it does not appear to be so at the time. “Never did I expect to be in my current role. The plan I had for myself was different. However, the plan that is being worked is good.” Her career journey began when she graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Elementary Education. At that time, she was awarded a Virgil Hawkins scholarship to UF’s College of Law, but after a semester knew it wasn’t what she wanted. “On a whim, I took a teaching job in Lake City (for a semester) and ended up there for several years.” She went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, followed by a Ph.D. in Special Education, the latter earned on a UF Alumni Fellowship. She began her employment at Santa Fe in 2012, hired as the Director of the Education Programs Department. She served in that role until February 2002, when she was promoted to her current position where she supervises all

non-health science career and technical programs including the Perkins Programs, Secondary Career Pathways, and the Career and Job Placement Center. While she believes her experience and credentials made her the best candidate for the position she now holds, it’s not all

that is needed. “One of the most critical skills needed to serve in this role is a genuine desire to help people in our community access what Santa Fe College has to offer. I also believe that good communication and collaboration skills are critical in this role. Nothing is done in a silo.” It is also important to

Tyran w. butler focus on students and community. “They should also come with a willingness to keep students at the center of their decisions and a willingness to collaborate with others to make that happen.” Touching on her philosophy that life is full of lessons, she said she has benefited from leadership examples in her career that were both great and notso-great. “I have always strived to learn something from every situation.” When she was impressed with a leader’s behavior or actions, she would ask why they did what they did and try to emulate that. When she felt disappointed by a leader’s behavior, she would ask herself if she would be prepared to do something different. “When I feel strongly enough about someone’s

leadership to speak about it, my answer has to be yes, I am prepared to do something different. My inability to sit back and see important work undone gives me the courage to lead and do it.” Some of her biggest challenges she has encountered as a leader include those who aren’t always focused on the “main thing”: a system that doesn’t always work for all people and limited resources to accomplish enormous tasks. She credits her family and mentors with having the greatest impact on her journey to success. Her grandmother was one of her biggest supporters, always willing to do anything to ensure that she had what she needed to thrive. Encouragement also came from UF Professor Dr. Simon O. Johnson, who became a mentor. He

was her Science Methods professor as Associate Professor of Science Education at the time. Simon and his wife, Verna, founded the Caring and Sharing Learning School in Gainesville, which accepted its first class in 1998. “His office was a haven for me in the College of Education. He taught me overtly and covertly. Oftentimes, when I am feeling especially challenged, I visualize Dr. Johnson’s smile and recall his words and I think about what my grandmother would say in instances when I feel like my back is against the wall.” The COVID-19 pandemic has shown Butler the importance of people helping and accepting help from others, how everyone is connected, how much everyone relies on each other, and how everyone has been challenged in ways they

MY INABILITY TO SIT BACK AND SEE IMPORTANT WORK UNDONE GIVES ME THE COURAGE TO LEAD AND DO IT. - Tyran W. Butler are unaccustomed to being challenged. “I think that 2020 had an impact on everyone. I can’t imagine that there is a person in the world who has been untouched. Having to quarantine is something that most people have never had to experience. My hope is that we gain a greater appreciation for people and our collective interdependence. My hope is also that we have increased compassion for one another as we try to stay safe and sane.”

Patrice and Ian Fletcher

An Unbreakable Bond

Story By:

SAMANTHA CHERY

atrice and Ian Fletcher have plenty to do to occupy themselves as a Gainesville power couple. Patrice works as a Senior Administrative Assistant at the engineering consulting firm Jones Edmunds, and Ian is the Vice President of Education and Talent Alignment for the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. Together, they serve as church leaders at the Trinity Assembly Dream Center, own a business consulting firm, and run two

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nonprofit organizations. The hardest and most important position they fill is being parents. In 2008, their son, Joshua Joel Fletcher, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a disorder mainly affecting babies and children that weakens muscle control and makes it increasingly difficult to breathe over time. Joshua had to be hospitalized for six months at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando. “It really was a heavy, heavy thing to learn,” Ian said.

Doctors told them Joshua likely wouldn’t live past his first birthday, and he would be bedridden at the hospital under 24-hour care.

pushed back on medical orders with better options, and Joshua fared better than many of his doctors expected.

The Fletchers had to make quality-of-life decisions, which are preferences for procedures and practices the hospital would perform to treat Joshua.

Joshua’s Gainesville pulmonologist, Dr. Pamela Schuler, staunchly advocated for the family, allowing them to take Joshua home with a ventilator. And the Fletchers were taught how to change the tube their son needed for breathing.

Instead of blindly accepting the doctors’ grim prognosis, the parents journaled about Joshua’s condition and researched suggested treatments and the effects they’ve had on others with the disease. They

Throughout this period, Patrice and Ian’s daughter, Julia Fletcher, never missed an event as a competitive dancer.

Patrice and Ian Fletcher “Joshua went to her competition with us, and we went to the beach and went to the zoo and went to SeaWorld and other parks, because we never just left him behind,” said Ian. “We took him with us everywhere we went.” “If he was detached from that ventilator at any moment, he could pass away,” said Patrice. “But we didn’t let that stop us from going places, doing things with him and making him experience different things.” Their persistence to not let SMA take away Joshua’s quality of life also allowed Julia to pursue her passions unhindered as well. Julia quickly became selfsufficient, and she grew up to be the detail-oriented, outgoing young woman she is today. She’s now a 19-yearold health administration student at Santa Fe College, with plans to transfer to the University of Florida or the

University of South Florida. Joshua died in 2013, and in his honor, the Fletchers founded their first nonprofit, Joshua Joel SMA Life Inc., which raises money for the research necessary to find a treatment and cure for the disease. It also encourages families to advocate for a fulfilling life for their loved ones with SMA. Patrice’s hope is that the nonprofit can inspire Gainesville to build an all-inclusive park, similar to Legacy Park in the city of Alachua. The Fletchers leaned on the support of their friends, family, and faith through the hardships they faced. They also received help from Ian’s workplace at the Chamber of Commerce. Patrice’s forte is in customer service and event management. She first uncovered her knack for retail while working at K-Mart, which allowed her to be authentic and creative with how she showcased

the merchandise. Her then manager, David Barden, inspired her goals as a workplace leader. “My best skill is customer service, and it’s because of what he taught me. Not just what he told and how he led, but what he also said and how he carried himself,” Patrice said. “Throughout my life in every job, that’s been my focus: how do I serve?” Ian’s strength is derived from the 25 years he’s spent in business management, which included 15 years as a Winn Dixie store manager before he dived into workforce development at the Chamber of Commerce in 2007. Using their connections and knowledge to cater to client needs, the pair’s most recent offering to Gainesville is Xposure Consulting Firm, a company they helped create in 2017 to provide guidance for local businesses,

corporations, and nonprofits. Having jam-packed lives makes it difficult for the Fletchers to find downtime. “The biggest challenge is I want sleep,” Patrice said. “I would love to just sit and watch movies and not think about all the work that’s not getting done, but this is the role that we chose.” They fit their clients into their schedules throughout the week, during breaks, and after work, but they sacrifice sleep and relaxation to meet deadlines. Despite their struggles, they’re grateful, as the firm has experienced steady growth without advertising their business. Patrice and Ian are successful in their individual paths, but when they work together, they’re unstoppable in delivering for their family and for their community.

jasmine reaves

Keeping an Eye on the Prize appointments for her to visit them in their homes for their personal care needs.

Story By:

C. M. Schmidlkofer

Reaves still remembers the first bride she made up. “She was so nervous and irritated because nothing was going right.”

erseverance.

That is the advice Jasmine Reaves of Ocala offers to those pursuing their dreams ― and in particular ― business dreams.

Until she looked in the mirror and saw how beautiful Reaves had made her look.

Expect things to get tough along the way, but never give up.

“After that, her day was amazing.”

“I would say make sure you never stop doing what you love,” she said. “Take a deep breath and keep pushing forward.”

Reaves became inspired to learn makeup techniques when she was a teenage beauty contestant with a desire to be a model.

She speaks from personal experience. She opened Diamond Effect Beauty House in May of 2020, offering natural and full-glam makeup applications and self-care products for men, women, and children.

She developed her own line of beauty products: body scrubs, organic soaps and moisturizers, oatmeal baths, and hair serums. Her buttercream brightening scrub is her most popular item, which includes turmeric, lemon peels, and raw cane sugar.

With three young children to care for as a single parent, Reaves said finding work that allowed her flexibility and control over her future was imperative, especially with the events that unfolded in 2020.

She named her business after her popular “Diamond in the Rough Collection” of body scrubs. Reaves became interested in offering makeup and body care products to others after learning confidence and poise from her participation in beauty pageants as a teen. “I learned I was beautiful in my own skin.”

“2020 has made me realize that you need to pave your own way because if you work for a company that doesn’t care about you, a pandemic can make you homeless.” A daughter with health issues also pushed Reaves to make selfemployment work for her. “My twoyear-old daughter is disabled and completely dependent on me. Due to her sickness, I was unable to keep a job so I found something I loved and can make my own schedule.” She credits prayer for giving her the courage to be an entrepreneur, along with the desire to create a better life for her children. Being a leader has also meant she had to accept criticism in order to grow as a businesswoman and to learn how

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to work with customers who may be difficult. She has a growing base of clients who rely on her expert touch for makeup and hair for photo shoots, bridal makeup and special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries. Customers find her by word of mouth or her Facebook page and make

Helping women feel empowered is the most satisfying aspect of her job, but her greatest accomplishment was purchasing her LLC status, she said. Reaves has big plans. “My long term goal is to become a multi-millionaire company and to have my products in every store.” Reaves said staying focused is imperative for success, as is good communication, patience, and passion. “Setting goals has made me stay very focused on the prize.”

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Kevin Dowdell

MOST OF WHAT I DO IS BORN OUT OF TRYING TO FIND MY INNER PEACE. TOOK ME A WHILE TO FIND THE RHYTHM THAT WORKS FOR ME. STILL WORKING ON IT, HONESTLY. - Kevin Dowdell

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Kevin Dowdell

Seeing Life Through Multiple Lenses Story By:

Mia Brabham

ou might not immediately recognize him if you pass him on the street or see him in the grocery store, but there’s a good chance you’ve been in the same room with him. Kevin Ian Dowdell is the man behind the lens; the event photographer who has captured Gainesville Black Professionals’ mixers since 2017. And there’s more to his story than meets the eye. Not only is Dowdell the photographer and videographer for Gainesville Black Professionals and SYNERGY Magazine, he is a kind, creative, and free-spirited photographer, artist, and educator who is constantly seeking out inward-tranquility through art, music, and storytelling. “Most of what I do is born out of trying to find my inner peace. Took me a while to find the rhythm that works for me. Still working on it, honestly.” When asked to describe what inner peace looks like for him, he explains that it’s the aftermath after he’s given all of his emotions an outlet. “It looks like, or feels like, making an arrow. Finding the wood, whittling it down, and forming a good point. Then, nocking that arrow in a bow, pulling back on the string, and releasing it. Making things helps me get to this point [of inner peace] by freeing me to focus on one particular task with all of my mind and release some of the tension that

comes from worrying about many things constantly.” As someone who has found a way to achieve inner peace, he finds himself hoping others find it for themselves. “Most people have already found the thing that can bring them peace, they just don’t realize it. Most people have something they love doing, independent of anyone else’s feelings or input, but maybe they don’t do it ENOUGH. That’s finding the balance. What is ‘enough’? That’s for each of us to find out.” Dowdell is always challenging himself and views his life and work as a playground. Although he may not be a loud person by nature, he is bold in his art. “I think what I find the most interesting about my work as an artist is my use of color and my color palette. I enjoy loud colors in the majority of my work. My medium varies, sometimes it’s painting, sometimes it’s digital art, sometimes it’s resin art, but the colors are consistent.” For his work with Gainesville Black Professionals and beyond, he’s captured everything from light and airy outdoor events to neon nightlife functions. From anniversary videos and event recaps to podcast art and portraits, Dowdell does it all and is finding a way to connect with others in the process. “I mostly focus on taking portraits and headshots of people. I think the most

satisfying part of my work is feeling like I was able to capture what makes that person beautiful.” To Kevin, the process is simple. He engages with his photo subjects and meets them where they are. “I am often taking photos of someone who ‘never takes photos,’ so I talk to them about a subject that they’re comfortable with, or something I think we have in common. Whatever I can do to get them to open up.” No matter what he’s shooting, Kevin Ian Dowdell is rarely the center of attention, and he likes it that way. “With my friends, my tribe, I’m in the action. If there are too many unknowns, I prefer to float around the edges and observe. I think my favorite aspect of my role is meeting all of the subjects of the articles, or meeting people at mixers.” When the laidback creative is not capturing moments to be remembered forever, he’s teaching sixth through eight grade at Kanapaha Middle School. “I teach business technology/ entrepreneurship. I’m most proud of how I can connect to kids from various backgrounds. I really enjoy being able to spread my love for technology, and just knowledge of computers in general.” He also has a passion for music. “I blame my high school history teachers for really getting me to explore

different kinds of music for myself. They all had very diverse music tastes, stuff I had never heard before. That set me on a path to hunting down music on my own, eventually running a music blog in college, and now producing music as a hobby of sorts.” Although he may not be front and center in every room, his impact on generations to come is big. “I think the legacy I want to leave is one based around the importance of education and exploration.” The greatest piece of wisdom he’s learned along the way? “Most barriers are greater in our minds than they are in reality. Just get started.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

KYLE FRANK

Kyle Frank

Cast a Wide Net Story By:

C. M. Schmidlkofer

hen it comes to choosing a career, University of Florida junior Kyle Frank believes one should experience as many career options as possible before settling on one. “Any experience you can get, whether positive or negative, can help inform your career decision by the time you recruit full-time,” he said. “By doing multiple internships early in your college career, you can also get more life experience which helps you mature faster.” This process has led the Miramar native to focus on a degree in International Studies with a minor in Real Estate at the Heavener School of Business, where its collection of international programs provide students with the possibility to live and work overseas.

ONE THING THAT I REALIZED IS THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM. - Kyle Frank 68

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As a leadership platform, Heavener challenges its students to lead programs and peers throughout their university experience, resulting in community leaders. When Warrington College of Business hosted a focus group for Black business students, Kyle took advantage of the opportunity to discuss how well it was providing enough support for its Black students with faculty and staff there.

He shared his personal experience within the Business School and areas where he thought there could be improvement. That got the attention of faculty and fellow students who were interested in starting a new organization. In July 2020, he became the founding Vice President of Black Students in Business at Warrington College of Business. “Its function is to help Black students in the business school develop professionally while also being a space where members can be themselves and feel at home amongst other Black business students.” His VP responsibilities are fluid, first and foremost assisting President Dorian Simpkins with projects planned for members and also helping her with strategizing ideas to improve the club. He describes his role in three words: visionary, execution, timeliness. There is also a good deal of flexibility that comes with this new leadership position. “In a way, it is like being an entrepreneur where you have to be a self-starter and execute on any ideas that you may have.” His greatest accomplishment as vice president has been hosting Warrington’s Diversify Your Network event, a three-day profes-

KYLE FRANK sional- and career-centered series hosted by various organizations in the business school. He helped organize a mixer the last day of that event with Seizing Every Opportunity and Management Leadership for Tomorrow ― nonprofit professional organizations that help underserved and underrepresented communities achieve their goals through coaching and training ― something he considers one of his greatest achievements to date. Frank also serves as campus ambassador for the two groups and credits his involvement with them, along with another similar organization – JumpStart Advisory Group – as greatly impacting his journey to his success. “These organizations not only helped open my eyes to what it means to be a Black professional in America, but also how to

be a leader within my own community.” Kyle has used his goalsetting abilities to crystalize the direction in which he wants to see BSiB go. He plans to have BSiB launch a mentorship program for its members to help them expand their network. “In the coming months, I hope to see a platform where we can be able to provide this resource to our members and goal setting would have made it possible.” His biggest challenge so far since assuming his leadership position is connecting with members face-to-face in a virtual world due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

he built both inside and outside of college over the past two years has given him the courage to be a leader, helping him to realize what he is capable of. “Seeing my fellow peers’ success on LinkedIn helps inspire me to go out and be a leader at my University because if my friends can do it, why can’t I?” He encourages others who would like to serve in a leadership role at BSiB to develop self-motivation to handle the challenges that come with the job.

“Connecting in person is really essential to building a strong connection with somebody... but we are still looking for one day where we can get back to normal.”

“Members are now looking towards you for guidance and advice as a leader. So if, let’s say, a member has an idea that would help benefit the club, you got to be able to run with the idea and try and get it started and that is drawn from being self-motivated and really believing in the vision of BSiB.”

Being around like-minded individuals in a network

Frank believes 2020 had an impact on everyone,

THESE ORGANIZATIONS NOT ONLY HELPED OPEN MY EYES TO WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A BLACK PROFESSIONAL IN AMERICA, BUT ALSO HOW TO BE A LEADER WITHIN MY OWN COMMUNITY. - Kyle Frank including himself. “One thing that I realized is the importance of having a strong support system. Having friends and family to lean on during these turbulent times has really helped me stay grounded and put my life into perspective in the overall bigger picture.”

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Lizzie Robinson Jenkins is Completing Her Assignment

“IF I HAD TO DO IT OVER AGAIN, I’D DO IT OVER AGAIN. IT’S HARD, BUT [HISTORY IS] THE BURDEN OF TRUTH. - Lizzie Robinson Jenkins

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Lizzie Robinson Jenkins Story By:

Zondra Victor

izzie Robinson Jenkins is an educator, author, historian, and preservationist who bears the weight of her family name. Lizzie grew up during the Jim Crow era in Archer, Florida. Her parents were the safety net Lizzie needed in a segregated society, yet Lizzie felt that she also had to serve as a protector a lot of the time. “I felt for the rest of my life, I had to be my dad’s protection,” said Lizzie. “I didn’t want to go to college because I felt like I needed to protect him, but I’m glad he made me go.” Lizzie’s parents were hard-working people, her father being a farmer and her mother, a housewife. They grew up in a familyowned farm, which Lizzie still owns today. Although her mother only had an 8thgrade education, she was the reason Lizzie chose to become an educator. Lizzie received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida Memorial College and a Master of Science in Administrative Supervision from Nova Southeastern University. “If you set your mind to it, you can accomplish it,” Lizzie quoted her mother’s encouraging words. “Black women. We are sharp. We are gifted. We are chosen.” Lizzie’s immediate and extended family were the inspiration behind the 1997 film, Rosewood, which re-told the story of the Rosewood Massacre. Lizzie hasn’t escaped her family’s story, but she is embracing the pain and turning it into something positive. “I want to build a museum,” said Lizzie. “Rosewood history needs to be taught

in school. [Congressman Ted Yoho] is going to help us get Rosewood’s history in history books.” The site where the massacre took place is now a national landmark. Lizzie is also honoring her Aunt Mahulda’s name by working with the City of Gainesville to erect a statue of her. After her many efforts, the city decided the statue would be free instead of the initial quote of $2,400 that she received. Lizzie has built a dedicated team to help accomplish other goals for The Real Rosewood Foundation.

any other career she could possibly want, Lizzie said she wanted to be a “political strategist.” Her goal would be to bring people together, instead of attacking one another for their beliefs. “The future of our nation [is] brotherhood - sisterhood,” said Lizzie. “When God built this world, he didn’t build it for specific

people. We are all different, but we are all alike. This world does not belong to us. It took COVID-19 to bring it to our attention. This is His world, this is His country, if we haven’t learned anything else in this world, we’ve learned that He is powerful. We thought it was about us, and it’s not. It’s about calling people and helping people.”

“If I had to do it over again, I’d do it over again,” said Lizzie. “It’s hard, but [history is] the burden of truth. Now, I have a working board: a state attorney and about 21 members,” said Lizzie. Being led by her mother’s wishes to complete her “assignment,” Lizzie strives for reconciliation, to be honest, and to be truthful. “They might hear some things about family,” Lizzie advises other family preservationists, “but history is who we are, good, bad, or ugly. America was built on our shoulders...muscle, sweat, and blood-soaked tears. Without sharing with our generation, we wouldn’t know how important we were. When you are denying your history, you are denying your ancestor’s bravery. Because of them, you are, so you better get your act together and listen!” Lizzie’s close political relationships, fostered through her work with The Real Rosewood Foundation, has shown her the importance of political strategy in the lives of people in communities around the nation. When asked if there was gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

mATTHEW cOWLEY

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mATTHEW cOWLEY

Starting Critical Conversations in Educational and Professional Spaces Story By:

Mia Brabham

y day, he’s leading over 52,00 undergraduate and graduate students at University of Florida to their purpose. By night, he’s speaking directly into the microphone to his audience of over 1,500 listeners ― and growing. In two different and dynamic universes ― podcasting and education ― Matthew Paul Cowley is keenly and passionately paving the way for necessary conversations and equitable outcomes for young people. After earning both his Bachelor’s Degree and Master of Education from Auburn University, the critical educator and self-proclaimed student affairs nerd began working in the career center at the University of Florida, where he is now the Associate Director for Integrated Partnerships, and is also pursuing his Ph.D. in the Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education. “Over the years I’ve worked to blend my academic work (in the areas of critical race theory, critical university studies and teaching and learning in higher education), with my job in career services.” Cowley did not always know he wanted to work in higher education; he originally wanted to be a

scientist or a doctor. “I was obsessed with Steve Urkel; I thought I’d have inventions and do experiments,” he said. When he got involved on campus during his undergraduate education, he found his true passion for connecting people to their purpose. “That passion for analyzing data never went away; it came back in a new form.” Now, he truly is a social scientist. “Being critical is not a negative attribute. It means that I am attentive to the role that power and privilege play in career development and trajectory. By being critical and not remaining silent, we can work together to end cycles of oppression that keep our students from reaching their full potential.” Matthew emphasized that our country is set up in ways that certain students aren’t readied to succeed. “Students of color, particularly Black students, are taking out loans at a higher rate than White students. If both a Black student and White student are making $55,000 a year and the Black student has loans, they aren’t really making as much as the White student.” He also spoke to intersectionality in race: how

a Black man may make a certain amount but that a Black woman might face more barriers; a Black transgender woman might face even more than that. His purpose? To help combat and remove those barriers to success and inform students of resources and possibilities they may not be aware of. “I tell my students that if you’re going to graduate school, try not to pay for graduate school. You can do graduate assistantships in another department, work for 20 hours a week, and have them pay for it.” Another part of his personal mission and job is to get students to stop, reflect, and do the internal work necessary to step into the workforce. A student once met with him to ask him what to do with her natural hair during interviews after she had met with several people who told her she needed to tame her hair. They ended up going over their regularly scheduled 30-minute appointment time to discuss her true values. “Do you want to work for someone who doesn’t want to employ the authentic version of you?” The curious critic, strategist, and creator has recently stepped into yet another role.

BY BEING CRITICAL, AND NOT REMAINING SILENT, WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO END CYCLES OF OPPRESSION THAT KEEP OUR STUDENTS FROM REACHING THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. - Matthew Cowley In March 2020, he started the Black & Intellectualish Podcast, which has already racked up a number of five-star reviews. He created the bi-weekly chat cast with his co-host and fellow scholar, Tee Chin, who was his graduate assistant that later became his peer and friend. On the show, they talk about race, culture, and whatever else comes up. “The purpose of the podcast is to expose people to new ideas and make academic theories more accessible through intellectual conversation,” Cowley explained. The show came about when Cowley and Tee Chin were participating in the gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

mATTHEW cOWLEY

I WANT TO BE KNOWN AS SOMEONE WHO IS UNWAVERINGLY COMMITTED TO BOTH MY FAITH AND TO CREATING AN EQUITABLE SOCIETY. I WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER IN WAYS THAT INVITE PEOPLE IN AND MOVE THEM TO ACTION. - Matthew Cowley

same graduate program and would have stimulating, sometimes challenging, but always compassionate conversations about current events or pop culture. A colleague pointed out that they should begin recording their conversations for the world to hear. “We weren’t combative, but we would push each other to think differently,” he said of his co-host. Both being challenged and challenging others is a powerful pattern Matthew recognizes as important in his life and in his work. “My favorite student development theory is Sanford’s theory of challenge and support, and I am driven by the ability to affect positive change in the lives of students; helping to create for them a learning environment that empowers them

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to thrive and become better young men and women,” he said. “We all need to be challenged.” After an episode of the podcast titled “This Is Not New” came out, listeners reached out to let him and Tee Chin know that their perspective had been changed surrounding the murder of George Floyd. “My co-host and I have heard from listeners that our podcast caused them to consider an issue from a different perspective. In some cases, people have changed their opinion on something altogether. We’ve also had disagreements with listeners who cared enough to reach out and debate ― respectfully ― with us on social media.” All of the promotion for the show so far has been

organic; the listenership active and authentic. For Matthew, it’s been the best part of the podcast journey so far. “To hear that people are engaging with the content and have been moved to respond in these ways is very gratifying.“

Ikigai exists at the nexus of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. I also feel an immense gratification when I can help others move toward their ikigai as well.”

With the show’s audience growing rapidly, they hope to begin having guests on the show soon and keep sparking healthy debate and critical thinking surrounding race and other crucial topics.

Matthew is a force to be reckoned with, and with every word ― whether said one-on-one in a conversation with a student or broadcasted for many to hear ― he is living his purpose and asking people to reflect, think, and act with intention.

“Honestly, the thing that I’m most proud of in my career is the internal work that I’ve done to work toward ikigai. In the world of career, ikigai is a [Japanese] buzzword that has been gaining popularity. It essentially means “reason for being.”

“I want to be known as someone who is unwaveringly committed to both my faith and to creating an equitable society. I want to be known for speaking truth to power in ways that invite people in and move them to action.”

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RYAN BEACHER

Ryan Beacher

Bridging the Gap A Gainesville entrepreneur works to empower others to leave a legacy for their children to build on Story By:

C. M. Schmidlkofer

Ryan Beacher grew up in two worlds – one of prosperity and privilege and one of far more modest means with little opportunity. Raised in New Orleans, Beacher’s parents afforded him every opportunity including education at crème de la crème private middle and high schools where he excelled academically and

SO I HAD THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO BE IN THESE DIFFERENT WORLDS. IT WAS A BLESSING THAT HAS SHAPED A LOT OF MY PERSPECTIVE AND WHO I AM. - Ryan Beacher 76

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enjoyed extracurricular activities with sports, choir, and playing music. After his school day ended, he spent time with his grandparents who lived in a very different world, where the neighborhood kids struggled with gangs and violence. He realized the only difference between himself and his friends in his grandparent’s neighborhood were the opportunities afforded by his parents and the foundation they provided for him to succeed. “So I had this unique opportunity to be in these different worlds. It was a blessing that has shaped a lot of my perspective and who I am.” He noticed those from his grandparent’s neighborhood who managed to achieve a certain level of success lost it due to investments that only provided temporary comfort before fading away, leaving noth-

ing for their children to build upon. On top of that, they were burdened with debt left from prior generations. “So in a culture that was moving forward, we had families who were going backwards, and kids not only not being able to begin at the starting line, but rather beginning far behind it. “My ultimate hope is that Black families will be able to see tangible progress in steps they’ve taken where our kids will be able to have a genuine inheritance and continue building upon what we’ve created, so that their kids will never have to ask or look for a job but instead be the ones to create them.” To help families take the first step into becoming homeowners, Ryan joined with Team Dynamo at Keller Wil-

liams Realty so he can walk them through this process. As a Realtor, Beacher said Keller Williams Realty has values aligned with his own. Fighting for his vision has been challenging at times, but he manages it by relying on mentors for help and continuing to invest in himself, which he considers important in being a leader. Overall, 2020 was challenging in a number of ways, but also a catalyst for growth. “Many people thought I was crazy to even start a business in 2020 for obvious reasons. Being able to adapt when many were quitting actually provided an opportunity. What we saw was that people didn’t really stop patronizing businesses, they just changed the way in which they did so.”

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SANDRA WILSON

Sandra

WILSON Story By:

Annissa Brockington

“

When opportunity knocks ― be prepared to answer.” On June 2, 2020, Sandra Wilson ― Ocala, Florida’s first African American City Manager ― did just that. Having served as the Acting City Manager for over six months, Wilson was more than prepared to transition and serve in this essential role for the City of Ocala. Wilson, who holds a

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS ― BE PREPARED TO ANSWER. - Sandra Wilson 78

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bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a MBA from Saint Leo University, is no stranger to the field of Public Service. In fact, 20 years later she still finds her work to be just as fascinating today as it was when she first started. Her first management level position in Public Service began in the town of Lady Lake in 1994 where she landed the position as a Town Clerk. “I openly admit that I did not come to the table fully armed with the skills outlined on the job description; I lacked experience. However, during the interview, I was blessed to sit across from an organizational leader who recognized my sincere willingness to learn and believed that I possessed the essential qualities (personally and professionally) to be effective in the role.” Hooked

from day one, Wilson was determined to learn the inner workings of managing an entire city. From that moment on, understanding how each of the pieces worked together became a part of her life’s mission. Over the span of her four-year tenure (19941998), Wilson would be presented with a variety of career opportunities, including Purchasing Officer, Personnel Officer, and Human Resources/Risk Management Director. As fate would have it, in 1998 she accepted a position with the City of Lauderdale Lakes; she then met and married her soulmate in 1999. Although her stint there was brief, she would make connections which led to her inevitable career path within the City of Ocala. Wilson credits that interview encounter with the town of Lady Lake for

her shift in paradigm when recruiting talent for the City. “Credentials are only part of the equation and not everyone is afforded the opportunity to gain (or even be exposed to) hands-on experience. I am a living testimony. If you have a good attitude and a desire to learn, this is truly what matters most.” As a leader, Wilson has learned first-hand that when you have a seat at the table, you increase your influence and ultimately the ability to impact change. Unfortunately, fewer African Americans are extended the opportunity to gain leadership experience which may impede their potential for career growth and upward mobility. Because of this, she strongly encourages those with an interest in leadership to prepare early and visualize

SANDRA WILSON where they want to be. “Begin early by taking the necessary steps to meet the criteria for the position that you wish to one day fill. Find creative ways to gain exposure and research

PUBLIC SERVICE REQUIRES A UNIQUE SKILLSET. TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS FIELD, YOU MUST BE A CRITICAL LISTENER AND HAVE A HEART FOR PEOPLE. - Sandra Wilson

what professional development opportunities are available to you. If opportunities do not exist within your organization, create your own experiences through volunteer work and community engagement (e.g. sororities, clubs, etc.).” Of course (as with any other field), experience alone does not ensure your success as a leader within the Public Service industry. Wilson is clear about the qualities and skills that a person must possess to succeed. “Public Service requires a unique skillset. To be successful in this field, you must be a critical listener and have a heart for people.” Wilson’s mentors taught her a lot about how to deal with people. “Creating a bridge between people with dif-

ferences in opinions and needs can be challenging. However, this leadership skill is essential when working with all stakeholders (both within and outside of the organization). Wilson emphasizes that everything that they do is people and community focused. “The citizens of Ocala are at the center of every decision made and initiative implemented. Once you master the skill of collaboration and pulling people and resources together, the rest is gravy.” With all the dots now connected, a seat at the table, and a workforce of 1,000-strong by her side, Wilson is paving the way for future leaders. “Even though I am especially proud of a variety of initiatives that either made our work processes more efficient or

resulted in a cost savings for the City, my greatest reward comes from knowing and witnessing the positive impact my leadership decisions have and will make on this community.”

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Tiara Johnson

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Tiara Johnson

Made the Honey Way A Gainesville entrepreneur turns her love of baking into a thriving business

Story By:

C. M. Schmidlkofer

childhood passion for chocolate chip cookies led Tiara Johnson to become the owner of her own bakery in Gainesville. Growing up, the cookie was her favorite treat sold at a chain bakery in a local mall enjoyed by her family. When it closed, she spent years in her kitchen trying to come up with a recipe ― and others ― of her own to remind her of those happy family times. “My vision is to share the tastes of my childhood with everyone by specializing in the desserts I grew up loving,” she said. Johnson has been baking for her family her entire life and started selling her confections to friends and customers in 2016 when she officially opened Honey, Rose & Company. She comes from a family of bakers. Her maternal and paternal grandmothers were respected and wellknown bakers. Her paternal grandmother had consid-

ered opening a bakery of her own, but ultimately decided to only bake for for family, church, and those who might ask. Johnson said her grandmother didn’t want the responsibility of running a business especially after she retired. It would have taken her away from what she loved most ― her family. “Her joy was family first and then baking. Although I carry the same values, I feel strongly that everything I am doing to establish this business is for my family. I feel like it’s my destiny to carry out what they were unable to do in their time.” Today, her bakery produces cookies, cupcakes, and cheesecakes weekly in her residential kitchen. Home-style desserts and red velvet cakes are her specialties. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, Iced Bourbon Snickerdoodle, Bourbon Chocolate Chunk cookies; Blue Velvet and Red Velvet cakes and cupcakes covered with cream cheese frosting and crushed pecans; cakes covered with frosting roses in a

variety of colors are some of the favorites of her growing customer base. They are all “made the Honey Way” and are exclusive home-style recipes Johnson says she makes with love and attention to detail. A self-professed perfectionist, Johnson says her family tells her appearance doesn’t have to be perfect if her product tastes good. But that’s not good enough for the confectionary artist. “If I don’t like how it looks, I will remake it until I am satisfied.” Johnson’s baked goods are available on social media, made from scratch and baked to order using fresh fruit and other ingredients. Her bakery offers pick-up and delivery service. She has the help of her two daughters, Aubri, 14, and Taliyah, 9, and the support of her entire family in her venture. “All of my family is local and they are my biggest supporters. Part of the reason I started baking in more of a public setting is because of their encour-

SO, MY VISION IS TO SHARE THE TASTES OF MY CHILDHOOD WITH EVERYONE BY SPECIALIZING IN THE DESSERTS I GREW UP LOVING. - Tiara Johnson

agement and support. They help as much as they can.” The fact that her daughters are learning about running a bakery business is an added bonus to the mother-daughter bonding provided by the endeavor. “We spend a lot of time in the kitchen baking, experimenting, and taste-testing together.” Her bakery has given her the freedom to not only develop her own recipes, but to build a legacy and wealth for her children. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

Tiara Johnson

DON’T BE POWER HUNGRY. LEAD WITH HUMILITY, COMPASSION, AND EMPATHY. - Tiara Johnson

Johnson, who has a background in pharmaceutics, operates the bakery while holding down a full-time job as a clinical research coordinator at the University of Florida, working on liver research studies including liver cancer and Hepatitis C. She is also a full-time student at Santa Fe College

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pursuing a degree in Business Administration with the goal to ultimately obtain a Master’s Degree in the same.

local commercial kitchen The commercial kitchen stopped renting space, so Tiara had to shift gears and modify her plan.

Due to her limited hours, the bakery is run on weeknights and on Saturdays until she can make the transition into a full-time operation.

“But now that step in my plan has been put aside and I am more focused on going from home to storefront by doing everything I can to save, build my business credit, and hopefully find the funding I need.”

These efforts add to the challenges that naturally come with running a business, not to mention the bakery is a self-funded venture. “I know there are grants and programs out there for me. But my biggest focus now is making sure I have everything in place before I make that step.” One of her biggest challenges in 2020 was COVID-19 which derailed her plans to rent space in a

Johnson will continue to work from her home kitchen, making do with what she has until she is able to get her own storefront. 2020 showed her the value of not putting off until tomorrow what can be done today due to how quickly life-changing events can happen. “It has pushed me to pursue full-time entrepreneurship that much more in order for me to

leave the corporate arena sooner.” Managing a family, school, and two jobs requires diligence with goal setting – something Johnson says has allowed her to advance to places she never thought possible. “I don’t have the time to get lazy or fall behind because as a leader my failures or shortfalls just don’t affect just me.” Johnson considers the personal growth and maturity she has gained from running her own business as her greatest accomplishment. Her advice to others who seek to become leaders in their community is to learn as much as possible about those you wish to lead. “Don’t be power hungry. Lead with humility, compassion, and empathy.”

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Venisha White-Buchanon

A Servant’s Heart A Gainesville professional uses her innate abilities to serve Florida’s vulnerable population

Story By:

C. M. Schmidlkofer

professional focused on social services and child welfare for more than 28 years, Venisha White-Buchanon credits her successful career to persistence, courage, and compassion. Of these qualities, she said the greatest is compassion – the most critical skill needed to serve in any leadership role. It develops an ear for active listening, reflective communication, empathy, and what she calls a “servant’s heart.” “My belief is it is a spiritual gift and no matter what you call a person by title or paygrade, the trait is ever present.” A self-professed “habitual volunteer” and goalsetter, embracing these qualities has led her to be recognized as a community and professional leader in Florida’s social services and child welfare efforts. She serves as Statewide Director for Twin Oaks Forensic Outpatient Services in Gainesville, which recently became the sole provider for Florida’s Department of Children and Family Service’s Juvenile Incompetent to Proceed Program – Community/Outpatient population. The program is a vital provision for children and youth diagnosed with mental illness, autism, or

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intellectual disabilities who become involved with the juvenile delinquency courts. Achieving sole provider status from the State of Florida is one of White-Buchanon’s crowning achievements. It means Twin Oaks does not have to compete with other services for a contract with the state and can spend more time focusing on serving its clients. “This is a major accomplishment, as very few client services hold this ranking with the State of Florida.” Her career began with the Juvenile Incompetent to Proceed Program in 1997, and she became the statewide director in 2000, making her responsible for the overall administration, program personnel management, coordinator, integration and day-to-day operations of all services delivered through Twin Oaks throughout Florida’s 67 counties. “My career has afforded [me] the opportunity to impact the lives of countless youth in Florida, who would have otherwise been placed in the revolving system of juvenile reoffending (recidivism).” You can’t mention White-Buchanon’s name without noting her service to the Gainesville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she serves as president. Here, she has created an environment free of “busi-

ness” where members can bond through similar experiences and celebrate each other in life. This is something she considers her greatest accomplishment as president. The sorority collaborates and partners with groups and individuals that support its signature efforts, including women’s scholarships and children’s programs, to name just a few. “I will coin the sentiment here, that wherever you look in a crowded room where ‘business’ is occurring, you are sure to find a Delta woman.” Today it is a chapter of more than 70 college-educated, professional women who reside in Alachua and Columbia counties. Delta Sigma Theta was founded by 22 collegiate women in 1913 on the campus of Howard University with a vision for systematic change and equality in human rights. The young women she leads today as the 12th Chapter President carries on its vision. “I am humbled in this capacity having served for the past three years.” Now in her fourth and final year as president, she realizes the chapter must be more vigilant than ever due to the current racial climate and diminishing levels of human decorum, with the same degree of urgency for change its founders had to

achieve change. “Being Black in America is a pandemic, by which I am affected. I will address it with my vote and my voice to encourage others to do the same. Our literal lives depend on change occurring in the nation’s government.” A native of Tallahassee, White-Buchanon’s family moved to Gainesville when she was a young child and she attended K-12 schools in Alachua. She graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in 1991 with a double major in social work and criminal justice within three and a half years. In 2003, she obtained her Master’s Degree in Mental Health from Nova Southeastern University. FAMU influenced her educational and cultural development, she said. Of all the historically Black colleges and universities in the country, she believes that none compare to the richness, wealth, and acclaim that FAMU offers its graduates. “You can’t explain it in words, but you will always know a FAMU student. The command and confidence that we possess is hallmark to our having matriculated upon the campus of the highest of seven hills in the state’s capitol: Tallahassee, Florida.” Her continuing desire to learn, grow, and achieve is an inherited trait from her

MY ATTITUDE IS THAT I WON’T STOP LEARNING, ATTAINING, AND GROWING. WHEN THAT TIME COMES I WILL BE HOME RESTING IN RETIREMENT. - Venisha White-Buchanon family, where her strong matriarchal lineage – particularly of her mother and grandmother who have demonstrated remarkable achievements in their own lives – have inspired her to set high goals for any effort. “This blueprint ― along with the bond of my immediate family ― is just the right combination for my success.” She is referring to her husband, Boyd, and their three children: two adult sons and a daughter born in 2012. She believes the age difference between her sons and grade-school-aged daughter keeps life lively and youthful for everyone. “I am most honored and humbled to have such a wonderful family. These folks are at the nucleus of what drives me and causes my nonstop vigor to be great.” Over the years her journey has been impacted by many variables, which continue to this day. But her inherent determination and familial background strengthen her to persevere. “My attitude is that I won’t stop learning, attaining, and growing. When that time comes I will be home resting in retirement.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

Curtis

Peterson Story By:

STAFF WRITER

eciding a career path can be difficult for many people, but Curtis Peterson’s pathway became apparent to him at an early age. Growing up with a mother as an educator in the public school system and a father who was a professor in the College of Education at Florida A&M University, Peterson was naturally led down the road to become an educator. Before beginning his career in education, Peterson served in the Marines for three years as an Infantry Mortarman. He was inspired to join the military by his family members who had served before him and chose the Marines since it was stated to be the most difficult to complete. Nonetheless, he believed it to be the best branch of the United States Armed Forces and still believes this to this day. Though he enjoyed his time in the Marines, he has always valued his academics and his appreciation for the education system propelled him to go to college and earn his degree so he could become an educator himself. Peterson returned to

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Florida and attended Florida A&M University, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. After graduating and before becoming principal of Caring and Sharing Learning School, he spent most of his career teaching in public schools in various counties in Florida until he became principal of a public school in Atlanta, GA. In 1998, his parents decided to open their predominantly Black charter school in Gainesville, FL. The school was able to thrive under his parents’ wings for about a decade before they began to notice that the world of education was shifting from simply educating our youth to navigating the red tape that surrounds state mandated educational ideals. Because of this shift, Peterson’s parents called upon him for help. They recognized that he had learned how to navigate this red tape as a public school principal; his experience would help their charter school continue to succeed and compete with the surrounding schools. In 2008, they turned Caring & Sharing Learning School over to their son and he was able to continue and reimagine their dream by

CURTIS PETERSON satisfying new education regulations as they arose. His time in public schools caused him to realize that public schools are more concerned with what a test score can be rather than what the child can accomplish. Throughout his career, Peterson has worked with a wide range of students and their families. He strongly believes that when we educate children, their opportunities for success are endless.When his parents opened Caring & Sharing Learning School, they desired to educate all children ― regardless of race, background, or socioeconomic status ― in order to help them all succeed. Curtis is continuing his parents’ vision and legacy today. By committing himself to this vision, Peterson feels he is impacting the future

through the students who attend Caring & Sharing Learning School. Every time he interacts with his students, he teaches them to be successful academically for the betterment of their futures, which will change their life and their family’s life. The kids have hope and their families believe they can achieve whatever they desire by taking the proper steps to get there. Caring & Sharing Learning School is distinct from other charter schools because of its high student achievement, high teacher and parent expectations, and the teamwork between the parents and teachers. The future is bright for Curtis and Caring & Sharing Learning School, as he encourages all of his students and their parents to trust the process and the vision that was passed down to him

from his parents. They are all in this together for the betterment of the child, and because of his experience in the public school setting, he is able to enjoy and carry out the aspects

of education that he loves without any red tape stopping him. Curtis truly cares for every one of his students and is helping to pave the way for more young, Black professionals in the future.

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Microaggressions: America’s Uncomfortable Conversation Story By:

Cynthia A. Roby

very page in the book of America’s history is stamped with the words ‘systemic racism.’ The year 2020, however, brought about a rebirth of social awareness, one that gave voice to centuries of injustice and brutality via numerous social protests and social activists demanding change and reform in the treatment of people of color. These actions have shifted the term ‘microaggressions’ to the forefront, setting the American stage for uncomfortable conversations. Microaggressions are thinly veiled negative com-

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ments or actions that target marginalized groups. Be it overtly racist comments or errant chatter, it’s a form of discrimination. Oftentimes, microaggressions are difficult to identify because those making the comments do not believe their words are toxic. This is especially true of White folks. “It’s a monumental task to get White people to realize that they are delivering microaggressions because it’s scary to them,” Columbia University psychologist Derald Wing Sue said during an American Psychological Association interview. “It assails their self-image of being good, moral, decent human beings to realize that maybe at an unconscious level they have

biased thoughts, attitudes, and feelings that harm people of color.” People may direct comments to a Latino person, such as “You speak well,” or “That’s an interesting hairstyle” to a Black woman whose hair is natural. In some law firms, Black associates might be placed in the employment section when they could easily work in mergers and acquisitions, according to Burnadette Norris-Weeks, partner at the Florida law firm Austin Pamies Norris Weeks Powell. “It’s undermining a race of people,” Norris-Weeks added. Microaggressions are routinely masked by corporations through prac-

tices including overlooking Historically Black Colleges and Universities during recruitment periods, the lack of involving people of color in brainstorming sessions, and assigning professional women demeaning tasks such as bringing coffee to meetings, but not allowing them to participate. “These are all actions commonly practiced to keep marginalized groups in their so-called ‘place,’” said human resources professional Kayla Rupe. “And it’s unfortunate that diversity or anti-bias trainings oftentimes don’t change ― or at best ― adjust these attitudes.” Anti-bias trainings have a storied history. By 1940s, social scientists were testing various approaches to

Microaggressions

MICROAGGRESSIONS ARE THINLY VEILED NEGATIVE COMMENTS OR ACTIONS THAT

target marginalized groups.

the issue. Affirmative action was ordered by John F. Kennedy in the early 1960s, forcing large contractors to create anti-bias programs. On the heels of this order were heads of federal agencies ― one of the first being health, education, and welfare secretary Elliott Richardson ― who put 3,000 of his managers through training. Still, some argue that anti-bias training only forces people to hide microaggressions, in turn making them angrier. The sessions are often brief and fail to undo stereotypes

ingrained over a lifetime. “You never know what to say to people anymore,” said Sarah Barnett, who works in a Philadelphia bank. She admits to being “called on the carpet” for comments about being “surprised that so many of my African-American coworkers are college educated. I honestly was only paying them compliments.” “Still,” Rupe argues, “we can’t throw in the towel on training. Racism is racism, and microaggressions are our conversation, our pain.”

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9 4

Story By:

Aneka Shinohara

anaging your time can improve your professional and personal life, from getting the promotion you wanted to keeping track of everything important to you. There are many skills involved with managing your time correctly.

ORGANIZATION

Staying organized is one of the best ways to keep track of what you need to complete and the time in which it should be done. This can involve maintaining a daily schedule, coordinating documents to be easily located, or having a clutterfree work environment. All of these reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and

helps you achieve more in less time.

PRIORITIZATION

Assessing each task in terms of what is urgent and what is important can make one more efficient. It can be done in many ways; decide if shorter tasks should be done first followed by the complicated ones, or if reverse order is better. The first step is to make a list of all the tasks and work that needs to be completed and rank them by urgency, what is needed, and when. This helps you to focus and improve on productivity.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

While working ― regardless of tasks piling up ― you should pay keen attention to your mental health. Handling stress

keeps you motivated and positive which ensures no delays in productivity. You can do this by including small breaks throughout your day, taking vacation time when needed, or even by rewarding yourself in special ways for completing tasks and reaching goals.

PLANNING

Planning is a fundamental part of time management. This means planning out your day, your meetings, and all tasks in advance and keeping an up-todate calendar. It helps to ensure you have not missed anything important and to keep you from being lost at any given point. It also encourages you to set goals for yourself and informs you on how to move forward and succeed. Do this and learn to value time, as once

it is gone, it cannot be returned.

COMMUNICATION

Finally, developing strong communication skills helps you to make your plans clear to the people you work with. The ability to relay goals keeps everyone abreast of deadlines and what needs to be done next. It’s the final bow that wraps everything together nicely to have a tight rein on how you go about your work and life. All of these are crucial to one’s development, not excluding goal-setting and delegating less urgent tasks to others in your family or workspace. It is a team effort just as much as it is a single person adjustment. Take the time to develop each of these skills and success will follow.

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Genile L Morris, REALTOR®, ABR, GRI Cell: 352.339.8492 Email: GenileMorris@BosshardtRealty.com Web: GenileMorris.BosshardtRealty.com

CRISIS COMMUNICATION

What are you saying? Effective Crisis Communication Planning THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF CRISES ARE

natural crises, lawsuits, accusations, or sudden changes in leadership.

Story By:

STAFF WRITER

he COVID-19 crisis has become a teachable moment for many businesses, both large and small, in relation to being prepared for the worst case scenario. One thing that is prevalent is the need for a crisis management plan. Granted, most businesses will never face a crisis as large as

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COVID-19 again, but there are many other crises that a business may experience. The most common types of crises are natural crises, lawsuits, accusations, or sudden changes in leadership. Each of which, when not handled properly, can cause significant damage to an organization. About 62% of businesses have a crisis plan in place, however, reports indicate that most companies rarely practice crisis scenarios or test the response team to find potential threats to the plan. While many crises are unavoidable, it’s important to keep in mind that prevention is better than a cure. The impact of reputation or crisis damage, and the mishandling of it, can have a negative impact on sales and deter existing or prospective customers. A huge part of your crisis management plan is in how you communicate during and following the crisis. Audiences today have immediate access to most public and “private” issues and will be monitoring an organizations behavior very carefully. United Airlines learned this the hard way back in 2017 when a passenger was forcibly removed from flight 3411 by Chicago Department of Aviation officers. The passenger, Dr. David Dao, was randomly picked to disembark due to overbooking. The passenger ar-

gued that leaving at a later time would not work for him, as he had patients to see the next morning. After refusing to comply, officers dragged the passenger from his seat, causing a severe concussion, a broken nose, and the loss of two teeth. This event was captured by another passenger and posted to Twitter. United Airlines added even more gas to the already raging fire when they responded simply stating their apologies for “the overbooking situation.”

“This is an upsetting event to all of us here at United. I apologize for having to reaccommodate these customers. Our team is moving with a sense of urgency to work with the authorities and conduct our own detailed review of what happened. We are also reaching out to this passenger to talk directly to him and further address and resolve this situation.” This tone-deaf response sent social media and national media outlets into a frenzy. Due to this, days later, United’s CEO was forced to release a second statement taking full responsibility for the situation: gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

CRISIS COMMUNICATION “The truly horrific event that occurred on this flight has elicited many responses from all of us: outrage, anger, disappointment. I share all of those sentiments, and one above all: my deepest apologies for what happened. Like you, I continue to be disturbed by what happened on this flight and I deeply apologize to the customer forcibly removed and to all the customers aboard. No one should ever be mistreated this way. I want you to know that we take full responsibility and we will work to make it right. It’s never too late to do the right thing. I have committed to our customers and

our employees that we are going to fix what’s broken so this never happens again. This will include a thorough review of crew movement, our policies for incentivizing volunteers in these situations, how we handle oversold situations and an examination of how we partner with airport authorities and local law enforcement. We’ll communicate the results of our review by April 30th. I promise you we will do better.” The moral of this story is, don’t be like United Airlines. Their crisis management communication blunder helped other organizations better prepare for situa-

tions like these. Here are a few things you should consider when planning communications for a crisis your organization may be experiencing. EMPATHY & CONFIDENCE: If your organization is facing a crisis that directly impacts your customers, they want to know that you care and truly have a plan to rectify the situation. Projecting confidence in your words and actions is a must when handling any crisis situation. TIMELINESS & ACCURACY: A quick response, especially in the age of social media, is important if you wish to get ahead of the crisis and express your urgency to address it. While timeliness is important, it must be coupled with accuracy. A botched response, like mentioned earlier, is the last thing any business wants to

experience. It’s important to demonstrate that you truly understand and display your care for those impacted by the crisis by providing a quick and meaningful response. KNOWLEDGE: Your audience will figure out very quickly if you don’t know what you’re talking about. Be sure you’ve gathered all of the necessary information to provide a relevant response. Based on whom the crisis is impacting, you may need to create a variety of messages. Knowing the type of information to reveal to each audience is pertinent. Customers will need one type of information and the press another. Design communications specifically for each stakeholder, including only the necessary and relevant information to that group.

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Natayla Bannister

SYNERGY MAGAZINE

COVER STORY Natayla - Natayla Bannister Bannister

Natayla Bannister {Continued from Page 59}

Of course, that was not the end of Natayla’s story and fortunately for us, not the end of her journey in Gainesville. Natayla accepted the position at PACE and has done wonderful and amazing things there. She has enriched the lives of so many. I appreciate Natayla for having the wisdom to leave the club and the courage to remain in Gainesville. Her staying here has impacted our community in so many ways. I think that it is important that as a community, we take a look at where we are, where we’ve been and

where we are trying to go. More importantly, I think that it is time for us to take a look at ourselves as individuals. It was not a community sitting on that board at the club, it was a group of individuals who felt that they could take their individual opinions, biases, and -isms into a board meeting and make decisions for the community. It is time for us to take a look at ourselves as individuals, examine your beliefs, your biases, your prejudices and your -isms. Listen to the words that you use to describe others. Look at the way that you respond when certain groups of people

Together we can dismantle -isms. enter a room. Examine who in the office you invite to coffee. Who are you taking the time to get to know. It is time to take an individual assessment of yourself and ask yourself, “Am I a part of the problem or am I a part of the solution?” It is time for you to realize that you can’t be both. You cannot say that you want a better community and continue to allow your biases, prejudices, and -isms make decisions. You must

become a better individual by addressing your biases, putting your prejudices in check, and realizing that -isms hurt. They hurt you, they hurt me, and they hurt Natayla, but she didn’t give up and I ask that you join us on this journey. Together we can dismantle -isms. I am Virginia Grant, I am the Executive Director of Gainesville Black Professionals. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

Team GCRA Has Moved to Serve You Better. The Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA) office is now located at Cornerstone, in Suite 223 of the Gainesville Technology Entrepreneurship Center (GTEC) at 2153 SE Hawthorne Road. As a newly formed City Department, our renewed focus is on Economic Development, Community Enhancements and Housing, and Public Space and Streetscape Opportunities in the eastern part of the District. Tune in to our advisory board meetings every third Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and follow us on social. We’d love to hear from you!

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SYNERGY 2021

Articles inside

SYNERGY 2021

Matthew Cowley

Ryan Beacher

Lizzie Robinson

Tiara Johnson

Venisha White-Buchanon

Curtis Peterson

Kyle Frank

Kevin Dowdell

Jasmine Reaves

Patrice and Ian Fletcher An Unbreakable Bond

Tyran W. Butler

Dr. Dave Canton A Triple Threat:

Dr. Paul broadie

Diane johnson

Desmon Duncan-Walker

Desheba Rutledge

Connie Pierre-Antoine

Dekova Batey

Chanae Jackson

Carl WATTS

Brianna Chesteen

A Resilient Leader

Albert Barrett

AERIEL LANE

Letter From the Editor

ANGELA HOWARD