SYNERGY - Juneteenth Edition 2021

Teneeshia Marshall

ISSUE 4 | 2021

A leader who embodies the true meaning of care and compassion.

Theresa Glaeser

A COLLABORATIVE GUIDE TO ECONOMIC DISCOVERY

The first bi-racial child to be adopted in Florida through a government agency is unapologetically Black…AND White.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ISSUE 4 | 2021

SYNERGY A COLLABORATIVE GUIDE TO ECONOMIC DISCOVERY

70 Teneeshia Marshall

A leader who embodies the true meaning of care and compassion.

6 8

32

Pamela davis

Co-founder of Dream on Purpose, a non-profit that specializes in youth empowerment.

34

STEPPING INTO SERVICE: KIM A. BARTON

12

STACI BERTRAND

14

DEBORAH BOWIE

11

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Shareen baptiste

Parents inspire pursuit in a life of community service.

18

Faith in God helped Bertrand adapt after a tragic loss.

The woman behind Gainesville’s solutions.

alyssa brown

Promoting economic developement through laws and policies.

20

Dr. naima brown

22

Joan Canton

24

Yvette Carter

26

Tina certain

The Vice President for Student Affairs at Santa Fe College.

The legacy of Joan Canton and her work with The Southwest Advocacy Group.

Committed to service and mentorship within her community.

Providing new insights, a different vision, and a fresh perspective to the Alachua County School Board.

54

romona jackson

82

Tatila Paul

lady michele dix

58

Veita Jackson-Carter

84

Deloris rentz

36

Yvonne Ferguson

60

GAIL JOHNSON

This City Commissioner decided there was a need for more women in politics.

86

CORA ROBERSON

38

Vivian filer

62

verna JOHNSON

stephanie seawright: The 88 virtues of faith and service

64

alena lawson

The Executive Director/CEO of the Gainesville Housing Authority (GHA).

Chief Administration Officer of PASSAGE Family Church.

Reinforcing pride in being Black and uplifting Black history and culture through art.

Giving a voice to the African American community in both the healthcare and artistic sectors.

40

reshone n. flanders

42

EVELYN FOXX

44

OMICHELE GAINEY: CONSTRUCTING A VISION

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48

Flanders uses her influence to help and encourage others.

The President of the Alachua County branch of the NAACP.

For the City Clerk of Gainesville, a career in public service seemed to be a natural fit.

Theresa Glaeser: “I’m Just Human”

The first bi-racial child to be adopted in Florida through a government agency.

REGINA GRIMES

The Library Director at the Alachua County Library District.

68

DEBBRA LIVINGSTON

74

Diyonne McGraw

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Livingston finds it rewarding to help others through healthcare.

Closing the achievement gap and advocating for students in the Gainesville area.

katie mcknight

McKnight’s motivation for success is to inspire and positively impact others.

80

Dr. Leanetta McNealy

Dwan courtney: Redefining professional diversity

53

The Legacy of Dr. Patricia Hilliard-Nunn

SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Dr. kyla mcmullen

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4

Shaney Livingston: 66 Libraries Change Lives

78

Rev. Dr. Marie herring

The Chief Criminal Defense Investigator for the Public Defender’s Office.

Latalyia McKnight

50

The Director of the Office of Small Business and Vendor Diversity at UF.

Co-founder of the Caring and Sharing Learning School.

76

Dr. Cynthia chestnut

Leading a life of community service and leadership.

Assistant Manager for a Gainesville branch of VyStar Credit Union

28

Public service is a way of life for Dr. Cynthia Chestnut.

The Regional Banking District Manager at Wells Fargo.

Education, faith, and the American Dream: this is the story of Rev. Dr. Marie Herring.

Mr. Kenneth Nunn kindly shares some of the history and achievements of his wife.

This Allstate Insurance Agent has a heart for humanity.

Dr. McMullen has been able to bring happiness and joy to her students, friends, and herself.

For this Alachua County School Board member, a career in education was practically in her blood.

The DIrector of Programs at The Education Foundation.

This retired teacher encourages young, professionals to find their passions in life.

This is the life and legacy of Cora P. Roberson.

The Chief Operating Officer of the Central Florida Community Action Agency.

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GIGI SIMMONS

90

Voleer Thomas

92

Ester tibbs

94

Marlena wesh

98

ORA WHITE

For over two decades, Gigi has worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of Gainesville.

Thomas sees her work as a moral duty, as the pen is mightier than the sword.

Tibbs’ life has been one of service to families and communities.

Florida Credit Union’s first Black female to serve as Vice President of Human Resources.

Helping fellow Floridians in any and every way possible.

Rosa williams 100

Rosa Williams is a true Gainesville legend.

Rhonda wilson 103

Fighting for voices to be heard through the theater.

VICTORIA YOUNG 105

Integrity is essential in

understanding the life and career of Lieutenant Young,

contributorS

GAinesville BLACK PROFESSIONALS

EDITOR Virginia Grant

GAinesville GAinesville GAinesville BLACK PROFESSIONALS

Writers

BLACK PROFESSIONALS

BLACK PROFESSIONALS

Elizabeth Herbert Dr. Anthony Robinson Chris Olaniran C. M. Schmidlkofer Natasha Helme GAinesville BLACK PROFESSIONALS

Mia Brabham

Photographers Kevin Dowdell Tiffany Altman Levi Colson

GAinesville contact us BLACK PROFESSIONALS

Do you have a great story idea or want to place an advertisement to reach our readers?

Reach us at 352.208.4894 The appearance of any individual, organization or company Do you have great story idea an advertisement to reach our readers? in this magazine is not to be considered an endorsement by or a info@gbpinc.org for or want to place Gainesville Black Professionals (GBP).

The stories that we feature advertising and editorial Reach us atrequests.

352.208.4894 or info@gbpinc.org advertising andof editorial requests. are to for showcase the success individuals in our community and to encourage greater awareness and connectivity in North

contact us

The appearance of any individual, organization or company in this magazine is not toFlorida. be considered an endorsement

by Gainesville Central However, you are responsible forBlack the Professionals results of (GBP).

The stories that we feature are to showcase the success of individuals in our any community and to encourage greater awareness and connectivity in North contacts, connections or collaborations that are made with Central Florida. However, you are responsible for the results of any contacts, connections or collaborations that are made with individuals, organizations and companies.

individuals, organizations and companies.

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LETTER from the Editor Dear Readers,

Thank you for your continued support of Gainesville Black Professionals. We are the largest network of Professionals in North Central Florida. We host the most diverse, energetic and result driven networking events in Alachua County. And we publish the only magazine dedicated to promoting diversity, unity and economic equity for all.

As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we are excited to announce that SYNERGY will now be published twice a year. We will publish a Winter Edition and a Summer Edition. We are able to do this because of the wonderful community that we serve. We have formed some beautiful partnerships and continue to foster profitable connections and collaborations.

We will continue to share the success stories of the professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners in our community. We will continue to host events that promote networking, connecting and collaborating.

We will continue to develop and sustain platforms that promote diversity and unity. And we will continue to build relationships with individual, community, business and corporate partners.

Because that is what SYNERGY is all about. SYNERGY is the the interaction or cooperation of two or more to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.

Together we can do more than any of us can separately. So we thank you for your continued commitment to making our community better through building lasting, sustainable, effective partnerships. We thank you for being SYNERGISTIC!

Executive Director Gainesville Black Professionals 6

SYNERGY MAGAZINE

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Shareen Baptiste

Make sure you have a strong understanding of yourself and what you’re called to do. if you have a vision for yourself, no one can stop you from achieving it.

-Shareen Baptiste

Shareen Baptiste Story By:

Dr. Anthony Robinson

“

I don’t sleep. It’s part of the sacrifices you have to make to make a difference.”

How could anyone as committed to maintaining their career, uplifting youth, and organizing a non-profit find time to sleep? We sat down with powerhouse Gainesville resident Shareen Baptiste to find out.

Baptiste has been

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

building her skills in marketing and communications her entire life. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Relations with minors in Leadership, Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits and Family, and Youth and Community Sciences, and later graduated from the University of Florida with a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship.

It doesn’t take long to understand the values Baptiste lives by. She shared her favorite quote with us, by

Robert F. Kennedy:

“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope…”

Baptiste’s ripples can be seen washing up and down the proverbial waters of the east coast. She moved to Florida for college and has been living here for about 20 years, and this is where she really hit her stride.

She has been quite suc-

cessful as a businesswoman, working for such organizations as the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, is the Vice President of XPOSURE Consulting Firm, and currently is employed with Jones Edmunds & Associates Engineering.

Moreover, Baptiste has had a prolific career in youth organization. She co-founded Dream on Purpose (DOP), a non-profit organization that specializes in youth empowerment, and has been serving as

Shareen Baptiste its President for the past six years. She serves as the board secretary for LYFEhouse, a non-profit organization that assists youth in professional development.

She is also the youth leader at the Trinity Assembly Church Center of God and Christ and the Youth Auxiliary Committee Chair for her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta.

students for their professional lives. One program, Cupcakes and Conversations, allows girls to talk and connect to women in leadership, as well as provides mentorship opportunities and facilitates positive socialization. Other DOP programs include yoga, career launch intensive workshops, and even “My purpose [in life] is to outings where girls can go work with youth and to pos- shopping for career clothing. itively impact their lives. I spend every available min“I was placed on this ute pouring into the lives of earth to put a smile on othyouth; I can confidently say ers faces. It hurts me to see this is my legacy” others in pain.”

Her work with DOP is her most proud accomplishment. With this organization, Baptiste has been empowering girls and young women aged 11-18 “not simply to dream, but to actualize.” DOP connects youth to local resources and runs a handful of programs that prepare

Baptiste knows the pain of not being taken seriously and not being acknowledged due to her race and gender. She works tirelessly to make sure that others don’t experience the same roadblocks she has. She says that to be a leader, sometimes you need to teach others how

to treat you, which includes cultivating your own voice and not letting others make you question your selfworth.

“Make sure you have a strong understanding of yourself and what you’re called to do. if you have a vision for yourself, no one can stop you from achieving it” Lastly, she wants leaders to know that no one person can do it all alone.

In her life, she has experienced the inverse situation, where people expect too much from her because of her indomitable work ethic. “There is a misperception that because I’m strong, I can handle all of it.

Although nothing is impossible, I wasn’t meant to go on my journey alone.”

Each leader needs a strong support system, and to Baptiste, her faith in

My purpose [in life] is to work with youth and to positively impact their lives.

-Shareen Baptiste God, her family, and her friends all have a place in her success. The community that has been built around DOP is her “village”, and she reminds us of her other favorite quote, by William James: “The great use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.”

“When I hear what the girls learned from my events, it validates me that I’m walking in my purpose, that I’m creating something that’s going to outlast me.”

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Kim A. Barton

Stepping into Service

Parents inspire pursuit in a life of community service Story By:

C. M. Schmidlkofer

A

lifetime of firsts stud the progress of Kim Barton’s road to success.

As a child growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Barton belonged to the first Girl Scout troop in her area. As an adult she became the first elected Black Alachua County Supervisor of Elections.

“I credit my passion for voting and civic engagement to my parents, who were very involved in civil rights-era community organizing and participated in get-out-the-vote and voter registration efforts in the neighborhood in which we lived.”

Elected to her Alachua County Supervisor of Elections post in 2016 was the highest professional achievement she has experienced to date, Barton said.

“I would add that I feel a great sense of accomplishment every time my team and I are able to successfully complete an election and receive positive feedback from voters.”

And one of her most memorable personal accomplishments was being honored as one of the Women Who Make A Difference in 2019 where her mother was present to hear her speak.

The recognition was presented by the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, which

for more than 20 years has honored women who have contributed to their community with the Girl Scout’s values of character, courage and confidence.

for the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services as the program coordinator for the department’s One Church, One Child adoption program.

Her mother, Gertrude Davis, had been very involved in the Girl Scout organization on behalf of her daughter, keeping her uniforms and memorabilia from Brownies and Girl Scouts.

Today her responsibilities include maintaining the voter registration database to qualifying candidates for office to educating and informing voters about the election process.

“It meant so much to me for her to be seated in the crowd and for me to be able to thank her for all the sacrifices she and my father made so I could be successful.”

Barton attended the University of Florida on a basketball scholarship in 1983, graduating from its College of Journalism and Communications in 1985.

Former Supervisor of Elections, Beverly Hill, saw potential in Barton, whom she hired not long after coming into office, creating the new position of outreach coordinator with Barton in mind.

“I have been so blessed to have so many inspiring women placed in my path who have influenced my life in such a positive way and who have been living examples of courage, strength, steadfastness, determination and most importantly, great integrity.”

Barton said she was able to build on her experience of community outreach in the new position - skills she had gained while working

Barton advises that to be a leader, one must first learn how to serve others and be willing to do anything asked of someone else to do.

“I believe that the foundation of leadership is integrity as well as developing strong interpersonal relationships. Recognize that, in life, not everything runs smoothly all the time so it is important to learn from mistakes. Failure is an opportunity to learn and become better.”

Barton continues to receive support from her mother and her husband, James Barton, Jr., whom she says continues to encourage her to reach for her life goals.

Her father, Everett Davis, Jr., always encouraged her to be her best before he passed away, and his words resonate with her efforts for achievement to this day, she said.

She recalls her parents faced significant challenges as people of color living in the South during desegregation in Memphis.

Those experiences only en-

I believe that the foundation of leadership is integrity as well as developing strong interpersonal relationships.

-Kim Barton couraged them to support their own children to pursue their goals despite the challenges.

“Nothing came easy.

They wanted better for my brother and I, and I think the success we found as adults can definitely be attributed directly to them.”

She advises anyone wanting to make a difference in their community to stay true to their passions despite the challenges, to work hard and treat others with respect, “Never tire of doing what is good.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Staci Bertrand

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Staci Bertrand

Staci Bertrand Story By:

Beth Herbert

E

ver since giving her life to God when she was 17, Staci Bertrand has believed that every life experience has a purpose; though it has not always been easy, she has stuck by this belief and encourages us to never turn our backs on God. From a young age, Bertrand was able to recognize the value of self-care. She grew up with a single mother who experienced her own tragedies throughout her childhood and adult life, but she taught Bertrand how to be hardworking, sacrificial and have a solid understanding of who she is. With these lessons, combined with a plethora of support from her friends and family, Bertrand has been able to propel and become the successful woman she is today.

Bertrand started her career at the University of Florida where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education.

Both she and her husband had been educators for a few years before deciding that they wanted to impact more students, not just the ones in their classrooms. They chose to leave

their respective schools and open an educational company, which allowed them to increase their educational territory; in the 5-year span that they owned this company, they were able to serve over 700 children and their families. Though their company was incredibly successful, Bertrand still did not feel empowered in the world of education and felt that there was not room for career advancement; she decided to enroll in online courses to earn her MBA at Florida International University. Her newly attained business degree, as well as a specific course she enrolled in at the career center — the Art of Negotiation — helped empower her further and skyrocket her career. They sold their educational company and, in 2012, Bertrand began working for the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, and is still with them today.

life three days later. This unexpected incident was a major shock to her and her loved ones, but they never turned their backs on God. By the time of her husband’s accident, Bertrand had been following God for over 20 years, and it was time for her to practice what she had been preaching: God has a plan for all of us and everything happens for a reason. She was fortunate to have such a wonderful support system and, with the 2020 pandemic, she was able to work from home; this gave her time to spend with her family, seek counseling and process the passing of her husband. This event, combined with her other life experiences, caused her to realize that life is a journey, and there is no clear cut path. She believes that when life throws you curveballs, you must adapt with them, never give up, and keep God central.

With her career right where she wanted it, Staci Bertrand was living a great life and had not faced many hardships, but on December 11th, 2019, everything in her world changed. Tragedy struck, and her husband suffered a head injury that took his

Today, Bertrand is the Vice President (VP) of Economic Development for the Chamber of Commerce, which allows her to grow businesses, improve and diversify the economy, and create job opportunities for the community. She and her husband recog-

nized the many disparities in the Gainesville area, and their goal with their educational company was to break the cycle of poverty that has existed in Florida — and the nation — for decades. With her current role as VP, she has been able to continue her husband’s legacy by accomplishing these goals, serving thousands of children and their families in low socioeconomic areas as her career has developed this past year. She believes that, though life can be unpredictable and we cannot plan for sudden tragedies —like the passing of a loved one — it is important to create goals and a plan for your life. She encourages others to serve their community and share their goals with others; spend time with their children, talk to them about their goals and be there to mentor them. We all face hardships in life, but there are always people in the world who will help encourage young professionals to be successful, and will help show them the best routes to achieve their goals.

Staci Bertrand continues to be a pillar in her community as she encourages us to hold strong to our beliefs and never give up, even when it seems impossible. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Deborah Bowie

I truly believe we have all the answers, and I hope my legacy speaks directly to the importance of never ever giving up.”

-Deborah Bowie

Deborah Bowie

The Woman Behind Gainesville’s Solutions eborah Bowie is resilient, self-motivated, and adaptable. As the Assistant City Manager with the City of Gainesville and a mother of four, the qualities are both learned and innate.

From a young age she wanted to be a reporter, so Bowie studied journalism and began working as a beat reporter covering City Hall. As a professional writer, she gained exposure to various topics and grew her ability to research complex issues and distill the subject matter down to clear and concise information.

After heading up membership, communications, and marketing for the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, Deborah led the United Way of North Central Florida as its CEO and President for three and a half years before joining the city of Gainesville as Executive Chief of Staff in 2018.

“I would say being adaptable and resilient are learned behaviors, but I’ve always been motivated to do things on my own, learn as much as I could, and figure out how to solve a problem.”

“The acquired skills of paying attention to detail, learning how to listen first, and then clearly communicating to different people has helped me to simplify and humanize government.”

Bowie grew up in Liberty City, a community in Miami that didn’t have many resources available to her.

She became scrappy early on, learning to stand up for what she believed in by first learning to stand up for herself.

When she first moved to Gainesville in 2013, she did so to find autism services for her son—the only boy of her triplets, and the only one with autism. Then, she started working to make Gainesville a better place for everyone.

As the Assistant City Manager with the City of Gainesville, Bowie works every day to help the people of this community towards better solutions in every aspect of life, from affordable housing and unsheltered population services to parks. She describes the areas within her portfolio as “people issues.”

Story By:

Mia Brabham

D

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

“Working with my departments, the community, and our partners, [we] find solutions to the challenges that many people face in

trying to live the highest quality of life they can— whether it’s in a safe, stable place to call home or a clean and safe place to spend time in the community with their families.”

Bowie emphasized how devising strategies to improve the availability of affordable housing is directly linked to economic opportunity—or lack thereof.

“The pressing issues in our community, like many communities, is in developing a variety of affordable housing options, creating and maintaining public spaces that serve everyone’s needs, and in creating economic opportunities that includes more people than it excludes.”

For Bowie, no two days are the same. “There are sometimes far too many meetings, but the work is always interesting and the

Deborah Bowie people who work at the City on solving community challenges make it exciting and worthwhile.”

Teamwork and collaboration is essential to her role, and she understands that nothing could get done without every moving part and job in Gainesville.

“My favorite part of the job is working with diverse teams across the city and working to execute a project or solve a tough problem that we could not have otherwise done by ourselves.”

Bowie believes that forging partnerships between nonprofit agencies and local businesses is a powerful way to make a difference.

During the pandemic, the City of Gainesville, the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, and local restaurants partnered to provide “grab-n-go” meals for the community’s unsheltered population. The effort

allowed local restaurants to bring in revenue, support their staff, and provide a service to the city’s unsheltered population at Grace Marketplace. It was a great example of a public-private partnership.

it for themselves. If you do not know someone with a disability, take the opportunity to widen your circle.

There is likely a child and a family who needs your support and invitation to be included.”

“The public sector cannot solve every community challenge. The private sector—often better equipped with technology, bigger budgets, and quicker response times—needs an invitation to help bring its expertise to help solve challenges that impact all of us.”

Her role as a mother of four, particularly one of whom has special needs, has influenced her role as Assistant City Manager.

What happens outside of the office influences who Bowie is within it. She is proud of more than just her work.

“I pride my job as a mother more than any role in my life and as an advocate for my autistic son, I believe we must learn how to stand in the gap for people who cannot do

“I believe the work I do is also about advocating for people who are not always at the table to ask for what they need and want. I take my involvement and representation very seriously.

Someone opened the door for me. I have an obligation to open it for others.”

When asked about her legacy, Bowie says, “I hope to leave anywhere I have been a contributor or a leader [with the idea] that no problem is too big for a few committed people to overcome. All problems

My favorite part of the job is working with diverse teams across the city and working to execute a project or solve a tough problem that we could not have otherwise done by ourselves.

-Deborah Bowie have solutions and no one is coming to save us from our ability to figure them out. I truly believe we have all the answers, and I hope my legacy speaks directly to the importance of never ever giving up.”

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GAINESVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY HELPS RESIDENTS BECOME MORE SELF SUFFICIENT WITH HUD’S JOB PLUS PROGRAM When Pamela Davis, Gainesville Housing Authority’s (GHA) CEO, first applied for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Job Plus grant, the agency was not selected for funding. It was not until GHA’s third application submission, that the agency was awarded $2.3 million dollars to launch a local program that would enhance job readiness skills and entrepreneurial opportunities for GHA’s residents.

“As a public housing authority, one of our main goals is to empower our residents’ economic growth,” Davis said. “I knew the Jobs Plus grant funding would be a game charger for our residents and the Gainesville community as a whole, so we decided to keep applying and the third time was the charm.”

“Moving families up and out” of public housing is a mantra that Ms. Davis instills in her staff. This vision of cultivating economic stability is coming to fruition for more than 220 residents who are eligible to participate in the Jobs Plus program.

GHA’s Jobs Plus program connects its residents living in the following properties: Caroline Manor, Forest Pines, Lake Terrace and Pine Meadows with employment opportunities, training, education support, financial empowerment services and an earned income rent incentive.

“Financial literacy, career development and community support are all important aspects of the program,” explained Davis. “Our case managers are establishing relationships with our residents, so we can help them identify their needs and help them meet their goals.”

To support the residents in the program, GHA provides a case manager, employment specialist and peer support for work-able residents ages (1864) to support each resident’s individual need. An intake assessment is conducted at the start of the resident’s participation. From this assessment, the case manager counsels the participant and provides referral services based on their needs. For example, GHA case managers help residents

identify short and long-term goals and create plans to accomplish them. Underemployed and employed individuals can work with the employment specialist to become gainfully employed or advance in the labor market and attain higher income paying jobs.

To date, 126 residents have been assessed and are actively engaged in the Jobs Plus program.

“The purpose of the program is to remove barriers for our participants, link them with services and resources, as well as to increase community support and engagement,” explained Jasmin Hall, GHA’s vice president of Resident Services.” With the support of our community partners, we are doing just that.”

The second key component of Jobs Plus is the Jobs Plus Earned Income Disregard (JPEID), which provides incentives for employment and increased income, by capping the amount of earned income included in a tenant’s rent calculation.

Following enrollment in JPEID, increases in earned wages do

not increase the resident’s contribution toward their rent.

For example, if a resident was making $10 an hour at the time they entered the program, and their earned income increases to $18 an hour – their rent is not recalculated based off the new higher income.

“The extra income JPEID participants earn allows them to save, pay down debt, get their finances in order to possibly explore home ownership,” said Hall. “By providing them with the ‘temporary housing’ assistance they need, our ultimate goal is for them to move in, move up and move out. JPEID helps support this effort.”

To provide the necessary resources to the program participants. GHA has developed partnerships and collaborations with Santa Fe College, Caring and Sharing Center, Early Learning Coalition, UF Health Street, UF Department of Distant Learning, Career Source of North Central Florida, Aramark and McDonald’s. Additional support has been provided by community partners such as Lowe’s, Home Depot and Hatchet Creek Nursery.

“Our program is growing because the residents see the work we are doing,” said Hall.

“We are connecting them with the community resources they need and it’s helping their selfesteem and confidence.”

GHA was one of four Public Housing Authorities (PHA) selected for the 2018 Cohort, and the second Florida PHA to receive the funding since the

program’s inception in 2015. The other PHAs included in the 2018 Cohort are the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, the Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin and the Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority.

GHA is currently in year three of the program’s four-year grant cycle. Despite the challenges the pandemic brought, GHA is already leading the way in measurable program gains and accomplishments. In a recent report, published by HUD, GHA showed significant success in the agency’s engagement efforts in comparison to the other agencies in the 2018 Cohort.

Some of those statistics include the following: • GHA conducted 60 percent more assessments of their work-able residents in comparison to the other cohort members.

• GHA conducted 20 percent more post assessments of their work-able residents in comparison to the other cohort members.

• GHA’s share of current assessed residents that have been placed in a job and employed for 180 days or longer is nearly 20 percent higher than the agency’s cohort counterparts.

Hall said, “Our program continued to propel during the pandemic, because we were committed to coming up with innovative ways to meet our residents’ needs. We came to our residents with resources, versus them coming to us. We held virtual parties and workshops to continue to empower them, despite the difficulties the health crisis presented.”

Since GHA launched the Jobs Plus program, 63 percent of the residents who completed their assessment gained employment or maintained employment. More than 70 residents began new part time jobs, and 88 residents began full time employment.

“Through this program, we are helping our residents improve their financial literacy skills, and we are providing them with the job training they need to be gainfully employed. The program is helping these families build a strong foundation that they are using to elevate their lives personally and professionally. The community engagement aspect of the program is enriching. We are seeing our residents share the knowledge they have gained and the resources they have been connected to with their friends and family,” said Hall.

GHA is diligently working to not only meet the goals of the program, but to exceed them by the completion of the grant funding cycle in 2023.

Alyssa Brown

Alyssa

Brown Story By:

Natasha Helme

W

hen Alyssa was young, she aspired to become a lawyer. However, when she graduated from Florida State University with a degree in English, she decided she did not want to go to law school.

Instead, she started to pursue a career in public communications. And through her career, Alyssa has worked with many people to learn and accomplish many things.

As the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Public Policy, Alyssa works as a designated professional lobbyist with local and federal elected officials to promote economic

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development through laws and policies. She monitors legislation that attracts companies to and keeps companies in the Gainesville area. Alyssa will also intervene if a piece of legislation may cause the Greater Gainesville area to become less company friendly. Ultimately, Alyssa’s goal is to enhance economic opportunities for businesses because “when business opportunities are greater, things become better for everyone.” However, Alyssa’s hard work for the Greater Gainesville area does not stop with public policies and economic development.

In the wake of George

Floyd’s death in May 2020, Alyssa led an effort for the Chamber to talk about race in an honest way.

Members of the Greater Gainesville community wanted to know what the Chamber’s thoughts were and what they planned to do in response. And although Alyssa and other Chamber members knew they did not have an answer due to the issue’s many conflicts, they knew they could start with an honest dialogue. With this dialogue, Alyssa and other Chamber members recognized that this can be the start of making things more equitable; and when you are making things more

equitable, you are doing what you can to help navigate a complex and significant issue.

Before Alyssa began working for the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, she had a few defining moments in her life.

One of these moments happened when she worked for a commission outside of Gainesville.

After being hired, one of her coworkers began to antagonize her, most oftenly by criticizing her through email with nearly 100 people cc’d. After enduring this for a year, Alyssa approached her

Alyssa Brown boss and asked if he could fire her. Her boss assured her that he could not fire her and that only she, her boss, could. At that moment, Alyssa realized that she would not lose her job if she defended herself.

when business opportunities are greater, things become better for everyone.

When this coworker sent her another criticizing email, Alyssa responded with everyone cc’d and defended herself. After this pivotal moment, the coworker stopped sending her criticizing emails.

Through this moment, Alyssa learned that she could find her advantage in a situation and use it for her benefit. In this case, Alyssa’s advantage was that her coworker could not terminate her if she defended herself. Since she used that knowledge to her advantage, she was able to rebuke the coworker’s attempts to actively

-Alyssa Brown

undermine her and stop him from attempting to do it in the future.

When reflecting on her career thus far, Alyssa found several things to remember. First, what you study in college does not define your career op-

portunities. Instead, it gives you foundational skills to be successful. Second, relationships are often far more important than technical skills because “relationships are the gasoline to your career”. Third, help someone if they need

help. Fourth and most importantly, work hard to find ways to create more equity because “being born in a specific place and a specific ZIP code can affect where you end up in life”, and that should not be the case.

AT THE UNITED CHURCH OF GAINESVILLE WE WORK TO:

EDUCATE BECOME BUILD ADVOCATE

ourselves about white privilege and systemic racism

anti-racist in our beliefs, attitudes, and actions

The Racial Justice Task Force of the United Church of Gainesville proudly supports SYNERGY. Join in the work of justice, peace, and community building on Sunday mornings, in small group discussions and workshops, and through outreach opportunities. Learn more at www.ucgainesville.org.

community partnerships to resist systemic racism

for racial justice in our community

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Naima‌‌Brown‌

Naima‌

‌Brown‌ Say yes when you are presented with an exciting opportunity that fills you with dread because you have a fear of failure or a fear of the unknown.

-Dr. Naima Brown

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Naima‌‌Brown‌ cation. Regardless of the roadblocks she has faced, Brown doesn’t back down from challenges, and has said “yes” to finding a solution to these issues.

Story By:

staff writer

D

r. Naima Brown takes education very seriously. From her time as a student to her career as a college administrator, she has been advocating for and supporting others who are trying to enhance their lives with a college degree.

Dr. Brown is a product of Florida academia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and her graduate degrees in sociology from the University of Florida.

“I pursued higher education a thousand miles away from my family. This was a daunting new challenge that stretched me outside of my comfort zone.”

The payoff for this difficult move was certainly worth it, as Brown is currently the Vice President for Student Affairs at Santa Fe College, a position she has held for eight years.

“I am proud to lead a team of professionals that is focused on increasing access, improving support, advancing success, and creating equity for about 22,000 students annually.”

As a first-generation college graduate herself, Brown understands both the impasses new college students face, as well as the significance of graduation. In underprivileged or minority communities, the completion of a college degree represents hope and a promise for a better life for the recipient and their families.

“Nothing compares to [this] communal celebration of goals achieved and

credentials earned. As a first-generation college student myself, I know how much the [graduation] ceremony means. Graduation is a commemoration of our students’ accomplishments, a salute to our faculty and staff’s work, and a symbol of the college’s investment into the local community.

With every graduation that we host, I am filled with joy and hope.”

This is precisely why she has been working outside her professional career to assist young adults find their way into higher education.

Brown is a trained guided pathways coach and is serving as a navigator with the Florida Pathways Institute to increase student success and equity statewide. She also serves on the Board of Directors for two organizations that impact under-represented youth: the Education Foundation and the Pace Center for Girls. She works hard to give others the opportunities she received and to raise up underprivileged communities.

“Like many minorities, I have experienced the imposter syndrome where I sometimes feel like I do not belong because of my

background. When I get that feeling, I remind myself that I may not have traveled the same road as the others in the room, but we have all ended up in the same spot.”

Brown is very optimistic, and views change positively. She hopes to inspire others to reach outside of their comfort zone and say “yes” to as many opportunities as possible, even the ones that seem scary or unreasonable.

“Say yes when you are presented with an exciting opportunity that fills you with dread because you have a fear of failure or a fear of the unknown.

I’ve learned that when you say yes, your inner courage eventually kicks in and smothers every fear that would hinder you from going on into your greatness.”

The greatest challenge she, along with Santa Fe College, is facing is the COVID-19 pandemic. This public health crisis has impacted colleges tremendously, as now administrators must consider the health and safety of their faculty and students in an entirely new light, and still deliver on their pledge to provide a high-quality edu-

“We used digital lobbies, zoom video conferencing, email messages, telephone calls, electronic form submissions, and virtual tours to meet our students and potential students where they were. To narrow the digital divide, we lent laptops and webcams to students who did not have computers at home. As a college, we also expanded our wi-fi services so that students could continue to progress towards their goals. Even more, we set up processes to distribute over 7 million dollars in federal emergency aid grants to our students who were impacted

by COVID-19.”

Dr. Brown wants to be known as someone who brings light into others’ lives.

Her team’s response to the problems of the pandemic shows her commitment to sharing the light of education and to never backing down from a challenge.

“I want my colleagues to say that I was a professional who consistently brought a positive outlook into our discussions. I want my students to describe me as someone who helped them become more confident about their own future plans. I want my friends to say that I encouraged them to become their best selves by trusting God. And I want my family to say that I loved them, appreciated them, and inspired them. To me, this will mean that I will have made a significant difference with my life.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Joan Canton

Joan Canton Story By:

Dr. Anthony Robinson

M

any residents of Gainesville appreciate its strong sense of community and the various public resources available to its citizens, though not so many were present for the decades of strife and labor that earned these rights.

One of the most significant organizations that brought around this change was The Southwest Advocacy Group (SWAG).

SWAG is a grassroots community-based organization that works to improve the living conditions, health, educational

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opportunities, and quality of life in west Gainesville.

The group was founded by a group of nine women in early 2010 in order to organize a movement that would bring political and societal attention to this underserved neighborhood.

No one person was more significant to the formation and efficacy of SWAG than the late Joan Canton. SYNERGY spoke to Dorothy Benson, one of the original founders of SWAG, about Joan and her legacy.

Joan was born in the West Indies, where she lived in a children’s home

before moving to Bronx, New York with her father and sister. Her experience in the children’s home inspired her lifelong-resolve to improve the lives of underprivileged children like herself. “Joan’s work in the community began long before SWAG formed.

Over her lifetime, Joan took many young mothers and their children under her wing and helped them connect to housing, education, and better work paths.”

She lived in Gainesville later in her life and raised her five children here. Ever the philanthropist, she didn’t stop with her own

children, she adopted and raised a Gainesville child in her home.

Joan knew that more needed to be done to serve other families in need. “The neighborhood Joan called home had been historically overlooked and underserved, and they needed and deserved better supports and resources.”

In order to address this issue, Joan, Dorothy, and seven other concerned citizens founded SWAG in February of 2010. The organization was extremely successful, and in June 2012, they opened the SWAG Family Resource Center.

Joan Canton SWAG serves its community, the southwest area of Gainesville, by connecting individuals and families to services and resources through their advocacy and collaboration with various agencies and community partners. Since its inception, SWAG and its associates have founded the Southwest Health Clinic and the CHILD Center for Early Learning in a twoblock radius around its Resource Center. The county commission has also contributed to the SWAG area by building a park and playground right next door to the center. Over the past decade, SWAG has been working with the community to improve the infrastructure in Gainesville as well as provide opportunity to its residents.

Furthermore, SWAG’s influence has spread to the greater Alachua County

area. “Our success at SWAG would eventually provide our board members and supporters a platform to go beyond SW Gainesville by championing the voter-approved Children’s Trust of Alachua County in 2018. The Children’s Trust is an independent entity with guaranteed annual funding to support young children and youth all across Alachua County.” This program has been approved for the next 12 years.

Many that had the privilege to work with her attribute these achievements to Joan’s influence.

She had a vision of a community that would work together to provide equitable opportunities for all of its residents. This vision was becoming realized before her untimely passing.

“Joan’s motto was ‘We are not all in the same

boat, but we are all in the same storm.’ Anyone who entered the doors of any of our facilities was treated with respect and dignity.

Above all, she wanted children to have what they needed to succeed, regardless of their address.”

Those who remember her honor her as a fierce protector of her own community. She was a leader that pulled together a vastly diverse group of people and kept control of her vision. “She set the bar of expectations very high for our group and our community partners.”

Joan passed away this January at 79. She is survived by her five children, 12 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

“She is remembered as the visionary who knew what her community needed and would work tirelessly to help us achieve it.”

Joan’s motto was ‘We are not all in the same boat, but we are all in the same storm.’ Anyone who entered the doors of any of our facilities was treated with respect and dignity.

-Dorothy Benson, on the late Joan Canton

Specializing In: Trauma - Anxiety - Depression gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

23

Yvette Carter

Be open to your wildest career dreams. Know that what you daydream about can happen.

Now, it won’t happen overnight. And it may not happen in the manner that you think it should, but it can happen.

-Yvette Carter 24

SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Yvette Carter

Yvette

Story By:

STaff writer

“

Be open to your wildest career dreams.

Know that what you daydream about can happen. Now, it won’t happen overnight. And it may not happen in the manner that you think it should, but it can happen.”

These are the inspirational words of Yvette Carter, an ambitious, accomplished professional from Broxton, Georgia. In her youth she moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where she would eventually graduate high school.

Carter attributes her success to being grounded by her family and faith. As a child of teenage parents, she recalls her upbringing in two households. She lived in her maternal grandparent’s house, which was down the road from her paternal grandparent’s house, but both families attended the same church and she felt equally close to each pair of grandparents.

“I considered myself to have many caretakers, not just two parents. I always felt extra special because of that. I was blessed to form extremely close bonds with all four of my grandparents in those early years.”

Following her time in Broxton and Fort Walton Beach, Carter attended

Carter

the University of Florida and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences with a concentration in community development and a minor in Education.

From this period of her life, it was clear that Carter has been committed to service and mentorship within her community.

“I am most fulfilled when I can be of service, to make a difference. I love my job because I effectuate positive change in the community and inside the organization.”

Post-graduate, Carter was employed first at Nationwide Insurance. She started at the call center and diligently worked up the ranks for the next 14 years until she became a supervisor. During this time she trained, mentored, and became involved in community outreach and matters of diversity and inclusion for the Gainesville office.

Following her position at Nationwide, Carter began employment with Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU). She has evolved in this organization over the past nine years, starting in community outreach to become the Chief Inclusion Officer for the organization.

In this position, Carter is in her element, as it allows her to synthesize her passions for diversity, inclusion, education, mentorship, and lead-

ership. While allowing her to serve as a vital voice on issues of social responsibility, corporate citizenship, and volunteerism.

“One of my responsibilities at GRU is to serve as its ombudsman. I receive so much joy from being able to be a bridge between the utility and the community.

I am also extremely passionate about building an interculturally competent, inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. Beginning this work in earnest at GRU has been one of my most treasured assignments in my career.”

Carter has been active within her local community in Gainesville as well. She works closely with the City of Gainesville’s Equal Opportunity office in equity efforts and serves as a board member of several local non-profit organizations and community advisory teams, such as Dream on Purpose, the Alachua County Branch of the NAACP, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Rotary Club of Gainesville, the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, the American Cancer Society (East Gainesville Relay for Life), and is a founding board member of the Center for Advocacy and Research on Health Equality (CARHE).

“I grew up in a family that expected excellence; it was simply a reasonable

service. They led by example. They were all hard working, dedicated, and loyal. I learned humility, diligence, authenticity, and a work ethic from my grandparents and my parents, as they all had a hand in raising me.”

Carter also attributes her strength to her faith, as she was raised within the church but also sees her gifts as equipped in her by God to achieve His vision. In times of strife, it is this guidance that gives her the strength to do what is right, even when it isn’t easy.

“Throughout my career, my biggest challenges as a leader have come when my personal beliefs (and what I believe to be just) conflict with a company’s directive or direction. In those cases, I lean on my faith and speak out. I cannot always change the outcome, but it is my duty to be a voice for those who don’t have a voice.”

More than anything, Carter wants to be known as a friend and advocate for others: “I want [others] to know that all I want to do is be of service, to be a help to someone along the way. I want folks to consider me a resource and more importantly, a friend. I secretly want to be everyone’s favorite person. LOL – but seriously, I do.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Tina Certain

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Tina Certain

Tina

Certain Story By:

Beth Herbert

W

hat goes around comes back around; Tina Certain, a self-proclaimed “community baby” was elected as a member of the Alachua County school board with the help of her lifelong friends and family. Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, Certain has relied on her family members — like her grandmother and uncle — and close family friends for love and support while she was growing up.

A first generation college graduate, Certain earned her Bachelor’s degree in accounting, then worked with the Alachua County local government in certified management accounting for 23 years.

As a mother of two, with a husband who also works full-time as a law enforcement officer, Certain had her hands full trying to balance her professional and personal life. She decided to switch to working parttime so that she could be more involved with her kids’ lives and be able to support them with their extracurricular activities.

As a part-time employee and full-time mother, Certain noted that she began to notice that, though it had nothing to

do with their intellect or capabilities, her children and their peers were not excelling in their academics. She started researching and looking closely at the academic disparities in Alachua County, and was not happy with what she saw.

She became a part of a loose knit group of concerned parents, referring to themselves as the “Alachua Education Task Force,” which was a workshop of about 35 people. Four of them, including Certain, were incredibly passionate about the disparities they saw in their county and wanted to do more to justify them. The four of them broke off into their own, separate group and joined the Gainesville For All initiative, which dealt with disparities in education, housing and employment in Alachua County.

Though Certain and her group members faced many challenges and were met with opposition from parents who did not believe the school district cared about the issues they raised, she wanted to prove them wrong. She decided, in 2018, to run to become a member of the Alachua County school board, stating that, no matter what they had to do, “[the board] will listen to us!”

Though the odds were stacked against her, as she was not an educator nor had a degree in education, she was a concerned parent who cared deeply for her children, their future, and the future of the children in her community. The love she has for the county where she and her children were born and raised, along with the support from her community members, motivated her to persevere through her campaign. Because she was not already affiliated with the Alachua County School System, she had an advantage over her competitors, as she provided new insights, a different vision, and a fresh perspective to the School Board. Though she had this advantage, she still relied on her campaign team for help so that she could enroll in training courses and learn the best tactics to win this seat.

Her neighbor and lifelong friend, Brenda Brooks, was a major volunteer on her campaign team; she helped take care of Certain as she was growing up and has always wanted her to succeed. Brooks helped bridge the gap between the voters and Certain by referring to her by childhood nickname, “Sam,” which helped her appeal more to her com-

munity and earn more votes. Her guidance and help with Certain’s campaign was priceless and further illustrates how her success was a community effort.

Certain’s story is not just about a Gainesville native who defeated the odds and was elected as a School Board member, it is a story about an entire community — filled with generations of friends and family members — who worked together during this election, and are now being represented on the Board by Certain. She may be on the Board, but their influence, wisdom, and power shine through her.

She was raised to believe that she can do anything that she puts her mind towards, and the support from her community helped lead her to this victory. They knew her as a child, helped bring her up, then helped her win this election; now that she is on the Board, Certain can continue giving back to her community by paving the way for more young professionals to be successful like her. She has served on the Alachua County school board for 2 years now and is continuing to accomplish her goals by establishing reformations in the school system. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Cynthia Chestnut

Cynthia

Chestnut Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.

-Cynthia Chestnut

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Cynthia Chestnut

Story By:

Dr. Anthony Robinson

T

o some, public service is a calling, a privilege. To others, it is a duty.

To Dr. Cynthia Chestnut, public service is a way of life.

Dr. Chestnut is originally from Tallahassee, Florida, though she now resides in Gainesville. Her life is a success story of breaking the glass ceiling and of paving new avenues for political action in previously underrepresented communities.

Dr. Chestnut says she has led a “dual track life” of public service in elected office and a simultaneous professional career. This work ethic and value for education comes from her mother, a wise, faithful woman whose principles guided Dr. Chestnut to her successes.

Doing healthcare education hopefully helps people be proactive with their healthcare, to go for checkups, listen to doctors’ regiments, keep up with their medications, and exercise.

-Cynthia Chestnut

“My mother laid the foundation and expectation for success, period.”

Dr. Chestnut was raised a Christian and she says that her family values were based on faith and Christian principles.

“My mother had some sayings that had a lasting impact on me. One was ‘A woman should always have her own dime for Coca-Cola’. This taught me that as a woman, I needed to have my own money and independence.”

Dr. Chestnut’s mother had other peculiar but powerful standards: “I couldn’t get married until I had a master’s degree in my hand” And so, she did. Chestnut attended Florida A&M University and received her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology in 1970.

She received her master’s in speech pathology from Florida State University the next year. She later attended Nova Southeastern University and graduated with a doctorate in public administration in 1981.

Just like her mother, Dr. Chestnut has her own sayings that she lives by. She specifically mentioned this quote by Marianne Wright Edelman as being central to her life: “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.”

Dr. Chestnut has been heavily involved in the Gainesville Democratic Party and in various levels of Florida legislature.

“I grew up in Tallahassee around government. I always had a yearning for elevated office. My dream was to become Mayor ― I

achieved that in Gainesville” Dr. Chestnut has more than ‘paid her rent’, so to speak. After her run as Mayor of Gainesville in 1989, she served on the city commission, on the county commission, and in state legislature. She has also served on the school board for Alachua County.

Healthcare is the other half of Dr. Chestnut’s “dual life”. She studied health education classes at churches and community centers in African American neighborhoods.

Her formal education is primarily in healthcare and she has focused her career on educating the African American community about healthcare and providing services to those in need.

During her 14-year career at Shand’s Hospital in Gainesville, her focus was performing outreach and education to the African American community. Her goal during this time was to “stem the tide of African Americans using the Emergency Room as their primary healthcare provider.”

“Doing healthcare education hopefully helps people be proactive with their healthcare, to go for checkups, listen to doctors’ regiments, keep up with their medications, and exercise.”

Dr. Chestnut counts this as the most fulfilling feature of her professional career.

She seeks to empower people with information, specifically about their own healthcare.

Another memorable quote that she keeps from her mother is “Whatever

you set out to do, learn the rules of the game. Then master them.”

Dr. Chestnut wants to be remembered as a person who provided public service and who provided that service through her professional and political career as a “servant of the people”.

“I’ve always felt a responsibility to fill [my] positions well because I’m standing on the shoulders of those who fought to give me the opportunity [to do so].”

In her retirement, she has been learning piano and preparing for a recital. She says she always wanted to learn Fur Elise by Beethoven, but she never found the time because she was so occupied with her political and professional careers.

“I always wanted to play the piano. I started and stopped but I finally picked it up again. I wanted to learn Fur Elise and I can finally play it! You can learn anything if you put your mind to it.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Dwan Courtney

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Dwan Courtney

Dwan Courtney

Redefining Professional Diversity Story By:

Christian Olaniran

W

hat does it mean to ‘supply diversity’?

An enthusiastic facilitator for change, Dwan Courtney serves as the Director of the Office of Small Business and Vendor Diversity at the University of Florida.

Dwan Courtney’s work at the University of Florida serves as a reminder that professional diversity is essential to positive socioeconomic growth within a community.

As director, Courtney’s primary role is to create commercial alliances between private vendors and administrative departments within the UF system.

She regularly seeks to find organizations throughout different market sectors, such as women, veteran, and minority owned small businesses. Working with these organizations, Dwan often serves as a mentor to company leadership, helping guide them in making decisions within their practice. “Even if I can’t help them directly, I always try to provide potential vendors with a sense of direction – letting them know which departments

or external resources they might want to seek out for certain types of assistance, or even where to find specific types of procurement opportunities.”

Dwan’s work requires her to be a selfless advocate, team-player, and ‘outside-the-box thinker’.

That not only means seeking out stakeholders from many racial, socio-economic, and professional backgrounds to contribute to collaborative efforts; it also means intentionally bringing together groups of people who have differing ways of thinking in order to achieve a common goal. As someone tasked with the duty of being an advocate for small businesses vending in a university system of roughly 200 administrative departments, Courtney finds the most challenging part of her work to be changing the public perception of small businesses. “People often have a misconception that there is a correlation between a company’s size, and its legitimacy or impact.”, Dwan said. A company of 12 highly skilled individuals can easily conduct business on the same scale as a fortune 500 company. Socially

and fiscally speaking, the most successful businesses are the ones that value accountability and quality of service – so these are professional values Courtney places emphasis on when giving advice to a potential vendor.

When it comes to her career pursuits, Dwan says there is no shortage of intrinsic fulfillment. Each moment that she gets to spend helping others follow their dreams serves as a reminder of the positive impact that her job has on people. By providing mentorship to individuals seeking to grow their small business, Dwan helps to break perceived barriers that people have between themselves and their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Most importantly, Courtney’s work helps create a ‘ripple effect’ – reminding those in the UF community that no matter their socioeconomic background or professional plights, any aspiration can be made a reality with persistence, passion, and knowledge.

As reflected by her personal mission statement, Dwan is fueled by her unwavering faith, along with a persistent desire to

Never limiting what God can do for me, I am intentional about my life.

Committing my thoughts, words, and actions to achieve my purpose, I always seek guidance.

Never diverting from my path, I always seek the opportunity to help others along the way.

-Dwan Courtney assist others. “Never limiting what God can do for me, I am intentional about my life. Committing my thoughts, words, and actions to achieve my purpose, I always seek guidance. Never diverting from my path, I always seek the opportunity to help others along the way.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

31

Pamela davis

Pamela

davis The most fulfilling aspects of what I do now is connecting and making a difference in the lives of the people I serve.

-Pamela Davis

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Pamela davis

Story By:

STAFF WRITER

P

amela Davis knows the trials and tribulations that come along with being a Black child in a low-income household.

As a former public housing resident, she has spent her life securing a career that has enabled her to enact positive change and extend opportunities to the residents of Gainesville.

Davis was born in Savannah, Georgia, to a home with two parents and 10 children. When she was a small child, her parents separated, so she grew up in a single-mother household, and as she was entering junior high school, she, her mother, and her siblings moved into public housing. Although these were difficult times for the Davis family, Pamela recalls that her mother worked diligently to provide for her children, and the elder siblings took over parental responsibilities when necessary.

“My oldest sister was deemed the surrogate mom when my mom was away from the home, which meant she had the rights and privileges to discipline as if my mom was there. Although our family had very little, it was not obvious to us or the people around us. My mother made sure that our needs were met, we carried ourselves with honor and dignity.”

Davis graduated high school and went on to receive a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Armstrong State College. She knew that her destiny was to help others, but quickly learned

that traditional social work wasn’t her calling.

“The journey that I am on is predestined….it has always been my purpose to be a servant to others.”

Davis returned to school to receive a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Capella University and is working towards a doctoral degree as well.

She attributes this drive and work ethic to her mother, who worked very hard to support and raise her seven children on her own.

“It was amazing to me that we grew up very poor, but she cultivated an environment for us to ensure that we would not be a part of anyone’s statistics so much so that we didn’t even feel the lack. She instilled in us strong values, brought us up disciplined, and had high expectations for us.”

From public housing resident to CEO, Pamela Davis has risen through the ranks of the housing industry and has used her position to extend opportunities to the residents of Gainesville.

She began her career as a property manager at the Boca Raton Housing Authority, then became the Executive Director of the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority. Altogether, she has worked in housing for 32 years and has served as the Executive Director/CEO of the Gainesville Housing Authority (GHA) for nine years.

“The most fulfilling aspects of what I do now is connecting and making a difference in the lives of the people I serve.

Whether that is linking them to housing, providing opportunities to build wealth, improving access

to community resources, or promoting community engagement arenas that affect their lives in a meaningful way.”

In this position, Davis has developed new multifamily units and has implemented a handful of innovative programs to support the residents of Gainesville.

One of the most significant programs she has had her hands in developing is the Job Training and Entrepreneurial Program (JTEP).

JTEP provides families with opportunities to improve their economic well being through education, on the job training, and entrepreneurial attainment.

“When I first came to Gainesville, it was astonishing to me the disproportionate number of unemployed and underemployed families living in our public housing units.

What I love about my job is its ability to make a difference or impact on families in a variety of ways. I would say my greatest accomplishment is in empowering families to build wealth” On a personal level, Davis attributes her courage as a leader to her faith, and her effectiveness as a leader to her education and her mentors. Mentorship was extremely important to her as a young woman, and the strong Black professionals that she worked under at the YMCA and the Public Library shaped her self image.

“I was encouraged and supported by so many people and I have been blessed to work for great organizations that supported and helped the leader in me. They saw so much more in an underprivileged, shy, and de-

As a leader it is my job to navigate in such a way to achieve the required results. Always be willing to see varying perspectives and the experiences of others before making assumptions or judgements about someone’s way of life.

-Pamela Davis termined young girl. They imagined possibilities and stretched me to reach my fullest potential.”

Lastly, Davis emphasizes the importance of reaching people where they are, and to learn to solve problems outside of the box. She wants to be remembered as someone who challenged the status quo, provided innovative opportunities, and established opportunities for the people she served to have a better life.

“I choose to view the world from a kaleidoscopic lens. As a leader it is my job to navigate in such a way to achieve the required results. Always be willing to see varying perspectives and the experiences of others before making assumptions or judgements about someone’s way of life.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Michele Dix

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Michele Dix

Michele

Story By:

Beth Hebert

A

t a young age, Michele Dix was taught to keep God as a central component of her life, and she continues to follow this teaching today.

Growing up in Georgia with a father as Deacon, Lady Michele — her selfproclaimed title — learned the importance of education and religion from her parents. They encouraged her and her eight siblings to express themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin, while communicating and acting with others in a respectful way.

Because of these lessons, she and her husband were able to launch their ministry, PASSAGE Family Church in 2002. She currently serves alongside her husband as the Chief Administration Officer at their church in Gainesville, taking care of office management, the church’s media presence, and public relations; she uses her strong faith foundation as a guide

Dix

Lady Michele is an incredibly successful leader who, with God’s guidance, has overcome many challenges and helped improve the lives of people in and outside her community. to help her continue walking the path she believes God has set her on.

Though it has not been an easy journey, Lady Michele considers their ministry to be one of her greatest accomplishments.

Before meeting her husband, she was preoccupied by her own self-care and career, but God had their ministry laid out for them and allowed them to find each other. Over the past 20 years, Lady Michele has become more of a leader in her church and community by being ambitious, looking towards the bigger picture, and undergoing the proper steps to accomplish her goals, inside and outside the Gainesville area. Addition-

ally, she believes her relationship with God and partnership with her husband has helped her maintain the courage to lead their ministry, and they continue to be a light in a dark world by setting examples in their community so that more people will be encouraged to choose Christ.

With PASSAGE Family Church, Lady Michele and her husband are leaving a legacy by touching the lives of those who want to walk with the Holy Spirit.

Most people face challenges when deciding who they want to be and what career path they want to follow, but this was not the case for Lady Michele. She knew that she loved the Lord and wanted to be

led — by Him — to be a role model in her community. By doing so, she has helped others recognize their talents and follow in her footsteps, which has set them on career paths that they will enjoy and feel fulfilled by. As a leader, she encourages her mentees to prioritize self-care, eliminate distractions, and keep “garbage” out of their minds and hearts to maximize their success. With her positivity and selflessness, Lady Michele hopes to be remembered for her Christlike love, Christ-like humility and Christ-like lifestyle.

Lady Michele is an incredibly successful leader who, with God’s guidance, has overcome many challenges and helped improve the lives of people in and outside her community. She feels honored to be who she is and knew, early on, that God created her to be special and make a difference in the world. She is grateful for the life she gets to continue to live, and will keep using His word to help serve others. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Yvonne Ferguson

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Yvonne Ferguson

Black Art Pollination:

Yvonne Ferguson Story By:

Zakyree Wallace

Y

vonne Ferguson paints from the intersection of art, activism, and history. Ferguson was born in Fort Walton Beach and grew up in Gainesville while her mother attended the University of Florida.

After graduating from Gainesville High School in 2004, Ferguson traveled north to study Art History and Digital Art at Virginia Wesleyan University in Norfolk, Virginia and later returned to Gainesville.

Ferguson has long strived to increase representation of Black people in her hometown. Growing up, Ferguson was surrounded by representation of Black people and knowledge of the African diaspora in her home. In the beginning of her artistic journey, Ferguson sought out to purchase Black art and was not able to find artwork that depicted Black people. This reality activated Ferguson into becoming a “Black art pollinator” and offering a mirror for Black people to see themselves in the world through her artwork. Most

important to Ferguson is reinforcing pride in being Black and uplifting Black history and culture. From here, Diasporic Pigments, Ferguson’s homebase for her artwork and business, was born.

Activism and studying revolutionary movements inspires Ferguson to share the “Godliness, passion, and power that flows through us all.” Before creating any portraits, Ferguson shares that she studies her subjects’ lives from the inside out by examining sources of inspiration, speeches, and historical artifacts. Highly influential political and cultural figures like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, James Baldwin, Billie Holiday, and Janelle Monae are a few of Ferguson’s portrait subjects. Ferguson was also fortunate to meet Angela Davis when only a seventh grader after reaching out to her via email for a book report on prominent living historical figures.

Diasporic Pigments reaches audiences ranging from 17-65 and Ferguson strives to make artwork accessible to all members of her community with affordable prices. “I try

to be intentional about everything I do….I learned to be selective about what you participate and invest in” remarks Ferguson. As a business owner, careful consideration into what opportunities she takes and which people she aligns with is imperative to retaining the integrity of Diasporic Pigments. As a working artist, Ferguson has experienced industry workers attempting to capitalize off her race and place her artwork in a narrow category. Staying true to values and moving with intention has helped Ferguson remain focused on the creation and experience

of art as opposed to the business behind it.

Ferguson’s work has been showcased in gallery showings from the Cotton Club Museum, to Matheson History Museum, and Merge Culture Studio. Her work has also been featured at the University of Florida Center of Women’s Studies and Institute of Black Culture, Wild Iris Bookstore, and the Civic Media Center. Most recently, Ferguson painted her third mural for the City of Gainesville as a tribute to the legacy of her aunt and late social justice activist, Dr. Patricia HilliardNunn. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

37

Vivian Filer

I think there’s a way to have a conversation with anyone, especially about race.

We have got to stop telling the half-truth, tell the full truth, and be able to meet each other at some level that we can go forward.

-Vivian Filer

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Vivian Filer

Vivian

Filer

Story By:

STAFF WRITER

S

ome may think that living a “double life” is difficult or undesirable, but to dynamic individuals such as Vivian Filer, it is a passion.

Filer has been incredibly influential in giving a voice to the African American community in both the healthcare and artistic sectors.

Raised in Gainesville from the age of seven, Filer’s two-part career began in ninth grade, when her teachers introduced her to prose and poetry.

She recalls the impact these teachers had on her as a child: well-dressed professionals that instilled the value of community in their classes. She brought these values with her as she grew to share Black and African American stories.

This passion would eventually become her calling. For over 60 years Filer has been known as a storyteller, from her middle school class to across multiple states.

“I only do African American writers. I don’t tell original stories. I tell poems that were written by the old Black writers and I put those into story form. I could go into a classroom and teach Black history at a time when

it wasn’t being taught.”

Filer has been on the front lines of the civil rights movement since its inception; she was integral to integration of the healthcare industry as well as heavily involved in fighting the Jim Crow laws of the following era.

Filer was involved in integration not just on a local level but was also instrumental on an institutional desegregation. She served on dozens of committees and was the chair of the Gainesville Women for Equal Rights committee, one of the first integrated groups of women in Gainesville, which was responsible for the integration of doctor’s offices and hospitals.

Here we come to the other side of Filer’s “double life”: healthcare. She has had a fruitful career as a nurse and later educator, and she counts her time as a pediatric nursing teacher as one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career.

When she got married at 20 years old, there was no college in the area that was open to African Americans. It wasn’t until ten years later that she was able to enroll at Santa Fe college, and she worked

towards her degree while working night shifts as a nursing assistant. She would eventually transfer to the University of Florida and graduate with a BSN. She returned to Santa Fe to teach pediatric nursing, and after another few years, she obtained her master’s in education from Nova University and a masters in psychology/ mental health nursing from the University of South Florida.

“When I tell a story, there are no degrees involved. I am the story… I guess that’s what pulls [the two things] together, is my love for children.”

More than anything, Filer stresses that her storytelling is her most significant achievement. She regaled story after story of sharing African American stories with young, impressionable children, and she stressed the importance of sharing the “truth, the facts” about race and slavery even if it becomes uncomfortable.

“I think there’s a way to have a conversation with anyone, especially about race. We have got to stop telling the half-truth, tell the full truth, and be able to meet each other at some level that we can go forward.”

Filer has been present for the issues that affect African Americans. This commitment to the Black community is evident from her career in education to her prolific storytelling, and her endeavors have rippled across Gainesville. She dedicates this ambition to her family and to the teachers that inspired her to become involved in social justice.

More than anything, Filer implores others to know their background. Individuals should become educated and move forward “not in ignorance”. The lessons she gleaned from working within a racist system have taught her that political action is necessary to inclusion.

“People will never change if you pat them on the back for bad behavior.

If you’re not AT the table, you’re ON the table.”

However, she is overwhelmingly pleased at the progress she has seen in society. “I hope my journey has led to a place where young people can pick up and go on with their own ideas. I am pleased with where young people are and where they’re going. I smile all the time.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Reshone N. Flanders

If I can plant a seed of hope and encouragement, then I’m happy because one day it will blossom into something great for that person.

-Reshone N. Flanders

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Reshone N. Flanders

Reshone N.

Flanders Story By:

STAFF WRITER

A

s each person develops themselves professionally, they build upon the lessons they were imparted from their loved ones and mentors. Reshone N. Flanders has led a life of faith, perseverance and leadership. She spoke to Gainesville Black Professionals about the wisdom she was taught and learned from her own experience.

“Never be afraid to start something good in your life.

Leaders are not only in supervisory positions. Leaders are you.”

Flanders was born and raised in Gainesville. After completing high school, she immediately entered the workforce while taking classes at Santa Fe Community College. She received a Cosmetology license, which allowed her to experience entrepreneurship as a young woman. After some time, Flanders went back to school to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree and simultaneously worked for the Records Bureau in the Gainesville Police Department (GPD).

While at the University of Florida, Flanders would be promoted within the GPD and eventually went on to

graduate with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 2005.

“You determine your career experiences and not your emotions as a reaction from another person’s actions. Many times in my career I faced hurt, disrespect and more. However, I remained professional and realized that greater was over me and this too shall pass.”

Flanders worked her way up through the GPD with grit and professionalism. In 2007 she was promoted from Secretary of the Captain of Criminal Investigations to Risk Coordinator, her longest-held position to date. She was at this role for 12 years, and in that time, she received her Associates in Risk Management and the Outstanding Risk Manager Award through the Florida Sheriff’s Risk Management Fund.

“Let’s say I don’t jump to lead (laughing), but if the need is there, I will do all that I can for the greater of the team. I truly believe that if you try then you succeed. When the results are not what you want, then try again with a different strategy.”

In 2019 Flanders was further promoted to Human Resources Employment

Manager, and in 2020 she received her Masters in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources. She continues to hold this position, and she uses her influence to help others.

“I truly enjoy contributing to making someone smile, feel better about themselves, and strive to accomplish goals in their lives. If I can plant a seed of hope and encouragement, then I’m happy because one day it will blossom into something great for that person. I love to encourage others, bring out their potential. My courage derives from my faith in God and believing in myself.”

Flanders pays forward the love and support she received as a child from her parents and grandparents. She reminds us of her Grandma, who would tell her, “Uh, uh. Nikki you can do this because God is on your side.” This faith would serve her well throughout her life. She recalls her grandfather, a reverend, who “planted the spiritual seed” within her, as well as her other grandparents, who were grateful and hardworking. She also owes much of her success to Rev. Dr. Marie Herring, who got Flanders involved in her church.

Never be afraid to start something good in your life. Leaders are not only in supervisory positions. Leaders are you.

-Reshone N. Flanders “There’s one thing that she shared with me that has stuck with me and that is to ‘always be transparent.’ She’s given me so many wisdom nuggets but that one has never left me. That statement alone reminds me to stay strong, true to yourself, be open minded, listen without judgement, and be approachable to not some but all. Love people where they are at.”

Flanders is also a humanitarian who seeks to lift up young Black girls. She founded a non-profit, Girls to Young Ladies, in 2007, which mentors upcoming young women. Flanders is most proud of her two daughters, who she sees as continuing her legacy of love and faith. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Evelyn Foxx

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Evelyn Foxx

Evelyn

Foxx

Story By:

STAFF WRITER

M

any people of color can personally attest to the discrimination and unfounded hatred that can come just by the nature of their existence.

Evelyn Foxx has shared these experiences, and even has a familial history of racial persecution that has inspired her to build herself up and lead a structure that fights for equality.

Raised in Liberty County, Georgia, an aptly named jurisdiction, Foxx grew up in a community that nurtured her into a leader.

“Mary Baggs, my 1st grade teacher, saw leadership qualities in me that I didn’t see. Her insight awoke a hidden passion in me. I am forever grateful for her encouragement.”

This teacher brought her to her very first NAACP meeting when Foxx was just 10 years old. She has since been involved in the organization for 60 years.

She began as the president of her local branch, and upon moving to Gainesville 30 years ago, she immediately became a member of the Alachua County branch. She was

the Vice President of the Alachua County NAACP for 10 years and in 2009, she was elected President, a position she has held since.

“Serving the people of the community to assure that everyone receives equal treatment is profoundly important to me.

Equal treatment implies equity, and that’s the goal to which we in the NAACP dedicate ourselves. When we can help someone who has been unjustly treated, we feel sincerely grateful for the opportunity. I stand firm on the mission of the NAACP, which is to eradicate discrimination, injustice, and ensure justice for all people.”

Foxx has had firsthand experience with racism that has affirmed her decision to work in social justice.

“If the fight for justice is brought to you, you must do your best. Be very brave. We have to work with the authorities and persevere. The color of one’s skin gives no one the right to harass or threaten.

The more we fight for justice, the fewer the atrocities.”

This is why Foxx works

as hard as she does to achieve equity and justice for all people of color. She intimately understands the reasons for the extrajudicial protections that the NAACP provides, and she toils diligently to deliver these services.

“When I am in the community, advocating issues that affect people, those are some of my proudest moments. In the past I received many awards. I am grateful. These were great honors, though, it always seemed unfair that I was recognized when so many others helped me. Whatever is seen as my success in NAACP is owed to the organization’s generous and hard-working members with whom I’ve had the privilege to serve.”

As you can see, she is also humble. She knows that victories take an army, not just a commander.

And her entire life, this has been her refrain: to help others, a calling she believes is divinely ordained.

If the fight for justice is brought to you, you must do your best. Be very brave. We have to work with the authorities and persevere.

The color of one’s skin gives no one the right to harass or threaten. The more we fight for justice, the fewer the atrocities.

-Evelyn Foxx

“I want everyone to remember me as a community servant. Dr. Martin Luther King said, ‘Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.’

That has been my principle guideline in life.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Omichele Gainey

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Omichele Gainey

Omichele

Gainey Constructing a Vision

Story By:

STAFF WRITER

B

orn in Hallandale Beach, Florida, Omichele Gainey (Omi) grew up as the youngest child of a fairly large family. Her father worked for the City of Hallandale for over 20 years, so a career in public service seemed to be a natural fit. A proud mother of three, and happy wife, she serves as the current City Clerk of Gainesville.

“I’ve been with the City for 6 years and in my current role 3 years.” Having now worked in public service for almost a decade, Gainey plans on working for the city until retirement.

The Honorable Rosalyn Frierson was Gainey’s first African American female boss. Watching her work closely, she constantly learned from her wisdom.

“She taught me there was more I could achieve if I decided to but the choice and the action would be all up to me. She was the

epitome of brilliance, poise and professionalism.” Omi was an internal candidate for her current role, and decided to apply despite the stiff competition.

Gainey brought her experience with building efficiencies, improvements and relationships and curated a long-term vision for the office.

“Never take your position on the team lightly and don’t settle for where you are if you want more.

There are many people whose career path is a traditional one but don’t be afraid if yours isn’t. Be willing to take risks, blaze a new trail and create your own vision. Most importantly, serve the vision of others faithfully until you’re in the position to establish your own.”

When it comes to mastering the art of leadership, goal setting helped Omi to reach success in the specific way that she planned it. “I’ve always been a natural born leader

– no matter what hat I’m wearing or what position I’m serving in. Having a vision and being willing to cultivate the potential in others naturally flows from me.” One of the biggest challenges for Gainey has been tuning out distractions and staying focused on the work. Valuing interpersonal connections and wanting to please others is an emotional tendency Omi says she has had to put in check. Learning to do what’s best and to do your best matters more.

Gainey stresses the importance of taking every opportunity you have to grow both personally and professionally. Each life lesson, no matter how small, prepares you for seasons ahead and they all should work to make you better, not bitter. “No one plants a seed today and eats the harvest tomorrow. Make investing into your future and that of others a continual habit and you’ll continuously see growth and opportunity in your own.”

No one plants a seed today and eats the harvest tomorrow. Make investing into your future and that of others a continual habit and you’ll continuously see growth and opportunity in your own.

-Omichele Gainey

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Theresa Glaeser

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Theresa Glaeser

Theresa Glaeser “I’m Just Human”

Story By:

CHRISTIAN OLANIRAN

I

magine a reality in which your ethnic classification is a determinant of your interpersonal success. Where your ability to date, to work, to shop, or to simply love - is complicated by the color of your skin.

Imagine observing members of your community be misguided in times of needed systemic change, due to an omnipresent cloud of racism. Although this lifestyle may sound surreal, this was life for Theresa Glaeser growing up in Gainesville during the late 1970’s. Placed into foster care as a child, Glaeser was the first bi-racial child to be adopted in the state of Florida through a government agency.

Theresa was not oblivious to the racial discrimination against African Americans; but she was adopted into a White family. She sought to embrace both of her cultural identities, but it seemed that every person she met wanted her to pick a side – to claim herself as just Black, or just White.

As early as kindergarten, Glaeser recalls being treated differently because of her race but not understanding why. “Obviously in kindergarten I thought I was going to marry my boyfriend, you know? Be-

cause in kindergarten, boyfriend girlfriends are serious stuff. But he was actually white. And so, everybody that didn’t know what my household looked like, always said: You can’t marry him. And I said…I don’t get it. He looks like everybody in my house.”

If there was anything Theresa knew even in her youth, it was that she had no intentions of surrendering her ethnic identity just to appease others. “They wanted me to simply say I was Black or White, but choosing one or the other would not be embracing my true self. I consider myself Black and White.

Eventually when people asked what I was, I’d tell them - I’m just human.”

During her teenage and young adult years, Glaeser began to surround herself with people who she felt were more culturally ac-

cepting, and intellectually aware.

When she did encounter difficult social situations due to her race, Theresa promised herself two things: First, she would not be fearful in asserting who she was.

Second, she would respond to ignorance with empathy and a desire to educate.

Glaeser says some people “just don’t know”, meaning that they have never had to be around racially diverse groups of individuals outside their immediate surroundings, which leads them to develop limiting views on race and ethnicity.

Thus, we should not always respond with anger or aggression when we feel someone is being discriminatory, because hostility is more likely to incite conflict as opposed to productive conversations. “In many situations I would get nega-

IN many situations I would get negative feedback from those in the Black community. They felt that by me asserting that I was mixed, that I didn’t like the idea of being Black.

They saw it as me not wanting to be a part of them which wasn’t true.

-Theresa Glaeser

tive feedback from those in the Black community.

They felt that by me asserting that I was mixed, that I didn’t like the idea of being Black. They saw it as me not wanting to be a part of them which wasn’t true.

It hurt, but I also had to remember that they were also coming from a place of racial pain and hurt…especially during those times, which is why they may have felt that way. It’s a matter of where someone is coming from.”

Glaeser’s experiences gave her the motivation to place diversity at the forefront of her personal and professional endeavors.

What began as a general enjoyment of customer service, slowly developed into an overall fascination with the retail space.

Now, Theresa is the Sales and Operational Manager of Logokick.com which is an embroidery, screen printing, and promotional product company Running her business is not only something she enjoys, but it is something that allows her to interact with a wide demographic of customers and give back to the community. When not working, Glaeser is an active participant in her church community, a diverse sanctuary for her Christian faith where she feels she can be unapologetically Black… and White. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

47

Regina Grimes

Regina Grimes

I want people to remember me as a strong woman of color that never settled for average and helped impact the lives around me.

-Regina Grimes

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Regina Grimes

Story By:

staff writer

R

egina Grimes is a fearless leader, mentor, and learner. A lifelong resident of Gainesville, she has been working to financially empower her community and facilitate growth. “I have a passion to change the financial lives of our Members and see growth in our community.”

Grimes is a mother of three and has been able to weather the challenges of business and motherhood.

She says her children have had a huge impact on her success, as well as her faith in God, her mother, and other strong women that helped guide and mentor her through her life.

Grimes currently serves as an assistant manager for a Gainesville branch of VyStar Credit Union, a Florida-

based member-owned financial cooperative. She has been employed with VyStar for almost 15 years, and she says the work environment has been vital to her personal growth.

is now. “I would like to encourage all women to seek out a mentor that will help guide and develop them through honesty and courage to break down barriers that can hold them back.”

“[I had] leaders that believed in me and coached me through opportunities, allowing me to grow and develop my skills within VyStar.”

Grimes takes mentorship very seriously, both as a recipient as well as a mentor herself. She has developed certain leadership skills, such as coaching conflicting personalities to work towards a common goal despite their differences.

One of her proudest achievements is receiving her promotion to assistant branch manager, as well as having the courage to return to college and finish her degree in Business. Setting goals has been essential to her success and has given her a long-term vision with a short-term determination.

No one woman is an island, and she repeatedly reminds us of the many mentors that helped her become the woman she

“I have a passion and enjoy coaching and developing my associates to not only be better but to ‘Do better’.”

She herself has persevered through many difficulties, both as a woman in business and as a person of color. Her faith, her family, and her belief in herself have led her through them all. This is a common refrain for Grimes:

Be the best you, that you can be. Don’t settle for less.

-Regina Grimes

“Be the best you, that you can be. Don’t settle for less. Believe in oneself and have these Core Values: Integrity, Courage, Honesty, Trust, Respect, Dedication, Caring and Loyalty” More than anything, Regina Grimes is proud of herself as someone that has always held themselves to a higher standard: “I want people to remember me as a strong woman of color that never settled for average and helped impact the lives around me.”

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gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Rev. Dr. Marie Herring

Rev. Dr. Marie

Herring Story By:

Dr. Anthony Robinson

E

ducation, faith, and the American Dream: this is the story of Rev. Dr. Marie Herring.

Born to parents that highly valued education and religion, Dr. Herring has been honoring this legacy her entire career. “My parents had the greatest impact on me because they expected me to always do my best. My mom pushed me to excel in education, and my dad taught me the Word of God and exposed me to every aspect of church.”

Dr. Herring was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, and has been serving the community ever since. Her father was a

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Reverend in town, and he provided her with the spiritual foundation that has undergirded her personal philosophy for success: “This is a great combination for success—Education and The Lord.”

Both parents worked as custodians for their occupation- her father at Duval Elementary School and her mother at the University of Florida. Dr. Herring eventually graduated from both of these institutions.

Dr. Herring has a passion for education, which she attributes to her mother.

This passion led her to graduate Salutatorian of her class from Lincoln High School. She then attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in

This is a great combination for success — Education and The Lord.

-Rev. Dr. Marie Herring

Mathematics. She graduated from the University of Florida and graduated with a master’s degree in Math Education and later attended Nova University and graduated with a specialist degree in Math and Gifted Education.

After this period of receiving an education, Dr. Herring decided to give back. She shared her pas-

sion for knowledge with her students at Eastside High School, where she worked as a math teacher and an instructor for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.

Dr. Herring’s 35-year career as a math teacher came to an end and she returned to her spiritual roots. “I was called to pastor the DaySpring Missionary Baptist Church. I was unanimously voted to become their pastor in 2008. I continue as their pastor to date.”

This calling marked a new chapter in Dr. Herring’s life and career. She attended United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio and graduated with a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Congregational Development.

Rev. Dr. Marie Herring

“I want people to remember that I tried to help people, especially young people. Not only have I been called to pastor, but I’ve been called to encourage others in their gifts and push them into their destiny. I’ve been called to provide a platform for women and men to exercise their gifts.”

She continues her parents’ legacy of valuing education and faith through her own children and their accomplishments: “My proudest moment was when my children established the Lenton and Marie Herring Scholarship of $1000 given to a high school senior every year through the Alachua County Education Foundation.”

My proudest moment was when my children established the Lenton and Marie Herring Scholarship of $1000 given to a high school senior every year through the Alachua County Education Foundation.

-Rev. Dr. Marie Herring Rev. Herring says setting goals is how she measures her church’s progress and how the church executes long-term programs. “I set goals each year at the beginning of the year. At the end of the year, we check to see if we accomplish those goals. If not accomplished, the goal is carried over to the next year until

accomplished. We are laser-focused on meeting goals. For example, the building of the new sanctuary became a goal in 2010; we accomplished this goal in 2018.”

This long-term perspective has led to many achievements in her life.

Dr. Herring has had to

overcome many obstacles on her path to success.

She says her faith in God’s power and trust in His vision gives her the courage and strength to persevere.

“Gender bias in the church is one of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered. The Association expelled our church from its organization because it hired a woman pastor.

That was a sad day in my life. Since then, I’ve come to realize that was the best move for our church. The church began to flourish.”

“I didn’t ask to be in the Ministry. I was called for such a time as this. While I’m here, I will serve until serving days are done.

Then I’ll hear Him say, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

Facilitating economic opportunity, business success, community engagement and prosperity

www.gainesvillechamber.com

Dr. Patricia Hilliard-Nunn

The Legacy of Dr. Patricia Hilliard-Nunn Story By:

Pamela Edwards

P

ride. Culture. Accomplishment. Legacy.

These are some of the words that come to mind when you think of the great individuals who profoundly affect our lives.

In the worldwide African American community, there are those notable people who truly stand out as examples of what we, when united in unity, can accomplish.

To honor a shining example of one such individual, Mr. Kenneth Nunn kindly shared with us some of the history and achievements of his absolutely phenomenal wife, Dr. Patricia HillardNunn. Born in 1963, Dr. Hilliard-Nunn was the third of four children born to Asa and Patsy Jo Hilliard. As a child, Patricia already had astounding examples to aspire to in her parents. Her

father, who held a Doctor of Philosophy degree, was not only an educator, but he also became a school superintendent in Liberia, West Africa. Her mother held the office of mayor of East Point, Georgia.

versity in 1993 with a Ph.D. in Communications and later moved to Gainesville, Florida. She served as an adjunct professor and lecturer in the African Studies Department at the University of Florida.

While her father was superintendent in Liberia, Patricia was a young child of several years. She loved and deeply admired all things African, embracing her growth and immersion as an African child. Patricia and her family later moved back to America, to San Francisco, California, then to Atlanta, Georgia, where she completed her senior year of high school. She then attended Hampton University for her undergraduate studies, and later The Graduate Film School at Howard University, earning her Masters of Fine Arts Degree. It is here that she met her husband in 1989, then they married in 1990.

She became a community organizer and activist, started film production in Gainesville, then published children’s books through Makare Publishing. With her powerful community influence, she created many community organizations, including the Powerful Elders, the Sisters of Maat, Makare African Dance Family (originally called Duafe Dance Troop). She was also a proud member of The Links, Inc., American Association of University Women and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, serving as the president of the Gainesville Alumnae Chapter.

Dr. Hillard-Nunn graduated from Florida State Uni-

Mr. Nunn shared so many wonderful, amazing treasures about his

beloved wife, Dr. Patricia Hilliard-Nunn, who, unfortunately, departed this life in 2020. He provided such a beautiful legacy tribute to celebrate her life well-lived. Some of the additional reflections he shared was the fact that Dr. Hillard-Nunn’s proudest moment was watching their daughters graduate from college. Even as a child, when people would ask her what she wanted to be when she grew up, she said she wanted to be a mommy.

Also, Mr. Nunn indicated that his wife’s courage to be a leader was faith in God. She was a woman who had a strong spiritual core and leaned on her faith to get things done.

May her shining examples of leadership, accomplishment, and undying love for the Black community continue to inspire us to tirelessly work in unity, reaching even greater heights to honor her beautiful legacy. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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ROMONA JACKSON

Do not doubt yourself. Trust that you are equipped to be a leader, and everything you need is within you. Keep moving; people are waiting for you!

-Romona Jackson

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ROMONA JACKSON

Romona

Jackson Story By:

Dr. Anthony Robinson

“

We all have a remnant of people that God has designed for us to reach and touch. If you do not move forward, that remnant is being deprived from the awesomeness you have to impart.”

Ramona Jackson wants you to know that you have the tools for success. You have the agency to make your situation better and to become a leader. How? “I never enter a room filled with leaders without a pen and paper.”

Jackson is a multifaceted businesswoman that has been building her portfolio and helping others for her entire life. Born in Haines City, Florida, Jackson was raised in Brooklyn.

She recalls the pressures of growing up in BedfordStuyvesant, and a conversation with her late mother at the age of 15: “I remember it like it was yesterday.

She called me to the living room, asked me to sit next to her, and with tears in her eyes said, ‘Mona, all I want you to do for me is to graduate from high school.

If you don’t do anything else, please graduate.

You are doing well, and so many people are looking for you to fail, and by God’s

Grace, that will never happen.”

She never did fail. In fact, Jackson graduated at the top of her class and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

After working at several radio stations in the Orlando area, Jackson started working for what would eventually become Wells Fargo in 2005 and currently presides as the regional banking district manager, where she oversees eight branches in Gainesville.

“I had to learn to navigate life alone and not fall victim to the negative influences that surrounded me. I had to stay focused, dig deep and encourage myself because that’s all I knew to do.”

Banking isn’t the only profession Jackson works in. She is also an accomplished writer and singer.

She counts the debut of her first stage play as one of her most proud accomplishments. “Train Up a Child”, ran at PK Yonge Auditorium in Gainesville for a twoday sold-out production.

She has also published two books and has a third coming this summer.

“My faith in God began at an early age. I attended

church a lot, which is where I discovered I could sing.” Jackson is a very faithful Christian woman and says she has been for as long as she can remember. She greatly attributes her success and artistic talents to her faith.

“Use what God gave you to the fullest and the door will open. I worked hard and at every point of elevation, someone offered me an opportunity.”

Jackson is fiercely passionate about helping others achieve economic empowerment. This is the subject of her books and she has held many economic empowerment seminars where she shares her knowledge with others in need.

“I am a firm believer that the difference between those that have and those that struggle, is exposure to the proper information, tools and resources, and, most importantly, how to apply those tools and information.”

Her motto is “Each one, reach one, teach one and succeed together.”

And this is the perspective she brings to her seminars: to help others who’ve struggled in the same way she has. “I worked, received a paycheck every two weeks, and I was still

living from hand to mouth.

I thought that my credit score was beyond embarrassing, and I was afraid to answer phone calls. By God’s grace, I was exposed to, and given the proper tools to change my entire financial picture.

Now it is a mission of mine to make sure that no one goes through what I went through.”

This is what Jackson believes being a leader is all about. Leaders help others improve themselves, and in turn, raise their own self in the process. She wants aspiring leaders to understand that when they help others, they in turn can embody the leaders they want to be.

“I remember going to a conference, and some women who looked like me came up to me with pen and paper. They asked me how I got to where I am, and if I could mentor them.

I was humbled beyond words! That is where my courage came from.”

Jackson wants us to learn from her story that each person has the tools to build themselves as they see fit. “Do not doubt yourself. Trust that you are equipped to be a leader, and everything you need is within you. Keep moving; people are waiting for you!”

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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SISTERS SERVING IN

SOLIDARITY Impacting lives in our community collectively for 175 years

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority had its humble beginnings as the vision of nine college students on the campus of Howard University in 1908. Since then, the sorority has flourished into a globallyimpactful organization of nearly 300,000 college-trained members, bound by the bonds of sisterhood and empowered by a commitment to servant-leadership that is both domestic and international in its scope.

Alpha Kappa Alpha has maintained its focus in two key arenas: the lifelong personal and professional development of each of its members; and galvanizing its membership into an organization of respected power and influence, consistently at the forefront of effective advocacy and social change.

DELTA SIGMA THETA Delta Sigma Theta was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to

promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to those in need. In March of 1913, the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. performed their first public act. They participated in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority provides assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. The organization is a sisterhood of predominantly Black, college educated women.

The Sorority has over 900 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States and internationally.

ZETA PHI BETA Zeta Phi Beta was founded on the campus of Howard University on January 16, 1920. The Sorority’s international programs such as Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) through Mind, Body and Spirit serve to empower people from all walks of life. The sorority retains its original zest for excellence. It espouses the

highest academic ideals and that has resulted in its members serving in groundbreaking roles in all fields of endeavor. Zeta Phi Beta has chartered hundreds of chapters worldwide and has a membership of more than 150,000.

SIGMA GAMMA RHO Sigma Gamma Rho is a national collegiate sorority incorporated in 1922. Over the years, Sigma Gamma Rho has served as a home for thousands of collegiate and professional women looking for a place to share inspiring life experiences, learn new things, conquer life challenges, and uplift the community through sisterhood, scholarship, and service. The dynamic women of Sigma Gamma Rho have built and sustained a well-known and highly respected reputation for leading positive change. We currently have more than 500 chapters in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

Veita Jackson-Carter

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Veita Jackson-Carter

Veita Jackson-Carter Story By:

Staff writer

L

essons from a parent can last a lifetime and inspire individuals to meaningfully impact their community. Veita Jackson-Carter is a living example of this inspiration, and she credits her mother with providing her with the values that would eventually lead to a life of community service, leadership, and faith.

Veita grew up in a family that believed in walking by faith. Her father passed away when she was just 12 years old, so her mother had to take on the responsibility of raising her children alone. “My mother has and will always have the greatest impact on my journey to success.” Veita’s mother was a hardworking, confident woman whose passion and values radiated through her daughters. She worked two jobs to pay the bills, but Veita notes that she always found time to support her children in whatever they set out to accomplish. “Mom taught us to not be afraid to fail.”

From her upbringing, Veita grew to be a life-long learner, educator, and community activist. She has led a life of community service and leadership in her hometown of Gainesville and in the surrounding area, and she has been especially impactful within education.

“Education is a priority

in our family! My mom’s expectations and strong work ethic were never questioned. It was understood!”

She received a full academic scholarship to attend Santa Fe College in 1977, and she continued her education at the University of Florida, and Nova Southeastern University.

She recalls how meaningful obtaining her scholarship was to her family, as this relieved her mother of the burden of paying for her college degree.

In addition to education, faith was highly significant to her upbringing. The lessons she learned from her activism within the church is integral to understanding her life journey.

“My mother and grandmother were grounded in their faith, so it was an expectation to be involved in church. It’s more than [just] going to church, [it’s] about being truly involved in church.”

She grew up in the Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, and served as a clerk there for 24 years. The Bible, she says, gave her clarity on how to take care of those less fortunate, but her calling has been to work outside the walls of the church.

“I became who I am because of older women in the church who molded and shaped me… so I have learned to give back and do the same for others. I am all about having compas-

sion and love for people.”

Veita has been giving back and significantly impacting the lives of students in her community. She has spent 38 years as both an educator and as an administrator for the School Board of Alachua County, and has taught for 13 years as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Santa Fe College.

Veita highly values “showing up.” Showing up can be providing charity for those in need, being present when others are dealing with hardship, or showing support for family members. By being genuine and showing our heart, we can spread light and inspire others.

“I remember on my graduation day my mom was sitting in the stands and I purposely had my sister and my cousin sit by her so she wouldn’t fall asleep due to [her exhaustion from] working two jobs. I wanted her to not miss her daughter walking across the stage. Showing up was always something that was important to me.”

Veita has translated these values throughout her career. She currently serves as director of the Students to Successful Citizens/System of Care program for Alachua County schools.

This position means she is heavily involved in community development- she engages a network of 100 community, business, and faith-based partners to pro-

I became who I am because of older women in the church who molded and shaped me… so I have learned to give back and do the same for others. I am all about having compassion and love for people.

-Veita Jackson-Carter

vide support for families.

This innovative program seeks to empower highneed students that are struggling in school by providing wraparound services (such as mental wellness and community resources) to them and their families.

Through this service, Veita has been able to “show up” for countless students and families in need. This program is truly the synthesis of her goals and priorities.

“When I would speak in churches I would always start with: ‘I used to be you.

I used to be the one who had others who poured into me.’ I want people to know that if I could lift people up then I would do it.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Gail Johnson

The fight for equity and justice is clearly never over. [My grandfather] really cared about justice in all forms in our community. That is why I fight…

-Gail Johnson

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Gail Johnson

is much slimmer in these communities.

Story By:

Dr. Anthony Robinson

M

any individuals look at the world, recognize the issues of inequity and injustice that pervade, and have no concept of how they themselves can impart meaningful change.

However, others, like Gail Johnson, realize that the most meaningful progress one can make is within their own community.

Johnson has been serving the people of Gainesville in this way. She was elected as a city commissioner in 2018 and just recently won her bid for re-election in March of this year.

“My job is to bring to fruition what the community wants. Building relationships with people – this is the only reason I continue.”

This humble mindset of servitude is a trait Johnson has brought with her since her childhood. She was born in Gainesville but moved to Brooklyn with her grandparents at the age

My job is to bring to fruition what the community wants.

Building relationships with people – this is the only reason I continue.

-Gail Johnson

of twelve.

Her grandfather was the President of the Gainesville NAACP in 1977, and Johnson says he had a huge influence on her life and political career. “My grandpa had the biggest impact on me. The work that he was doing many decades ago… and some [things] that he couldn’t accomplish due to his position… I feel like I can expand on his vision.”

“The fight for equity and justice is clearly never over. [My grandfather] really cared about justice in all forms in our community.

That is why I fight…”

Johnson did her undergrad at the University of Florida in English & Film

Studies. She then returned to Brooklyn and worked in the arts, first as a publisher of an arts magazine and later at a feminist magazine BUST. After returning to Gainesville 10 years ago, she started her own catering company. However, in 2016, Johnson responded to her true calling and decided to walk in the footsteps of her predecessors.

“I decided there was a need for more women in politics. I ran for the office and won.”

Johnson’s recent efforts have been focused on providing food justice to the residents of Gainesville. She says the access to food and basic things

“I would like to be remembered as a commissioner that focused on the basic needs of our communities, [on the] underrepresented and marginalized, [and who has] the hard conversations about how, where, and why we are distributing resources.”

More than anything, she has been advancing the conversation by asking hard questions. She is leading initiatives that train staff in leadership on racial equity work, on budgeting with equity, and generally assessing the equity of legislature and institutions.

Johnson implores future leaders to work within their community. “That is the only way we will win our fight for justice in Gainesville. We can’t have elected officials that separate from the community they serve. I don’t know if people will see it yet, but we have big plans for Gainesville and we need the people to help in that work.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Verna Johnson

I would not be where I am if it were not for God. -Verna Johnson

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Verna Johnson

Verna

Johnson Story By:

staff writer

V

erna Johnson’s life is an incredible journey of perseverance and faith. She has used her position to uplift hundreds of children that may not have had equitable opportunities and to pay forward the gifts that were bestowed on her.

“If I can help someone along the way then my life will not be in vain.”

Johnson was born a poor farm girl in Jasper, Florida, a small town with just two traffic lights. She recalls her childhood as destitute and laborious; her school was a one-room building which also served as the church on Sundays.

She worked on the farm with her parents, who were illiterate.

“We could look through the cracked floors in our home.”

These humble beginnings gave Johnson the drive and vision to build herself up and to step out of poverty. Her parents were also instrumental in

this journey, as they instilled in her a strong sense of faith and a value for education.

“God saw fit for this country girl to have parents who wanted me to go just a little further than they did, so they pushed me to move to the next level. I did the same thing for my kids. I wanted them to go beyond what I went.”

After graduating High School in 1960, Johnson attended Edward Waters College. This was a milestone for the Johnson family, as she was the first member to go to college.

to teach seminars about education.

“I want people to know that if someone from my background could do it, then you can too. You can. You can.”

Johnson has made it her duty to spread this message to all children like her, who come from humble beginnings and need a guiding hand to help them achieve greatness.

She and her husband cofounded the Caring and Sharing Learning School (CSLS) in 1998.

“Since then, a lot of family have followed my example.”

“[Our] charter school gave us an opportunity to provide students a quality education regardless of where they came from.”

She then went on to receive a certification in Early Childhood Education from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from Nova University. After her graduate degrees, she started teaching in 1965 and would eventually work in various places around the county. Johnson has also published many books and articles and traveled across the country

Now, over 20 years after its founding, CSLS is considered one of the top schools in the county.

Johnson retired from teaching in 1999 after starting the charter school and served as the Director of CSLS until recently. Her son and daughter both work at the school now, continuing the family legacy of serving their community and elevating underprivileged students.

I want people to know that if someone from my background could do it, then you can too. You can.

You can.

-Verna Johnson

“I would not be where I am if it were not for God.” Most important, Johnston wants to be remembered by the phrase “God can do anything but fail.”

She has seen God work within her life and this faith has given her the courage to boldly pave her own path and to trust that “He can move us to where He has planned for us to be.

God is in the picture for all of us.”

“Don’t ever say what you cannot do because of what you did not have.

Because with God, you can.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Alena lawson

I worked in a maledominated profession where females were seldom valued and respected.

I had to constantly prove that I was capable of getting the job done and that I deserved a seat at the table.

-Alena Lawson

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Alena lawson

Alena

lawson Story By:

Dr. Anthony Robinson

“

I strongly believe, to whom much is given, much is required and expected.”

Alena King Lawson has been given opportunities, as she sees it. Others would say that she is a focused and diligent worker. Whatever the case, she has been using her position to serve, protect, and guide her community.

Lawson grew up in Newberry, Florida. She is the sixth child of seven to Floyd and Levonia King, who were employed as “domestic workers”. She says her parents sacrificed to provide for their family, and she attributes her success to them.

Always an honors student, Lawson graduated from Newberry High School, St. Johns Community College, and Florida State University.

Her decades-long career in law enforcement has attained her respect and attention in the Gainesville area. She retired from the Gainesville Police Department after serving 21 years to become the Chief Criminal Defense Investigator for the Public Defender’s Office.

Lawson has a compassion for people, which she

exercised in her career in public service as well as in her community involvement. She presently serves as the Board Chair of SIATech Charter High School, is President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), and recently left her office as President of the Central Florida Community Action Agency. She has also served on the Newberry City Commission for 13 years as a Commissioner and serves on both the State and National Executive Board of her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta.

“I worked in a maledominated profession where females were seldom valued and respected. I had to constantly prove that I was capable of getting the job done and that I deserved a seat at the table. This experience taught me that if I was not invited to a seat at the table, I needed to demand a seat at the table and bring my own chair, if I had to.”

a leader due to the color of my skin, my gender, or both.”

Lawson has been pushing boundaries and creating milestones with her career. She has risen to the top of her ranks as an advocate for justice and been recognized by her alma mater schools as a distinguished individual. Yet, she counts her greatest achievement as her family.

“I would say unequivocally that my greatest accomplishment was becoming a mother of two children and three grandchildren. Becoming a mom and grandmother has motivated me to be the best role model and encourager that I can be.”

Christianity is a guiding influence in her love for people and her impetus for nurturing the development of others. She sees her position in life as a servantleader, a position she takes incredibly seriously.

She speaks of getting into “good trouble” in order to fight injustices and advocate for social change. She was also instrumental in renaming a street in Newberry after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In this way she embodies her maiden name – King – and continues his legacy.

“I want to be remembered as a person that had a deep love for God and God’s people. I am obligated to pay [my blessing] forward by reaching down and pulling others up and to do everything in my power by mentoring, encouraging and sowing in the lives of others.”

“Sometimes I wasn’t sure whether I was doubted as

Her advice for aspiring young professionals is

Being resourceful and being a visionary were important elements to goal setting in combating the barriers that I constantly faced.

-Alena Lawson

to ensure that you are not the smartest person in your circle of friends. “If you are the smartest, it’s essential that you enhance your circle by including persons smarter than you.”

She also wants others to know that the obstacles they meet during their journey should be seen as opportunities for motivation and growth rather than a means to give up. “Being resourceful and being a visionary were important elements to goal setting in combating the barriers that I constantly faced.”

Lastly, don’t forget to focus on yourself. “Prioritizing your life is essential toward your pathway to leadership: Faith, Family, and all other things.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Shaney Livingston

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Shaney Livingston

Shaney Livingston Libraries Change Lives

Story By:

CHRISTIAN OLANIRAN

S

haney Livingston is a community leader, serving as the Library Director at the Alachua County Library District, which comprises twelve library locations. Livingston began working at the library due to her interest in accounting and love for libraries - she started her journey with the district working as a budget manager in December of 1990.

She subsequently went on to serve as the Financial

The library is the gateway to the world.

You can go places through books. You can find interests, and gain knowledge… there’s something for everyone.

-Shaney Livingston

Service Administrator, then Administrative Services Division Director, and now Library Director. Livingston says, the library changes lives,“The library is the gateway to the world. You can go places through books.

You can find interests, and gain knowledge…there’s something for everyone.”

Livingston is responsible for the overall management of the district which includes the supervision of all staff, presenting policies to the Governing Board, and preparing the annual budget. She is also responsible for the overall dayto-day operations, which ensure that the Library District runs efficiently and effectively. While these responsibilities are significant, Shaney says what she cherishes most is her ability to help the community through servant leadership.

The budgeting she does, for instance, helps to ensure that there is adequate funding for the numerous programs that the library offers to the community at no cost.

“There are so many programs, like the author visits, summer reading, our makerspace, or Battle of the Books...and there are many opportunities for teens to participate in as well. That’s another aspect that helps

to enrich our community.

Most of our libraries now have teen spaces. These are spaces that have been dedicated just for the teens. I have watched our branches evolve over the years. We’re reaching out and helping our community to become better.”

Livingston says her most prized accomplishment has been being able to remain relevant in the 21st Century and being able to empower her staff. Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the library managed to have great turnouts for the programs that they were able to conduct virtually or in a socially distanced format. There are many takeaways Shaney says she gained through her 31 years with the library. “It is always important to aspire to be a servant leader, have compassion and empathy, always listen to what others have to say, and to try and find a way to make sure every day you are giving back to your community and helping people to better themselves. As a leader, you should make sure everyone is understood, that they have a chance to thrive and grow and be able to develop based on their personalities.” Most importantly, Livingston says that a leader should always

It is always important to aspire to be a servant leader, have compassion and empathy, always listen to what others have to say, and to try and find a way to make sure every day you are giving back to your community and helping people to better themselves.

-Shaney Livingston

be respectful, be open to listening, and carefully assess, analyze and evaluate a situation before making decisions. These steps are what Shaney says encourage collaboration and inspire her team to “buy-in” and invest in the overall goal. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Debbra Livingston

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Debbra Livingston

Debbra

Livingston Story By:

staff writer

N

ot many can personally attest to the progress that our society has made over the past half century. Debbra Livingston is an example of someone who has not only seen these changes but has been positively affecting the lives of those around her throughout her personal life and professional career.

Born and raised in East Gainesville, Livingston knew from an early age that she wanted to be a nurse and help others through health-

I never want to forget where I came from.

Growing up in the 60’s, I remember when there was still segregation.

-Debbra Livingston

care. Her first goal was to join the Marines, which her mother quickly discouraged. “[I remember] Mom picked me up from school one day. When I told her I wanted to join the Marines, she turned the car around and told me I wasn’t doing that!”

Instead, she pursued higher education at Santa Fe College. She later graduated from Barry University in 1984 and worked as a registered nurse in Miami for eight years.

“I’m kind of like a nerd and bookworm. I am always intrigued by learning and believe that one should never stop learning.

There is always room for growth.”

“I never want to forget where I came from.

Growing up in the 60’s, I remember when there was still segregation. Integration happened when I was in first grade. Being a dark skinned person was not popular at all. Mom taught us we are not better than anyone but we are just as good as anyone, so anything we set our mind to we could do it. Dad

taught us to work hard and to get an education. and that if we worked hard, we could have whatever we wanted.”

So, Livingston went to Graduate school and received her Master’s in Nursing from the University of Florida in 2003. She became an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and was also inducted into Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Society.

“I am hopeful that by the end of my career I will have touched all aspects of nursing.”

Livingston is currently employed at Shands Hospital, where she has been for the last 18 years. She works in the Department of Neurology and evaluates level four seizure patients, which is a very fulfilling assignment. In this position, she helps patients undergo numerous tests, and the department’s goal is to help the patients become seizure free.

“It is very rewarding to give patients their lives back.”

Livingston is also a woman of strong faith. She was raised in a Christian home and she regards this as a

If people can see Jesus in me, my life was worth living.

-Debbra Livingston

blessing on her life. These lessons have made her a caring and giving person, as well as a good listener.

Lastly, Livingston wants others to know that it’s time to be kind, to always walk in humility, and to always help someone along the way who would least expect it.

“If people can see Jesus in me, my life was worth living.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Teneeshia Marshall

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Teneeshia Marshall

Teneeshia

Marshall

Teneeshia Marshall Cares Not Just Because It’s Her Job; She’s Been In Their Shoes Story By:

Mia Brabham

T

eneeshia Marshall, the Director for the Office of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Gainesville, embodies the true meaning of care and compassion. When speaking with the Iraq war vet, it’s impossible not to recognize that genuineness is built into her bones — and her empathy has only grown from both her own personal experiences and this role.

“I always laugh, because I literally fell into public service,” Marshall says with a smile.

It has not been a straight or traditional path for Marshall. She served in the military and moved every few years, struggling to find footing anywhere as she enrolled and disenrolled from school because of the location changes.

Then, she became an executive assistant and met Barbara.

“I took this job because I needed a job,” she laughs.

“She saw something in me that, honestly, at the time I didn’t see in myself.”

Barbara taught her how to network and took her to events where she met elected officials and met members of the community. When Marshall learned and expressed that she was interested in civil rights, Barbara immediately told her “let’s get you those job skills that you need.”

“She actually groomed me to be in the seat I’m in today. The role that I have is actually equivalent to her role when I was her executive assistant.”

Marshall mentions that Barbara was her first real female mentor, and that she was a white woman.

As someone who worked in civil rights, she spoke candidly to Marshall about the challenges she’d face in the workplace as a Black woman.

“She did everything she could do as a white woman to prepare me for some of those barriers.”

That was in 2007. Marshall still keeps up with her today.

“I have to say that I am incredibly blessed to have had so many women mentors in my life.”

When Marshall left, she

fell under the wings of several more female mentors who were women of color and have helped her to where she is today. Now, her daily mission is to lift up others in the way she’s been taught, mentored, and lifted.

“There is no better feeling for me than giving back. I try to give back because people have taken chances on me. I try to make sure I pay that forward.”

Marshall does this today in her role as Director for the Office of Equity and Inclusion, a position she’s been in for two years.

“I love this job because I get to help people. I have been a public servant my entire adult career and I can’t see myself anywhere else.”

Marshall’s core responsibility falls within the employment realm. Every day, she and her team ensures that employers are following federal, state, and local laws.

“Let’s say someone works at a store and feels discriminated against because of their gender, then they can come to our

There is no better feeling for me than giving back. I try to give back because people have taken chances on me.

I try to make sure I pay that forward.

-Teneeshia Marshall office and file a complaint.

Or if it’s based on race or religion or their national origin or disability … we will investigate it,” Marshall says.

“The services are free.”

Her team calculates damages, like loss wages, pain and suffering, and more. They help people either get their jobs back or negotiate settlements.

Although it is their job to remain neutral while investigating the facts, Marshall fully understands the gravity and importance of what she calls these “delicate gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Teneeshia Marshall conversations” that are had. She understands, because she’s been there.

“Part of my empathy comes from being on the other side of the table, filing an EO (equal opportunity) complaint myself.”

“Sometimes that’s the only opportunity they get to speak their piece. If it takes longer, that’s okay.”

She emphasizes to her staff that they get people on what may be one of the worst days of their lives.

While Marshall served in the military, she filed a complaint for sexual assault.

“They’ve lost a job, they’ve been sexually harassed, something bad has happened.”

“I felt misinformed and there wasn’t a lot of information given to me about next steps and what was going to happen. There were definitely no conversations around retaliation (counterattack or revenge) and what that would look like, which I did start to experience. I remember going through that process feeling so alone, so isolated, and ostracized. I left that process feeling super defeated. I do believe in God and sometimes being placed in places you’re supposed to be, and I believe I was placed in this role because I know how it feels to be placed on the other side.”

Listening not only provides the truest form of comfort, but it helps them do their jobs more thoroughly.

“One of the things that I always, always say is that no matter whether I can help a person or not, they will never leave my office feeling like they have not been helped, like they are worthless, like they don’t have their dignity intact.

I always promised myself that even if I couldn’t help everyone, no one would walk away feeling uncared for.”

She speaks to the importance of having empathy in this role. “The last thing we want to do is harm them even more.”

On the job, Marshall has learned the sheer power of listening.

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“Without active listening, you will start to miss things. I will tell you that investigators who truly listen are probably more effective investigators. By letting that person vent, and listening to them, you’ll get all of the answers they need. If someone in your office is cussing and yelling, but they’re telling that story in between, you’ve got to listen.”

“Sometimes when we step into this career field and we tell people that they have to be neutral, they take that as being void of feelings. When you’re trying to get people to open up about really sensitive things, really being yourself is what puts them at ease. … I’m still human.

There are times I’ve cried with complainants.”

One time, Marshall’s complainant was an older woman who felt her job let her go because she was older. Marshall kept calling her to check on the case, only to find that the complainant passed away.

“I started bawling on the phone like I knew this woman. Like she was my mama.”

The complainant’s daughter drove all the way into Downtown Atlanta, which is not an easy feat, to give Marshall a hug, a comforting cookbook, and to thank her for caring about her mother and for not just closing the case. That moment has stuck with Marshall. Caring deeply in this role, and in general, does not go unnoticed or wasted.

“I want to be known as someone that fought for the rights of all people.

People have the absolute right to come to work and have an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Something that sounds so basic—such as a discrimination-free work environment—really is an issue for some employees in their workplaces. I just want to continue to be a part of their solutions.”

On the other side of trials and tribulations within the role, is success for the complainants who come to them for help.

“I can say it feels good when someone has lost their job and we are able to secure a settlement on their behalf or help them get their jobs back. Loss of employment can lead to so many other issues in life, including homelessness, so it always feels good to be a part of the solution.”

Marshall always remembers why she does what she does.

“I’ve fought some tough battles in life. I remember asking, ‘Why God do I have to go through this?’ I don’t want people to think ‘I’ve made it.’ I’m a Black woman in the workplace.

Nothing in life has come easy and I have had to

I want to be known as someone that fought for the rights of all people.

People have the absolute right to come to work and have an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

-Teneeshia Marshall

fight for everything I have, which is why I fight so hard for others.”

Her commander once told her, “Your mind is the strongest tool that you have. Your mind can help you overcome anything, including pain.”

Today, Marshall is an ambitious, adventurous, and empathetic woman leading an entire team to be better and more caring people with her set of values.

“I am here to serve the public because I work for them. I am here to listen and learn from them, as well. I have an open door and I am an open book.”

Her way of summing up what she sets out to do every day?

“Let’s talk about making someone whole again.”

What is Journey to Juneteenth?

While Juneteenth (June 19) is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of emancipation, freedom was proclaimed in Florida on May 20, 1865, nearly two-years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the proclamation. One month later, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers finally arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and the enslaved were free.

The City of Gainesville’s month-long "Journey to Juneteenth" celebration, from Florida Emancipation Day (May 20) through the widely recognized Juneteenth holiday (June 19), honors the long and turbulent journey to freedom while staying true to our history of Florida Emancipation on May 20.

In case you missed it, portions of our celebration have been digitally archived and are available for viewing at https://tinyurl.com/JuneteenthGNV2021.

City of

Gainesville

Special thanks to the many partners who made this celebration happen!

Cotton Club Museum & Cultural Center - Nathan Ross, Inc. Gainesville Black Professionals - MAMA’s Club Matheson Museum - Cade Museum - First Magnitude MA Latin Entertainment - Office of Equity & Inclusion Gainesville Regional Utilities - Alachua County

BETWEEN HEAVEN & EARTH The Paintings of

Opening night: Thursday, June 17 from 5:30-7 p.m.

Thomas Center Galleries 302 NE Sixth Avenue Mon.–Fri.: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sat: 1 p.m.–4 p.m.

HistoricThomasCenter.org

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Diyonne McGraw

Diyonne

McGraw

It’s time to show people, through our actions, what we can do!

Story By:

Beth Herbert

D

iyonne McGraw, a headstrong and successful entrepreneur from Memphis, TN, grew up with many Black politicians and family members who were pillars in her community. Her mother, for instance, was deeply involved in their community, church, and worked for the department of family services.The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as McGraw has also served her community by coordinating and advocating for individuals with disabilities for over three decades. She started her own business in 2008, Successful Living II, which consists of group homes for individuals with intensive behavioral disorders.

McGraw was raised by her family members and church to value community outreach and believe in the power of prayer, but also recognize that communities are vastly influenced by politics.

This inclination towards politics, combined with her new role as an entrepreneur and her desire to advocate for Black and Brown students in Alachua County, lead her to her decision to run to become a member of the Alachua County School Board. In November, 2020, McGraw won the seat and was sworn in on August 18th, 2020.

Because she was raised to value education and know that, with the proper credentials, more doors and opportunities would be opened for her, she graduated from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, then, in 2003, attained her

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-Diyonne McGraw real estate license. Today, she currently owns and runs homes in 5 locations, with the help of her 30+ employees and 3 managers.

It was important for McGraw to delegate most of the day to day tasks in her group homes so that she could focus on her campaign and fight to be elected as a new Board member on the Alachua County School Board. Her husband has taught and coached in the Alachua County public school system for almost 30 years, which caused McGraw to recognize that the system had barely changed during the time he has been employed. Since she was already selfemployed and did not work for the public school system, McGraw believed that she could make a difference on the Board by providing fresh, new perspectives and ideals. She values her 3 E’s — education, experience, and exposure — and is using her new position on the Board to rectify the disservices many students have experienced in public schools.

McGraw has been a member of the Alachua County School Board for over 100 days and has already begun implementing new programs to help close the achievement gap and advocate for students in the Gainesville area.

Her Enough is Enough Campaign helps to provide students with opportunities to turn negative outcomes — like suspensions or expulsions from school — into positive experiences, and opportunities to start a trade or enroll in CTE courses. Diyonne McGraw continues to stay focused on her central message: “It’s time to show people, through our actions, what we can do!”

Katie McKnight

Katie

McKnight Story By:

Dr. Anthony Robinson

M

any are empowered by a personal desire for greatness and aspire to achieve their goals for their own motivations.

Although there is no issue with following your own dreams, Katie McKnight’s motivation for success is to inspire and positively impact others.

McKnight reminds us that the decisions of leaders and those in positions of power affect many people, and as a leader, she takes that responsibility very seriously. “Remain humble and know that your decisions don’t just affect you, [they] definitely affect others.”

After matriculating through the Alachua County School Board, she is currently employed at the University of Florida in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as a Pre-Health and Pre-Law advisor.

You may have heard of her organization, I’m DOPE, which has been creating a community for the women of Gainesville. This organization holds events that connect women in the community to each other, seeks to empower female entrepreneurs, and provides a space to network and promote their products and services.

“I love connecting women and like-minded individuals; it’s important for everyone including myself to learn all that we can while we are here and to teach others from our knowledge and experiences.”

DOPE, which stands for Definitely On Personal Elevation, has provided McKnight with a platform to discuss her self-help program and her book, “I’m DOPE Affirmations”. The goal is to show women how special and powerful they are and help them accomplish their own goals.

Her own personal elevation comes from a desire to provide for her family and from her faith. “My children are the reason I do everything! Every morning I walk through my home and pray before I get to their room.

When I see them sleeping comfortably in their beds it lets me know that when I start today, whatever I do, they are affected by it, so I have to make sure the choices I make are the best.”

These values of family and religion come from her own parents, who were involved in ministry. “I have always felt that if they could handle their family and parishioners; I could handle the small things in my life.”

More than anything, she knows that the most difficult step in any journey is the first; that leaders need courage to achieve their goals.

“My greatest accomplishment is being able to walk from a comfortable situa-

tion into the unknown; I was terrified, but with prayer and a lot of encouragement, I think I made it out pretty well.”

McKnight says that she’s had difficulty adjusting to being called a ‘leader’.

“I’m a believer that we are all in this together, so it’s still uncomfortable at times to be considered a ‘leader’.

But understand that the best leader is a follower.

Listen to others and their opinions; it will show you a totally different side and you might agree with it!”

Listening is very important to McKnight, who firmly believes that servitude is essential to leadership.

According to her, the best leaders are humble and teachable. “Never allow yourself to be in a space where you aren’t willing to take criticism; it will help you grow.” McKnight wants to be remembered as a loving person and as someone willing to learn and teach others. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Latalyia McKnight

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Latalyia McKnight

A Chat with

Latalyia McKnight Story By:

Pamela Edwards

P

art of Gainesville’s thriving cornerstone is the wide and varied collection of hard-working professionals. They are instrumental in the professional image and strong economical advancements among African Americans. Latalyia McKnight is an example of such a professional.

A native of Gainesville, Latalyia, graduated from PK Yonge High School. She then graduated from the University of North Florida (UNF) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, with a concentration in marketing, in 2010.

But even before this time, Latalyia was developing an interest in the insurance field as a result of her father’s great example.

Latalyia’s dad worked for Allstate Corporate for thirty years, retiring in November, 2020, while her mother worked in the banking industry. After graduating from the UNF, she worked at Avis, but it just wasn’t a good fit for her. She called her dad, who gave her tremendous encouragement and guidance. He said, “Kiddo, it’s okay. You lost the job to gain a career.” It was then that her interest in the insur-

ance industry was piqued, and her father taught her more about insurance and helped her to take advantage of the Allstate opportunity.

Today, Latalyia is not only an insurance professional who is licensed in property and casualty, life, annuities, and more, but she is also the owner of an Allstate insurance center.

In fact, this August, she will celebrate the 10th anniversary of her office opening. And, as if that wasn’t enough to celebrate, at that time ten years ago, she was the youngest agent in the state to own such an insurance agency.

It is no secret that so many business owners have had to maneuver the challenges presented by the pandemic. So many businesses did not make it. When asked how she was able to survive such challenges, Latalyia said, “Actually, I did not suffer as much as I thought I would!

With the housing market and interest rates being so low, business actually increased. Allstate made a lot of provisions, such as special payment plans, to make sure my clients were taken care of.”

In a nutshell, the success of her business during this time boiled down to her simple, yet profound, dec-

laration: “I kept at it and didn’t stop.” She also does regular business marketing to make sure that as many people as possible are familiar with her services.

Some of her marketing efforts include workshops, seminars, and church appearances, as well as lots of national advertising.

In these efforts, she also seizes opportunities to not only market, but also educate individuals. She stated, “You have to have a personal relationship with a lot of people to really grasp that conversation of life insurance and estate planning. You have to make sure that you have everything in order in advance.

Generational wealth does not have to just come from building a business. It can also come from life insurance. It’s making sure your partner or kids have a nest egg, or something to walk away with, when you are gone.”

When asked how she would want people to remember her, Latalyia shared, “I want to leave the legacy of just generally being a person that has a heart for humanity.” With such a legacy that she has already created, that is wonderfully shaping up to be the case.

I want to leave the legacy of just generally being a person that has a heart for humanity.

-Latalyia McKnight

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Dr. Kyla McMullen

There’s no prize for being tired and running yourself into the ground. Bring 100% of yourself every time, but don’t lose who you are in the process.

-Dr. Kyla McMullen

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Dr. Kyla McMullen

Dr. Kyla

McMullen Story By:

STAFF WRITER

I

s it possible to be a professor, a computer scientist, a mentor, and to still have time for fun and games? Dr. Kyla McMullen would say unequivocally, yes. Over her dynamic career and through many challenges, Dr. McMullen has been able to bring happiness and joy to her students, friends, and herself.

Her journey began as a young girl with a fascination with computers. Born and raised in the District of Columbia, McMullen attended a vocational high school and pursued the computer science track.

“When I was young, I loved computers… the novelty of it, the screen, the science fiction element of it all… I told myself, ‘I need to know what’s going on inside there.’”

After high school, McMullen attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) for Computer Science. This was made possible through a scholarship program that was offered specifically to Black high schoolers with the intention of extending opportunities for Black professionals to be represented in the STEM fields.

“That program helped make me who I am today.”

The tenet of the scholarship became instilled within her as she built her career: that each person is their brother’s keeper, that everyone should understand the concepts and lift each other up. This program was built on Black excellence and she recalls that a professor was even jailed with Dr. King at 9 years old for protesting for social justice.

“[The professors] looked you in the eye and told you you were special. This had an impact on me. The people that were in my cohort [in this program] are still my friends, we travel and go to each other’s weddings, and I’m even publishing an article with friends from this cohort.”

McMullen took these lessons with her as she continued her academic career. From day one of her scholarship program, they were grooming the students to get their PhDs, and she noted that there weren’t that many Black computer science graduate students. Regardless, she received her Doctorate in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Maryland.

“I never saw myself as a professor. I thought I was going back to DC to work for the government, but academia was hiring more when I graduated.”

While earning her PhD,

she was an adjunct at Wayne State University in Detroit. She was then hired at the University of Florida, where she has remained as a tenure-track faculty member for the past eight years.

“I thought school was boring, but I think boring is a choice. I make my classes engaging and I teach others the way I’d prefer to be taught. I like for people to engage with the material, I want us to work together as a class and have conversations.”

McMullen recently received the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award for her research on 3D audio technologies. This was a tremendous accomplishment, because it comes with a research grant, but furthermore because of the professional validation associated with the award, it lets one know that what they’re studying is important.

“I had come to the University of Michigan to deliver a lecture when I got the news. I didn’t even eat at my dinner. I was so excited! I had so many challenges during my undergrad, then to be literally on the same streets when I won the NSF career award… it was wild.”

For someone with such a successful career, Dr.

McMullen says she still struggles with imposter syndrome. This is a reason that receiving the NSF award was so meaningful to her. She recalls going to a professional development seminar on imposter syndrome with people she thought were smarter than her: “The speaker asked the room to ‘raise your hand if you’re an imposter’, and everyone raised their hand.

Nobody knows if they’re truly in the right place.”

She wants students and professionals that struggle with imposter syndrome to remember that lack of exposure is not lack of aptitude or lack of intelligence. Just because others were exposed to concepts before you, doesn’t mean they’re smarter than you.

Lastly, Dr. Kyla McMullen, university faculty member and acclaimed researcher, wants to remind others that they should find the time to have fun.

“I’m smart and focused, but I also love to have a good time. Don’t lose who you are or what makes you happy, your hobbies.

After this interview, I’m about to go roller skating!

There’s no prize for being tired and running yourself into the ground. Bring 100% of yourself every time, but don’t lose who you are in the process.”

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Leanetta McNealy

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Leanetta McNealy

Leanetta

McNealy Story By:

Heaven Taylor-Wynn

F

or Alachua County School Board Member Dr. Leanetta McNealy, a career in education was practically in her blood. The 38-year education veteran grew up in Orlando, FL to a father who was a principal and a mother who was a teacher and guidance counselor.

“My entire family, they were all involved in some capacity in education,” she said.

Dr. McNealy got her start in education in Alachua County as a fourth grade teacher at Littlewood Elementary in 1972. To put into perspective how much things have changed since then, McNealy recalled the principal who hired her asking questions about what she planned to wear to work and whether she had reliable childcare.

“Those kinds of questions would never be asked now,” she said.

Since then she’s taught in various capacities throughout the county, served as a curriculum specialist and launched a fine arts program at Duval Elementary in the early 2000s. She’s even followed in her father’s footsteps in becoming a school principal.

McNealy’s most recent reelection to the school board in August 2020 was historic. She, Diyonne McGraw and Tina Certain make up 60 percent of the first majority Black woman school board in Alachua County Public Schools’ history. This marked the beginning of McNealy’s third term as a member of the school board, her first as chair.

Dr. McNealy said her focus has remained the same since joining the board in 2012. She’s focused on putting children first, empowering all school employees and closing the achievement gap.

Additionally, McNealy was clear that there are a number of issues

facing Alachua County’s schools right now including privatization, graduation rates, teacher and professional salaries as well as high stakes testing.

Not to mention unique challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Understandably, parents have been concerned and had questions for the board about how school would proceed. McNealy welcomed opinions and feedback openly.

“When we couldn’t have all the people in the boardroom, we tried to give them access. The challenge is making sure we stick with our policies and making everyone safe,” she said.

Ultimately, Dr. McNealy has continuously positioned herself as a leader for the people. She’s dedicated to making decisions that best reflect the interests of the students. “Even though the years have been challenging, I truly enjoy and hope I’ve made an impact in what I’ve been responsible for.”

Even though the years have been challenging, I truly enjoy and hope I’ve made an impact in what I’ve been responsible for.

-Dr. Leanetta McNealy

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Tatila Paul

“It is amazing how hard work, a good support system, prayer and God’s favor and ability to move mountains can change one’s life.

-Tatila Paul

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Tatila Paul

Story By:

STAFF WRITER

O

ne of the most powerful and rewarding career moves a person can make is to become involved in the institutions that benefited themselves when they were in need.

From an impressionable teenager to Program Director, Tatila Paul has paid forward opportunities to others.

“My personal path to college was full of broken roads, but on the sidewalks, there were always people cheering and encouraging me to keep going. A support system ranging from family members, friends, and mentors that showed me it was worth it and told me that I was worth it.”

Paul was raised in Green Cove Springs in Clay County, Florida, by her aunt “or as I call her my guardian angel.” Her mother gave birth to her at the age of 14, and though they tried, her parents couldn’t provide the support system she needed.

“Although the living conditions were better [with my aunt], we still lived in a household whose income was far below the poverty line. For several years, my bed was the living room sofa, until my older sister of 8 years moved out. I honestly did not mind it. I was thankful for a roof over my head, food, and a safe place to call home.”

Paul excelled in school and was recognized for her talent by teachers and mentors. She was accepted into the Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program in the 7th grade and received a scholar-

ship to attend college. This was Paul’s first interaction with this program, and she would continue to be involved in it for the next 20 years.

“I was not only promised a Florida Prepaid Scholarship that would pay for my college tuition, but I was provided with hope that I would now be able to attend college and make something of myself.”

This encouragement and support meant the world to Paul, a low-income student who needed guidance to achieve her best self. The mentors and experiences she would have through this program made a significant impact on her self-esteem and life path, and she graduated high school with several significant scholarships, so much so that all her college expenses were paid for. “[In the TSIC program] I was given a consistent, committed role model, friend & mentor, Mrs. Tucker, who would ensure I would not only graduate from high school and college, but that I would achieve my full potential and reach or exceed every personal and professional goal I set for myself.”

Paul went on to attend the University of Florida (UF), majoring in Journalism and specializing in Non-profit Organizational Leadership. During her time at UF she was involved in various student organizations, interned at The Education Foundation of Alachua County and worked at The Clay Today Newspaper as a staff writer. She was a founding member of the Take Stock in Children Alumni Alliance

at UF as an Alumna of the Clay County Take Stock in Children Program.

“Seeing others who look like me and have had to overcome adversity to achieve their goals [was inspiring], as well as seeing those who have dreams and who had the drive to reach their full potential and accomplish success.”

Shortly after graduating, Paul started working at The Education Foundation as a Program Assistant. She has been with the Education Foundation since 2014 and she has worked her way up through the organization, to now hold the position of Director of Programs. This means that she is directly involved with extending students the opportunity to participate in the TSIC program that intimately shaped her life as a child.

“It would be at The Education Foundation that I would realize that linking low income, underrepresented, high achieving youth to mentors and resources for college would allow them to break the cycle of poverty like I was able to do. When I entered the Take Stock in Children program in junior high, I never thought I’d be on the opposite end, now selecting students to receive college scholarships through the programs at The Education Foundation of Alachua County.”

Paul received the Excellence in Service award in 2018 at a statewide Take Stock in Children Conference. At this moment, she was validated and acknowledged for the innumerable students whose lives she had been able to improve through her position. However, according

to Paul, the most fulfilling aspect to her job is being contacted by TSIC alumni and being able to share in their successes. Seeing the real-world impact that she and her organization have brought to the lives of children in need is the greatest reward.

“I hope those closest to me or who have seen the work I do in action will remember me as a servant; one so commitment-driven that she is willing to help others work through challenges and overcome obstacles in order to see them achieve their goals.”

Paul could not have reached all of these heights without her family, and she is proud to be raising her daughter in a two-parent, attentive and financially comfortable home.

“It is amazing how hard work, a good support system, prayer and God’s favor and ability to move mountains can change one’s life.”

Paul wants readers to take responsibility in lifting and developing youth.

Each person needs assistance in achieving their goals, and you should consider how you can be a part of this journey.

“Take the time to pay it forward. If you have the opportunity to work with or be around young people, ask them about their goals and expose them to resources and opportunities that can lead them to have a better and brighter future. Thank you to Gainesville Black Professionals for providing opportunities like this to myself and others.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Deloris Rentz

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Deloris Rentz

Deloris

Rentz Story By:

Beth Herbert

D

eloris Rentz, a retired high school teacher in Alachua County, encourages young, professionals to find their passions in life.

Growing up in Louisiana, Rentz’s parents, teachers and community leaders encouraged her to establish personal standards and life goals to help her achieve success. She continues to pass these messages down to younger generations, including her past students and mentees. She attended Louisiana State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree, then the University of South Florida, where she earned her Master’s in General Social Studies. She retired in 2006, but worked in Alachua County as a social studies high school teacher for 35 years.

When she first began her career in the education system, Rentz expressed that it was not her initial passion. This quickly changed for her, though, when she witnessed a walk out by a group of Black high school students at one of her first teaching jobs in Pinellas County. They wanted a Black speaker, who had

been involved in many protests in St. Petersburg at the time — which was during the desegregation era — to speak at their school, but the students were denied.

This injustice, and the passion Rentz witnessed from the students participating in the walk out, caused her to realize that it was more necessary than ever for her to remain in the education system. While schools were desegregating and adjusting to the shift of teaching Black and White students together, she continued to teach so that she could support, encourage, and mentor students.

Since she became an educator during such a controversial and convalescent time, Rentz was encouraged to start up and sponsor organizations with other African American

students at the start of her career, and she continued these programs during her 35 years as a teacher. On top of the many organizations she sponsored, Rentz also taught an array of courses to her high school students during her time in Alachua County, including Americanism vs. Communism, psychology, civics, government, and even an African American history course. When schools were desegregated in Florida, African American history courses existed in the state, but they were not offered in Gainesville until she taught the first course at Buchholz high school.

Throughout her career, and even to this day, Rentz has desired to be a role model and voice for her students during a time when they were primarily silenced and forgotten.

Rentz advises young professionals that, though it’s important to find your profession and passion in life, you first must decide who you are, the goals you want to accomplish, and the standards you want to have in life. Finding your passion in life comes from having real world experiences, doing the extraservice, reaching out to others, and gaining insights.

When she first began her career, she did not fall in love with teaching immediately; it took time, trial and error, and she did not always succeed on the first try. She encourages young professionals to not only establish more interpersonal connections and participate in as many experiences as possible in their lifetime, but to continue passing this message on to even younger generations as well. She believes that we must place positive and higher expectations on all students, regardless of race, ethnicity and/or socioeconomic background. By doing this, Rentz has helped shape the lives of many students throughout her career, guiding them towards the road of success; she’s a pillar in her community and continues to be a role model to this day. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Cora Roberson

Cora Roberson Story By:

staff writer

M

any of the stories that Gainesville Black Professionals shares are about current leaders, who are impacting the Gainesville community each day. This particular article shares the story of a past leader, one who worked to develop Gainesville to its current glory and

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who had a direct impact on the lives of the leaders of today. For this profile, we spoke to two women who are featured in this issue of SYNERGY, Alena Lawson and Yvette Cater, who were very close with Roberson. This is the life and legacy of Cora P. Roberson.

“No matter your race, no matter your gender, no matter the doubters,

if there is something you want to pursue in life, pursue it with boldness and determination. That’s what Ms. Roberson did.”

Cora Roberson was born on April 29, 1924, in Edgar, Florida, a town now known as Johnson. The eldest of nine, she was raised in Gainesville and she spent her near-century on this earth diligently working within Alachua County

to improve the education and civil rights of its citizens.

Roberson’s upbringing was modest and quaint.

Her family grew their own vegetables and the eleven of them occupied a fourroom home in East Gainesville. In an interview on her life, she remarked, “I guess where there was lots of love, you do not realize just how crowded conditions are.”

Cora Roberson She attended school right here in Gainesville and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1943.

At the time, there was only one high school for Black students in Alachua County, and no busses for Blacks either. Roberson certainly remembered this unjust situation as she built herself as a professional.

“She acted on behalf of her community at a time when it was dangerous to do so. She was bold in her work to better Gainesville.

She loved this community.

She is Gainesville’s hidden figure.”

After high school, Roberson’s goal was to attend college, however, her family did not have the funds to assist her, and she struggled financially for a while. Never one to back down from a challenge, she worked on-and-off for years in cafeterias at the University of Florida (at the time, a men-only school) and Cohens Brothers Department Store while attending Florida Memorial College. She finally persevered to attain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1950.

“She thought of others more than she thought of herself. She dedicated her life to scholarship and

service. She was a lover of people and her community.”

Roberson returned to Gainesville and at first was unable to be hired by the public school system. She instead began her career teaching night school to veterans who were working towards their high school diplomas. She continued in this position for seven years, and even met her future husband through this program. She began her career with Alachua County School District the next Fall, teaching at her alma mater high school.

Roberson went on to earn a Master’s in Education from Tuskegee Institute in 1962. She would commute to Tuskegee between school terms along with fellow Alachua County educators to complete the program.

Roberson’s longest position was as an elementary school teacher. When she accepted a position at Kirby-Smith School in the mid-1960’s, she made history for being one of the first Black educators in the school district to teach white students (this was before integration). She would later continue this tradition when she instructed a class of new White

teachers as a trainer for the Teacher Corps.

She worked her way up through the Alachua County Public School System, serving first as a home-school liaison, and eventually becoming an administrator. Her final assignment was as the first executive director of Alachua County Head Start program, a full-time, federally funded schooling option for pre-Kindergarten students. According to Roberson, this was the most challenging and rewarding position of her career, and she would retire in 1984 after 34 years as an educator.

“I would like people to remember Cora as more than an educator. She was an excellent teacher, administrator, and early childcare professional. But she was also a courageous, undaunted civil rights warrior. She acted on behalf of her community at a time when it was dangerous to do so. She was bold in her work to better Gainesville.

She loved this community.

She is Gainesville’s hidden figure.”

Cora Roberson is remembered for her unceasing dedication to social organizing. She volunteered with the NAACP of

Alachua County to register Blacks to vote in the 1950’s.

She was also a longstanding member of The Historic Camelliaettes Club of Gainesville, and involved in the multiracial women’s group Gainesville Women for Equal Rights.

Roberson was one of five chartering members of the Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She was also integral in the chartering of the undergraduate chapter of Zeta Phi Beta at the University of Florida.

She volunteered hundreds of hours of community service, including running a charm school for young ladies, mentoring girls in Zeta’s youth auxiliaries, fundraising for scholarships, and much more. She was a sister in this organization for more than 70 years.

“Her life illustrates that you can achieve so much if you are dedicated and diligent. Her work ethic and humbleness took her far. Moreover, she thought of others more than she thought of herself. She dedicated her life to scholarship and service. She was a lover of people and her community.”

No matter your race, no matter your gender, no matter the doubters, if there is something you want to pursue in life, pursue it with boldness and determination. That’s what Ms. Roberson did.

-Alena Lawson and Yvette Carter on Ms. Cora Roberson

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Stephanie Seawright

Sometimes, people don’t want help, and sometimes we may try to impose the wrong kind of assistance.

You have to meet people where they are.

-Stephanie Seawright

Stephanie Seawright The Virtues of Faith and Service

Story By:

CHRISTIAN OLANIRAN

S

tephanie Seawright serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Central Florida Community Action Agency (CFCAA), an organization focused on poverty reduction for low to moderate-income families on their path to self-sufficiency. “We also do some financial literacy programs and youth programs. We are also starting to venture into different housing components, like homeownership counseling.

The organization even assists those who are seeking educational degrees, and learning materials for those seeking certifications in vocational trades.

Seawright’s work with

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the CFCAA is only a slither of her lifelong dedication to public service through a plethora of accomplishments. Two years ago, Stephanie worked for the city of Gainesville and assisted with the development of the A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, one of her most coveted accomplishments.

“We developed the A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, I was in charge of the design, construction of exhibits, and everything related. We opened up that Museum in the historic Fifth Avenue area, and it was one of my favorite projects…one of the biggest projects I’ve done to date.” Seawright also served on the African American Accountability Alliance Political Action Committee, which seeks

to educate individuals on political issues that directly impact their communities by hosting political forums and debates during election seasons. Additionally, she works as an adjunct instructor for Santa Fe College, and serves as a missionary for Passage Family Church. “Every year the missionaries go to Haiti for a week. Stephanie says that her dedication to her Christian faith is what drives her to live a life of charity. “Jesus is an example of how we should live our lives.

And so again, faith plays a big part because…he helped, and the people he hung out with weren’t the rich people.”

Stephanie says that her path has taught her many valuable lessons, but two stick out in particular. First,

seemingly small acts of kindness have a larger impact on a person than one may realize. “Even at my job, we would do a home rehab, and we get letters from people saying - hey, thank you for changing the air conditioner…or thanking us for paying overdue bills.”

Second to that is the value of listening. “In the desire to help someone, it’s easy to lose sight of what they want or need. Sometimes, people don’t want help, and sometimes we may try to impose the wrong kind of assistance. You have to meet people where they are.” All things considered, Stephanie is sure that her purpose in life is to serve as a vessel for positive change, a role which she does not plan on leaving any time soon.

Gigi Simmons

Gigi

Simmons Story By:

Pamela Edwards

W

orking for the advancement of the community is one of the noblest callings an individual can have. The successful enhancement of the wellbeing of community members can be considered the automatic success of those working to make that enhancement come to fruition. Gainesville is filled with such amazing individuals, and one of them is Gaetrenia “Gigi” Simmons.

For over two decades, Gigi has worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of Gainesville. She prepared herself for this calling by pursuing her education— from an Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies from Santa Fe College, all the way to a Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of South Florida.

Gigi has always pursued careers that allowed her to work one-on-one with individuals in order to provide resolutions that work for them and their families, including working in clients services, customer service, administrative assisting, and owning her own tax consulting business.

With time and experience come advancement, and with Gigi, it was the natural next step. Using her

education, experience, and love of community as solid foundation layers, she not only went on to serve the City of Gainesville in planning and development, but also as City Commissioner for District 1.

Her duties in this role were instrumental to ensure that the City of Gainesville is run accurately and with integrity, working hand-inhand with citizens to make changes and improvements that will benefit all.

To acknowledge her hard work, Gigi is the recipient of many notable awards. Two of those awards include the City of Gainesville’s Albert “Ray” Massey Citizen Volunteer Award, and the KTK Inspire Woman Award.

When asked what has had the most impact on her journey to success, Gigi stated that her success is embedded in her religious beliefs and guided by the many lifelong experiences, as well as the men and women who have impacted her along the way. She proudly identified her two sons as her greatest accomplishments.

With such a great role model as Gaetrenia “Gigi” Simmons, we have no doubt that the youth of Gainesville are using her example as a model to pave their unique paths in successful community service. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Voleer Thomas

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Voleer Thomas

Voleer

Thomas Story By:

staff writer

“

If you follow your passions and are disciplined enough, you can turn your dreams into reality.”

These are the words of Voleer Thomas, a young but ambitious professional who can truly speak to the challenges of immigration and of seeking a career in the arts.

Thomas was born in St. John’s, Antigua, to parents from Antigua and Guyana.

When she was just one years old, her family made the decision to immigrate to the Bronx, New York, and it was there that her two siblings were born. Af-

If you follow your passions and are disciplined enough, you can turn your dreams into reality.

-Voleer Thomas

terwards, the Thomas family moved to Hallandale, Florida, where she was raised and went to school.

“My mother and my father had the most impact on my journey to success.

The lessons they have instilled in me shaped me to become the woman I am today. I admire their discipline and hard work, and I am grateful for the sacrifices they have made to get me to where I am today.”

Thomas made sure that her parents’ sacrifices were well worth it. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications. Since then, she has worked several jobs in communication.

She started as an associate producer, assignment desk editor, photojournalist, and news reporter for WCJB-TV in Gainesville, where she was employed for three years. She currently works as a freelance writer for the Gainesville Guardian newspaper, a position she has held since 2018.

“To me, a multimedia journalist is a professional who can be a storyteller through multiple mediums of communication. I love being a storyteller through

words, videography, and photography.”

Thomas’ father was known throughout his neighborhood in Antigua as one of the best and funniest storytellers in the region. Though his passing last summer was heartbreaking, his legacy lives on within her and through her work. Specifically, she has found an affinity for sharing Black stories.

“I love writing about Black communities across the diaspora because we have a rich history and we are resilient people. I admire our strength and beauty and as a journalist I do my best to highlight those characteristics.”

Thomas sees her work as a moral duty, as the pen is mightier than the sword.

By informing individuals about the victories of Black people, as well as the struggles, she intends on saving lives.

“People perish for lack of knowledge. Once someone is informed, their awareness will increase and the willingness to create a better future is possible.”

Ultimately, Thomas intends to inspire her generation to take responsibility for the world they inhabit

...you can’t please everyone so make sure you are happy with the choices you make. Be yourself because everyone else is taken!

-Voleer Thomas

and to enact change for a brighter future. Part of this journey is embracing unpredictability and trusting oneself to make the best decision. She firmly believes that anyone can do anything by achieving the right mindset, setting goals, and being disciplined.

“Always keep your head up and remember that the lessons you face bring you wisdom to increase selfawareness and give you the opportunity to share this wisdom with others.

Also, you can’t please everyone so make sure you are happy with the choices you make. Be yourself because everyone else is taken!” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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ester tibbs

Ester

tibbs Sometimes the path to reaching your goal involves detours, don’t waste time bemoaning those.

-Ester Tibbs

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ester tibbs

Story By:

staff writer

N

ot many who work within government organizations also have experiences using that organization’s services as a citizen. This experience is one of many reasons that Ester Tibbs was especially qualified for her position at the state of Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Born in Scottsboro, Alabama, Tibbs grew up in a household of six children. Her parents did not have the skills necessary to maintain employment or to effectively parent, and she was placed into foster care in Alabama at the age of 13. Many who enter the foster care system at such an age have difficulties finding themselves, however Tibbs says this event changed her life for the better.

“I was blessed to be placed in a Christian home with a foster mother who was an excellent role model for me. She demonstrated her faith daily and instilled in me the will to always do my very best and to set goals and work until the goals were accomplished. She helped me become the person that I am.”

Tibbs was a model student, attaining a bachelor’s degree from Alabama A&M University in 1974 and a Master’s of Social Work degree from Atlanta University in 1976. She married her high school sweetheart and they moved to start a life in Gainesville, Florida.

“My greatest professional accomplishment was working my way up

through the system and putting myself in a position to affect policies and programs. I am pleased that I was able to lead an organization whose mission was to serve those in need and to have the ability and authority to make the rules work for the people we served.”

Her illustrious career began as a clinical social worker at North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center. She worked hard and was able to advance to District Administrator. As administrator she was responsible for DCF services in a 16-county area. She continued to become the Circuit Administrator for a 13-county service area.

“So often people get discouraged when they experience the rules and policies in an organization as barriers to getting families what they need. I tried to help the staff I worked with work around and through the barriers for the benefit of families.”

Tibbs’ life has been one of service to families and communities. She retired in 2011 after 35 years in her profession but has continued touching those in need through her charitable endeavors. “While I am retired, I am still doing what I love, which is serving the community and networking.”

She is board chair for the Partnership for Strong Families, a board member with the Community Foundation of North Central Florida and a charter member of the Women’s Giving Circle. She is a committee member with the Girl Scouts’ Women Who Make a Difference Committee and is an active

member of Altrusa International. Her past involvements include serving on the boards of Shands Hospital, Oak Hammock, Friends of Children, United Way, and the Children’s Services Advisory Board.

Her career has had a lot of ups and downs, she tells us. Perseverance has led her through most of her roadblocks, such as not getting the promotion she deserved or dealing with a public relations nightmare.

“No matter the circumstances, stay focused on your goals. Sometimes the path to reaching your goal involves detours, don’t waste time bemoaning those.”

Tibbs’ career is a call to always stay true to yourself and to your mission.

She wants to be remembered as someone who answered the call to serve others and tried to make the world a better place and has honored this goal even when roadblocks and bureaucracy made it difficult.

My greatest professional accomplishment was working my way up through the system and putting myself in a position to affect policies and programs.

I am pleased that I was able to lead an organization whose mission was to serve those in need and to have the ability and authority to make the rules work for the people we served.

-Ester Tibbs

“I always challenged my subordinates to speak up when organizational barriers were not working to the benefit of the people we served. I thought that was the best way to change policies that didn’t work. It sometimes created problems for me with management, but usually the reward outweighed the risk.”

Tibbs wants to leave readers with this thought from Vince Lombardi: “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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marlena wesh

I think that’s the great part about me...

I cannot sit still. I will never be content.

-Marlena Wesh

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marlena wesh

Marlena

WESH

Story By:

Heaven Taylor-Wynn

M

arlena Wesh sat before a panel of one Black and five White people who would make a decision that would possibly change the course of the young athlete’s life and career. In a disciplinary hearing 10 years ago, sanctioned by Clemson University’s Office of Community and Ethical Standards, Wesh faced the group alongside another student athlete with whom she’d previously had it out with in a verbal altercation that turned physical.

“I thought this would be the end for me,” Wesh said.

However, this hurdle would set the future Olympian on a path to success that most would have thought impossible.

Born to Haitian immigrants in Virginia Beach, VA, Wesh is the third of five kids and identifies as an African-American woman of Haitian descent. Her high school athletic perfor-

mance in track secured her a full scholarship at the University of Oklahoma for a year before she transferred to Clemson.

Following the altercation there were police, bystanders, and enough blood to send both parties to the hospital.

Wesh’s father, Hernould Wesh, was caught by surprise when he received a call breaking the news around 3:00 am one night.

“It was really out of character for her to get in trouble,” he said. “I thought it would really mess up her chance.”

A semester of suspension, 100 hours of community service and a series of anger management counseling later, Wesh earned a spot competing in the 2012 Olympic Games in London the following year. She ran for Haiti and ultimately placed 19th in the world in the 400 meter dash. She was later eliminated in the semifinals. Wesh then earned a master’s degree and pursued a brief career

as a professional athlete that was cut short by a bone spur on her achilles.

Although she made a mistake years before that nearly ended her a future as an athlete, this unexpected injury benched her for good.

However, today she’s the Vice President of Human Resources at Florida Credit Union. She’s the first Black woman to hold this position in the company’s 67-year history. She remains the only Black person on the company’s senior management team.

When Florida Credit Union’s CEO, Mark Starr, offered her the position in October of 2018, 27-yearold Wesh was apprehensive to accept at first.

[Since] running track, I’ve always been realistic about every goal I’ve set for myself because I know I can achieve them... I don’t want to set anything too high because I don’t want to disappoint myself.

-Marlena Wesh

“I told him I needed the day to think about it because what if I fail?” she said.

That day she consulted her most loyal confidant, her dad, seeking guidance about how to proceed.

According to Mr. Wesh, he gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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marlena wesh advised his daughter to accept the position with enthusiasm.

He said “Be the person you are and do your best.

They see the potential.

The person you are working with put your name as someone who can do that job.”

Marlena recalls him offering this advice from that day: “So what if they fire you after 90 days, it doesn’t matter. It’s on your resume and it’s something they can’t take away from you.”

Despite overwhelming encouragement from her father and CEO, doubt still lingered in Marlena’s mind.

She feared she was too young, too black and this was all happening too fast.

She worried that her colleagues wouldn’t accept her in the executive space.

Perhaps this achievement outpaced her own goals. “[Since] running track, I’ve always been realistic about every goal I’ve set for myself because I know I can achieve them,” she said. “I don’t want to set anything too high because I don’t want to disappoint myself.”

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“I still don’t feel as if I’ve won the battle,” she said. “People think you’ve reached the goal by having a Black person in HR and that’s completely incorrect.”

According to Wesh, real change has to come from the top. She’s actively aware of the limitations that still exist despite her, a Black woman, holding an influential position. At the same time, she knew she wanted to see change and now had some power to push for it.

Marlena Wesh has worked diligently to build a legacy of hustle and success. She’s reinvented herself from a mistake that nearly cost her everything years ago.

Her father said “when she goes after something she’s for real.”

In spite of her numerous accomplishments, she still questions whether she belongs in her position.

“To this day I still have the doubts that I’m too young,” she said. Regardless, she maintains her hustle mentality and continues striving for more.

Today, she’s overcoming her doubt by leading initiatives to create a more desirable workplace.

“I think that’s the great part about me,” she said.

“I cannot sit still. I will never be content.”

In her first 2 and a half years as Vice President of HR Wesh has increased vacation time for all fulltime employees, initiated a wellness program that incentivizes healthier living, introduced a food truck option and catered food for employees, reduced turnover by 5.5 percent and achieved a flat zero percent renewal for the company health plan for 2 years in a row.

I think that’s the great part about me... I cannot sit still.

I will never be content.

-Marlena Wesh

GBP is the largest network of professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners in North Central Florida.

OUR PLATFORMS INCLUDE: Annual Leadership Conference Quarterly Networking Mixers Weekly Podcast Minority Business Directory Monthly Newsletter SYNERGY the Magazine

We are the only organization that consistently creates and maintains platforms that elevate and showcase Black Professionals while promoting Unity, Diversity and Equity.

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Ora White

Use your background as a catalyst to propel you to where you want to go.

-Ora White 98

SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Ora White

Ora

White Story By:

Natasha Helme

O

ra White, a Florida native and a person full of compassion, knew she wanted to help her fellow Floridians in any and every way possible.

With this goal, she has pursued many avenues to identify ways she can help others and determine the most efficient ways to do so.

Mrs. White’s journey to helping her communities started after graduating from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. With her background knowledge and experience, she was able to launch into her heart’s desire and life goal: help people become the best versions of themselves and give back to her communities.

One community that Mrs. White had a significant impact on was Tacachale, a developmental disability center located in Gainesville, FL. It’s progressive community provides residents “the opportunities and services which respect and encourage their

personal choices, enhance their quality of life, and maximize their individual potential.”

When she was first hired as an Assistant Director of Social Services in 1977, Mrs. White managed, trained, and reviewed 10 social workers. After several decades striving to be the best version of herself and helping others become the best versions of themselves, Mrs. White was promoted to the facility’s Supervisor in 2000. As Tacachale’s Supervisor, Mrs. White managed the facility’s 1,100 employees and 400 residents until she retired in 2006.

During her tenure at Tacachale, Mrs. White’s foremost goal was to be a “catalyst for positive change” by striving for excellence in every action and decision she made regardless of the challenges associated with them. One of her greatest challenges was improving Tacachale’s high standards, employee morale, and the salaries of lower paid staff despite an ever declining budget. In spite of this and other challenges, Mrs. White consistently faced daunting tasks and successfully navigated them.

One of the main reasons Mrs. White was consistently successful despite many challenges was her administrative and social work background. By bridging the two together, she was able to make more informed administrative choices because she had extensive knowledge and personal experience regarding how administrative decisions affect both employees and residents.

And since she was consistently successful, she earned respect not only on the city, county, and state levels, but also from her employees, residents, and residents’ family members.

Mrs. White and her husband of 53 years, Albert, also volunteered for multiple organizations whose purpose was supporting and empowering those in the communities for 40 years. The Whites accomplished this goal by acting as board members for the organizations and searching for different ways and opportunities they could support their community.

When reflecting on her career and volunteer history, Mrs. White found seven things to keep in mind that anyone can use while working through their

career and other activities.

• Follow your dreams because work is much harder when you don’t love what you do.

• Set realistic goals so that you can make progress and feel accomplished.

• Be patient because good things take time to accomplish.

• View your mistakes as opportunities so you can learn from them.

• Take advantage of opportunities when they are presented to you because they don’t always come along again.

• Don’t be afraid to take some risk because “nothing ventured is nothing gained.”

• “Use your background as a catalyst to propel you to where you want to go.”

Mrs. White had both a very successful career and has a significant influence on her communities. Her legacy proves her worth as an example and role model regarding strong leadership and positive impact for both individuals and their communities. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Rosa Williams

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Rosa Williams

Rosa

Williams Story By:

STAFF WRITER

R

osa Williams is a true Gainesville legend.

Her work during the Civil Rights movement has had a significant and lasting impact on Gainesville and Alachua County. She is a patriot, visionary, and humanitarian who spent her life fighting for justice.

Born in Starke, Florida in 1933, Williams’ family moved to Gainesville when she was just a month old.

She will be 88 this September, and much of her life was spent in a segregated city. Her entire life has been spent improving the lives of the Black residents here.

After completing High School, Williams attended night school at Santa Fe Community College and received a degree in community service in 1957.

However, she didn’t need this certification in order to improve her community, as she started right away.

“In 1957 we [Gainesville Women for Equal Rights]

started meeting to improve the community. We wanted our children to have a better track for their lives than we had.”

She also was instrumental in organizing a young Black group from the University of Tampa, the Elks’ University City Temple No. 900, which she was affiliated with from 1960-1965.

Through these various organizations, Williams and her cohort dismantled segregated Gainesville, one business at a time. One significant accomplishment that she spearheaded was integrating the Gainesville “public” library.

“At the time, Blacks couldn’t go into the library.

I had to find a way to get Blacks into the library. It took 3 months [for them to even give it to me], but I was the first to get a library card.”

Other avenues that Williams and the Gainesville Black community took were civil disobedience, such as entering Woolworth’s even though they were explicitly told not

to. The manager came out and said that they wouldn’t serve Blacks, so they picketed out front and after a month they were allowed inside, three or four at a time.

Williams worked on Cora Roberts’ campaign for city commission in 1968. She also addressed inequality within the welfare systemat the time, the Red Cross was mostly available to Whites, and Blacks were only allowed to enter once a week, and by then most of the clothes and food were gone. Now, there is a (obviously fully integrated) welfare office named after her in downtown Gainesville.

In 1957 we [Gainesville Women for Equal Rights] started meeting to improve the community.

We wanted our children to have a better track for their lives than we had.

-Rosa Williams

Williams was able to shed some light onto the day-to-day of social organizing during the Civil Rights movement. Often this drudge is lost in the mythology of the period, but she was very clear about the difficulties that she faced not only from Whites, but also from Blacks within her own community.

“My name and address gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Rosa Williams have always been in the phonebook. I got a lot of bad phone calls. Some Blacks wanted us to stop [protesting] because it was making it hard for them. It was really hard to get people to let me make their lives better. One of the biggest challenges I faced was really getting the families to really sit down and think about what they could do to really help support and help their own family… to really get people to understand that they had to start changing their lives and households to help their own families.”

Williams and her cohort traveled to other places as well, to help organize and to stand in solidarity with Blacks in the south.

“We also went to picket lines in Alabama, and in other places. Everybody was having the same problem. People in differ-

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I lost some friends because they were afraid for their life. Back then, you had to just walk like you were on glass. We couldn’t stay in the hole always.

-Rosa Williams

ent places were calling us up to come march with them.”

Williams can look at the world now, especially Gainesville, and appreciate the fruits of her labor.

Although there is still work to be done within the community, she wants to extend her thoughts to today’s youth: be grateful for the opportunities you have and take advantage of them.

“I’m so sorry that some of these people, young people, did not have to see what we had to go through back then. We had to make a way for them today. They have a really good life [now]. They can go to school, they can apply for good jobs, sports teams, back then they could not do that. It’s young people’s fault if they don’t get a good education these days. It’s there for them.”

Williams was never one to take her challenges lying down, she always pushed forward to achieve the success she knew she was capable of. She also wants young people to take her lessons and to move forward, but with knowledge and wisdom passed down from her generation: Lastly, Williams is proud of how far Gainesville has come in her lifetime and is thankful for the friends she has but is always thinking of the ones she’s lost in the meantime.

“I lost some friends because they were afraid for their life. Back then, you had to just walk like you were on glass. We couldn’t stay in the hole always. A lot of the people that went down with me are dead now. I wish they had lived long enough to see what’s going on right now.”

Rhonda Wilson

If you put in the work and your heart is in the right place, you will reach the STARS! -Rhonda Wilson

Rhonda Story By:

STAFF WRITER

“

I want to be remembered as being a person who understands and will fight for voices to be heard. [I want people to remember] how I’ve used the vehicle of the theater to give a platform to those voices.”

Wilson Rhonda Wilson is an artist and educator who uses her talent for storytelling and her passion for theatre to bring joy to her community. She has been involved in theatre her entire life, starting as an ambitious young girl to become the matriarch of a theatre company, and her fervent goal is to share the opportunity to participate in the arts to others.

“What has really had the most significant impact throughout this journey would be the “WHOs”. Not the Dr. Seuss characters, but “WHO” I didn’t see in the Theater or a lot of the Performing Arts. That wanting to be in that space has driven me all these years.”

Wilson is originally from Detroit, Michigan. She moved to Miami as a child

and later received her B.S. Degree in Community Resource Economics at the University of Florida. Since then, she has achieved a certification to become a Florida Certified Teacher with endorsements in Media and Drama. She has worked as a Theatre Arts teacher in the Alachua County Public Schools for 15 years.

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Rhonda Wilson

“I have always been a lover of the theater, plays, opera, all of it. [This was] very non-traditional in the environment where I grew up as a Black girl in Liberty City, Miami. I took piano and violin lessons and that was ok, but not enough.

What I really loved and wanted to do was to act, direct and perform. The lack of role models led me to be persistent in forging my own path and to create opportunities for myself, and others like me. There was a need to share Black stories and celebrate our history and I knew theater could do that. I said if I ever had the opportunity to provide a space for other youth interested in the arts, I would.”

And she did. One of Wilson’s most proud achievements has been founding and developing the Star

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Center Theatre company 21 years ago. This organization began as a small afterschool program but has grown into a year-round full season theatre company for youth and adults. “[Star Center is] a staple in the arts community and persevering in a place that is definitely new for a theater of color. [I love] seeing how so many people who have come through our doors are positively impacted and tell me how Star has made a difference in their lives. I want the legacy and the mission of Star Center to continue for generations to come.”

Her work at Star Center has garnered national recognition and support. This program has inspired others to make Black theatre initiatives in their own communities. For her work in

this area, Wilson has been selected to participate in a three-year fellowship as one of four Black Theatre Managers from around the country to change the national face of theatre. Star Center has also received funding through The National Black Seed Initiative and Wilson herself has been invited to deliver a TedX Talk on the impact of Theater.

“My belief in the work and knowing it is my calling [has given me courage to be a leader]. We are all in this world for a reason and I’m here to support, encourage and uplift people.

I have and will continue to do that through the arts.”

Lastly, Wilson hopes that all the dreamers and idealists take her story as inspiration to follow their own goals:

I want to be remembered as being a person who understands and will fight for voices to be heard.

-Rhonda Wilson

“Never give up on your dreams, your calling. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or hit a stumbling block.

They will become stairs. If you put in the work and your heart is in the right place, you will reach the STARS!”

Victoria Young

Victoria

Young

I wear a lot of different hats but in each one I am in a position to listen, develop, and execute how our agency serves our community.

-Victoria Young

Story By:

Dr. Anthony Robinson

W

hen there is unrest in the community, Gainesville looks to its police officers to provide solace and restore peace. In such a case, one can rest assured that Lieutenant Victoria Young has trained her fellow officers to respond to each scenario with grace and integrity.

Integrity is essential in understanding the life and career of Lieutenant Young, who has been with the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) for 18 years.

Lieutenant Young was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, the eldest of seven children. In 2003, she graduated from the University of Florida and completed the police academy at the Santa Fe Institute of Public Safety.

Her first position at GPD was Patrol Officer, and later became Detective. For nine and a half years she investigated numerous cases including property crimes, sexual batteries, and child abuses. Her assignment to gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Victoria Young

Senior Detective marked a milestone in her career, as this position included training new detectives. This was to be the first of many opportunities for Young to provide law enforcement education.

Her commitment to her profession has led Young to serve in many other roles.

She supervises the Co-Responder Teams, the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team and is the manager for the Field Training Program, which is responsible for ensuring new officers are properly prepared to serve the community. She also teaches as an adjunct instructor at the Santa Fe Institute of Public Safety.

“I wear a lot of different hats but in each one

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I am in a position to listen, develop, and execute how our agency serves our community.”

Each position brings out the best of Lieutenant Young. She thanks God for her ability to do so much and to positively influence the community she serves.

“My greatest accomplishment is being able to literally have it all. I am a Christian, a wife, a mother, a Black woman, a law enforcement professional, an instructor/trainer, a volunteer and so much more, and I have not compromised my character or integrity to maintain these things.”

Young’s integrity has inspired others, leading them to find their strength within themselves, to know

who they are, and to not be afraid to take the path less traveled. However, she says her own strength and guidance in life is due to her faith.

“I have aspired to do things and not been successful. I now know that those were not failures, instead they were God sparing and preparing me for successes far greater than I ever imagined.”

Faith has also made the highly successful Lieutenant Young incredibly humble in her approach to leadership: “First, master the art of followership before leadership. Also, leadership is a skill and an art, know the difference. I encourage others who aspire to lead to first allow yourselves to be led by the Lord.”

First, master the art of followership before leadership.

Also, leadership is a skill and an art, know the difference.

I encourage others who aspire to lead to first allow yourselves to be led by the Lord.

-Victoria Young

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