2016 LIVE YOUR LIFE ON PURPOSE
YOUNG ELITES PROVIDES EXPERT PROGRAMMING FOR HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TO INSPIRE THEIR INTELLECTUAL, PHYSICAL, AND SOCIAL GROWTH WHILE PREPARING THEM FOR A LIFESTYLE OF LEADERSHIP. 1 | Young Elites
THE INTRODUCTION We are the personalities, character, strengths, dreams, wins, losses, and try agains. We are the different and the together. We are the sums of our past, alive in the present, and innovating for our future. We are the self-motivated, the self-empowered, and the self-sufficient. Yet, our-selves may only be developed for impact when focused on we. We are givers back, creators of opportunity, and livers of a lifestyle of leadership. We live our lives on purpose.
WE ARE YOUNG ELITES. There is nothing out there like Young Elites. In this 2016-year, high school girls applied in record numbers to attend our one-week Leadership Summit. Upon selection to attend this life-changing week, each girl received a full-scholarship (valued at $1,000). At no cost to the girls or their families, young women were gifted the opportunity to learn leadership skills to take back to their high schools and colleges in the fall, practice at home with their families, and use for the rest of their lives. Our partners and individual contributors who made it possible for our young women to receive these scholarships are amazing.They are people like you.They are the parents who have seen the change in their daughter. The volunteers who wished there was something like this when they were in high school. The partners who keep coming back because they want to make a difference. Our Young Elites girls will be the first to tell you, you make a difference. We have watched our high school girls graduate then come back to volunteer and serve as mentors for our younger women. College interns and high school students have sustained Young Elites student organizations on their campuses. New partners have teamed-up to make sure our girls are being poured into and pushed forward for greatness. Financial supporters have doubled-down because they have witnessed the growth of an organization that puts our young women in a position of power, opportunity, and purpose. Thank you for making it possible for us to serve our young women in this way. Together, we can continue making a difference. Much love, Jennifer Shiley, President | CEO 2 | Young Elites
YOUNG ELITES LIVE YOUR LIFE ON PURPOSE MISSION Young Elites provides expert programming for high school girls to inspire their intellectual, physical, and social growth while preparing them for a lifestyle of leadership. VISION The vision of Young Elites is to create world-changers by giving young women the skills to lead in all areas of their lives.
VISION INTENT PURPOSE Young Elites programming teaches 8 leadership skills: critical thinking, emotional intelligence, fitness & wellness, identifying strengths & goals, mentorship, professionalism, service, and teamwork.
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
ONE-WEEK EVENT | JUNE 13-17, 2016
Engage in a series of seminars, physical, mental, and team building challenges, expert speakers, service, and leadership opportunities throughout the community and examine core principles: Excellence-Leadership-Initiative-Tenacity-Execution AMBASSADORS
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING | 3 FALL SEMESTER MEETINGS 3 SPRING SEMESTER MEETINGS
An inspiring group of young women, serving as Young Elites leaders, that exemplify the organization’s fundamental principles in their every day lives through community involvement, self-empowerment, and an overall commitment to excellence. FALL & SPRING SEMESTER OPEN EVENTS
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING | 1 FALL SEMESTER EVENT 1 SPRING SEMESTER EVENT
All high school girls are invited to come out and bring their friends to 1 Fall Semester event and 1 Spring Semester event led by experts in physical and intellectual challenges.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION, VISIT US AT
YOUNGELITES.ORG
Young Elites is a forpurpose organization recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED? 9TH, 10TH, 11TH, 12TH GRADE GIRLS WHO: ü DESIRE TO BUILD LEADERSHIP SKILLS ü WILL LEARN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR STRENGTHS, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY ü CAN COMMIT AND INVEST TIME IN THE PROGRAM
receive full scholarships to go through this program thanks to our amazing partners and contributors. All girls
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OUR STORY Young Elites was created because we saw the lack of leadership training for young women at the high school level. From this need, we started providing expert programming for high school girls to inspire their intellectual, physical, and social growth while preparing them for a lifestyle of leadership. Since piloting our annual showcased Leadership Summit in 2012, over 500 girls have gone through the program. Young women from our Carolinas, as well as from distances as far as Georgia, Nevada and New Jersey, have traveled to experience the life-changing programming Young Elites provides. To date, every girl who has gone through our program has received a fullscholarship to attend. At Young Elites, young women are taught to have VISION, INTENT, and PURPOSE through deliberate event scheduling that pushes high school girls in and out of their comfort zones. A unique combination of intellectual, physical, and team building challenges teaches these young women 8 gamechanging leadership skills – critical thinking, emotional intelligence, fitness & wellness, identifying strengths & goals, mentorship, professionalism, service, and teamwork. Young Elites programming is all-expense paid for the girls and their families because we believe the opportunity to LIVE YOUR LIFE ON PURPOSE should be free to those who are committed to doing it. Thank you for your support! We couldn’t do this without YOU.
YOUNGELITES.ORG YOUNGELITES@YOUNGELITES.ORG | (704) 402-8702
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MONDAY, JUNE 13
KATIE DIXON
| OWNER, KADI FIT I am a native Charlottean (we do exist), with a passion for dance and fitness. I attended Appalachian State University and majored in Marketing, with the hopes of opening a “ dance” studio after school. After graduation fear set in. I felt I wasn’t experienced, or knowledgeable enough in dance, to open a traditional studio. So, I did what most college graduates do, and got a desk job. I worked in Human Resources for 4 years, and built a deeper knowledge of business, but I knew I couldn’t live the rest of my life without dance. So, I became a dance/ fitness instructor. At that point, after a little nudging from a good friend, I knew it was time to go for it! Anything that I would lose, would be worth it, in order to pursue the life I’d imagined. So, my supportive husband, Mike, and I took a leap of faith. I gave up my salary, our comfort, and started a fitness studio. 6 | Young Elites
From the beginning, I realized that the great thing about the studio, was the encouragement that it gave people, BEYOND just working their bodies. My story was inspiring them to challenge the status quo, and be incredible in their own lives! Over the past 6 years the place has morphed and transformed into an extraordinary lifestyle design studio. There is nothing better than to wake up, knowing that I can spend each day encouraging others, to my best ability, AND dance.
DR. MATT LINEBERGER | OWNER, LINEBERGER ORTHODONTICS Dr. Matt Lineberger was born at Yale University Hospital, but soon found himself in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, his father’s hometown and the place where fate had brought his grandparents together many years ago. Although Dr. Lineberger’s family later moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, he never lost his love for the rich southern grace and provincial diversity of his childhood home, and he never gave up his dream of returning
to North Carolina. He excelled academically and athletically at the same school that produced other notable graduates such as Chris Van Allsburg, the author of Jumanji and Polar Express, and Adam Herz, who actually wrote his screenplay for American Pie about his high school. Matt had many enlightening life experiences, including living aboard a sailboat in the British Virgin Islands with his family for a year! Dr. Lineberger attended Wake Forest University and played for the Demon Deacon’s basketball team. Although he loved the game, Dr. Lineberger never lost sight of his academic goals. He played for Wake Forest his freshman year, and was recognized as an ACC Honor Athlete. A year later he transferred to The University of North Carolina, and after graduation was accepted to The University of Michigan Dental School. During his time there, Matt met fellow dental student and his beautiful wife-to-be, Megan. Dr. Lineberger worked under the mentorship of Dr. James McNamara, one of the top academicorthodontists in the world. After graduating The University of Michigan Dental School, Dr.Lineberger was accepted into the Orthodontics Program, graduating three years later in 2011. Prior to coming to Huntersville to build his own
EXCELLENCE | The quality of being outstanding
practice, Dr. Lineberger spent two years in Ann Arbor and Taylor, Michigan as an associate at Brust Orthodontics. There he learned how to treat patients of all different ages and personalities, he became extremely proficient with Invisalign, and learned the importance of having fun while working. Dr. Matt also was involved with organized dentistry, and was elected treasurer of the Detroit Southwestern District Dental Society. Dr. Lineberger recently received the honor of becoming a diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics by passing their clinical and written exams.
DR. MEGAN LINEBERGER | OWNER, LINEBERGER ORTHODONTICS Dr. Megan Lineberger was born and raised in Michigan. Early in life she excelled in academics and athletics at the local high school. Her success continued at Purdue University as an exemplary student with a Bachelors in Health Science and a Minor degree in
Psychology. Dr. Megan Lineberger also spent a summer abroad at the prestigious Oriel College at The University of Oxford in England. After graduating from Purdue University, Dr. Lineberger entered The University of Michigan Dental School, where her legacy of achievement continued. Megan participated in research in the Department of Cariology, and she was invited to present her work at the AADR and ADEA Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. Megan was also President of The Taft Honorary Dental Society. As president, she organized restorative and preventative care for underprivileged children in the Give Kids a Smile project, performed oral exams, and made customized mouth guards for athletes competing in The Special Olympics. It was also at Michigan Dental School that Megan met Dr. Matt Lineberger, her future husband and orthodontic colleague. After finishing at the top of her class at Michigan Dental School, Dr. Megan Lineberger next entered The Advanced Education Program in General Dentistry at the University of Michigan. This was a postgraduate experience designed to advance her knowledge and skills in dentistry, with an emphasis in cosmetic dentistry. Once she completed this
additional year of training, she began practicing general dentistry in Ann Arbor. She then began attending the Orthodontics Program at The University of Michigan, where she has been a top resident, and is currently pursuing her Masters Thesis. She will graduate in June, and come to complete the Lineberger Orthodontics Team. Dr. Megan Lineberger holds herself to the highest levels of professionalism and works passionately to develop and execute each individual orthodontic care plan. But don’t let Megan’s consummate pursuit of achievement fool you, she is also the dedicated mother of young Mason Lineberger, and will deliver her second child (it’s a girl!) in Huntersville this summer. She is an expert skier, Triathlete, and even competed with her husband in the grueling Warrior Dash Run. She is a balanced professional, wife, and mother: A powerful example for any young lady seeking a role model.
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Called2Connect which is a social media marketing company that helps businesses build digital relationships. Davida co-authored the book ‘Community 2.0’ where she DAVIDA JACKSON discusses | NEWS PRODUCER bridging the digital divide NEWS 14 CAROLINA through the use of QR (quick-response codes). She is pursuing her Davida Jackson is a dedicated media professional, master’s degree in Organizational and digital media strategist, Strategic Communication author, educator, student, at Queens University of and community-builder. Davida brings more than a Charlotte. Davida is frequently asked to speak decade of broadcast at workshops about digital experience to her current positions as a News media literacy. Davida is passionate about building Producer at News14 better communities. She Carolina and core freely shares her breadth of instructor at the Carolina knowledge in media, School of Broadcasting. marketing and digital She also founded
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strategies to help churches, non-profits and budding start-ups reach the community. She has served on several boards and volunteered with various community-based organizations since she moved to Charlotte in 2008. Currently, she serves on the board of directors for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Access Corporation. Davida is always looking for opportunities to impact and change lives.
GEORGIA KRUEGER
| EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADA JENKINS CENTER Georgia Harris Krueger has worked in the nonprofit world for more than 28 years in a variety of settings that have provided unique opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Georgia’s career at the YMCA began a journey into nonprofit and fostered her love for serving others and her community. A 20-year career with the YMCA spans roles from Aquatics Director to Director of Camp Thunderbird leading to the Executive Director position at the Lake Norman YMCA in
Davidson, NC. She recently began teaching Pilates at the Lake Norman YMCA as well! Currently, Georgia serves as the Executive Director of Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson, NC. She has been instrumental in building collaborative partnerships, creating an endowment program, doubling the annual budget and positioning Ada Jenkins Center as a leader in strengthening the community. Under Georgia’s leadership, the Ada Jenkins Center navigated the economic downturn with a steady hand without cutting services to clients-partners. Georgia is very active and loves mountain biking, road cycling, Pilates, reading, travel, swimming and scuba diving. She enjoys time spent with her husband of twelve years, Scott, along with their four-legged children: three dogs and one cat. One of the best parts of Georgia’s job is interacting with a large variety of people from every age, ethnicity and
socio-economic background. A teacher at heart, she believes that her work is about educating others about leadership, diversity, poverty, community development and other topics. This includes young men and women who come to Ada Jenkins as volunteers, interns or to complete a Senior project. She believes strongly that volunteering, especially in an area that is outside of their normal “ box,” is important because of the many opportunities to learn and grow. Georgia says about Young Elites that, “ Young Elites supports young women in their quest for excellence through the intentional curriculum and opportunities afforded the participants. It is a wonderful opportunity and positive impact for the participants.”
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Tuesday, JUNE 14
GREG O’CONNOR | OWNER, PERFORMANCE
COACH, CHAMPIONS SPORTS PERFORMANCE CENTER A lifelong athlete and former Division II tight end for Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Greg fulfilled his true calling in opening Champions Sports Performance in Cornelius in May of 2011. Coming out of Cal Poly, Greg entered the financial markets as a bond trader and over the next 24 years rose to the Managing Director level at two firms. This career took he and his wife of 30 years, Pam, to stops in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Memphis. Greg credits his father, Don O’Connor, for his lifelong passion for training. Don contracted polio in both legs as a teenager, yet he never let it stop him from training, of course, in old school fashion. Pushing 88 now, Greg’s dad continues to train 1 ½ hours 5 days a week. Greg also credits many great coaches and mentors throughout his life in shaping who he is today. John Durant, Greg’s high school
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strength coach and still training kids today at SLO high, holds a special spot in this group. The dedication, poise, and loyalty Greg learned from Coach Durant are a big part of Champions DNA today. Greg and Pam have three kids, Allison, 27 a former ESL teacher who now teaches yoga full time in Charlotte, Ryan, 25, a former Parisi Performance Coach of the Year who is now in sales for NCSA in Chicago and Evan, 20, Champions all time strongest athlete, who now lives and works in Northern California. Mission Statement “ To live a life of honor, integrity, and enlightenment...Impart my positive passions to as many people as possible, and those who would benefit the most.”
MARTIN ROONEY | OWNER, TRAINING FOR
WARRIORS SYSTEM (TFW) Martin Rooney is an internationally recognized fitness expert, presenter and author. Martin has his Master of Health Science and Bachelor of Physical Therapy degrees from
the Medical University of South Carolina and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science from Furman University. A former US bobsledder and Division I track athlete, he is the creator of the Training for Warriors system. The TFW System is now operated in over 250 facilities worldwide and is helping thousands of people per day to improve his or her fitness. Martin has delivered speeches to Fortune 500 companies such as Marriott International, Nike and Hasbro, conducted training programs for Military Organizations including the Army Rangers and Navy SEALs, and has consulted professional teams such as the NY Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers and NY Giants. His university clientele has included Arizona State University, University of Alabama, Oregon State University, Auburn University, Rutgers University, and Montana State University. Martin has trained hundreds of athletes from the NFL, MLB, UFC, NBA, WNBA, numerous top Division I colleges and has also had the honor to work with Olympic medalists, AllAmericans and World Champions. Martin been featured on ESPN, Spike TV, Fox Sports, the NFL Network, and in the New York Times, USA Today, Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Muscle and Fitness, The Sporting News, Runner’s
LEADERSHIP | The action of leading a group of people
World, SELF, Outside and Sports Illustrated for Kids. Martin lives in Cornelius, NC with his wife Amanda and their four daughters Sofia, Kristina, Keira and Sasha.
AMARIS McCOMAS | DIRECTOR OF TALENT
ACQUISITION, PREMIER, INC. Amaris McComas is director of Talent Acquisition at Premier, Inc., a leading healthcare improvement company. She is a strategic recruitment and sourcing leader with expertise in developing innovative and long-term strategies on a national level. As director of Talent Acquisition, Amaris currently leads Premier’s talent acquisition efforts including permanent, contingent and college recruitment. She is responsible for strategic planning and execution of Premier’s MSP (Managed Service Provider) program and diversity initiatives. Throughout her career, Amaris has played a significant role in multiple human resources technology
implementations. Prior to joining Premier, Amaris spent eight years at HSBC, most recently serving as vice president of resourcing, where she managed the recruitment team’s full-cycle recruiting processes, data retrieval and analysis. She received the 2009 and 2011 Diversity Ambassador Award for increasing awareness and education in recruitment related to Affirmative Action and has served as the lead diversity liaison of resourcing for the United States. Amaris is also currently a board member with Charlotte Bridge Home, which helps Charlotte-area veterans successfully transition home after military service by identifying their education, employment and healthcare needs and connecting them to available community, state and federal resources. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she spent her early years performing in over 30 stages worldwide with the San Juan Children’s Choir. With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Emory University in Atlanta, GA., Amaris is fluent in Italian and Spanish. She currently resides in south Charlotte with her husband and 3 children and has a strong passion for travelling the world and tasting as many different types of cuisine as she can.
HEATHER STAMEY | OWNER, FAMILY NURSE
PRACTIONER, VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS Heather Dyer Stamey is a Family Nurse Practitioner and owner of Vista Health and Wellness, P.A. in Huntersville, a Primary Care Medical Practice specializing in personalized care of children and adults. She received her Master of Science in Nursing Degree as a Nurse Practitioner at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2006. Heather received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Husson University in Bangor, Maine in 1997. She also attended the University of Maine for two years, majoring in Chemical Engineering. She is married and has four children, ages 18,16,7 and 5. She lives in Huntersville and enjoys running and following her children’s activities, as well as serving in ministry at her church.
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community. While editing can sometimes seem like isolated work, Amy values each staff member’s individual talents and above all, the exceptional teamwork involved in producing an esteemed publication each month.
AMY HALLMAN | EDITOR, LAKE NORMAN WOMAN MAGAZINE
Amy Moon Hallman is the editor of Lake Norman Woman Magazine. A lifelong LKN resident—except for those college years at NC State University—Amy is proud to witness the growth and diversity of her hometown. Still a National Board Certified Teacher, she serves on the Hough High School PTA and volunteers regularly at Elevation Church. In 2006, Amy was the editor for Jeremy White’s memoir In His Shadow: Growing Up with Reggie White. Recently, her essay entitled “ Eastland’s Child,” was published in 27 Views of Charlotte, distributed by Eno Publishers in Hillsborough, N.C. After 18 years as a high school English, creative writing, and journalism teacher, and newspaper and yearbook adviser in both public and privates schools, Amy began as a contributing writer for Lake Norman Woman Magazine. She expanded her role by consistently asking for more responsibility and by displaying unyielding enthusiasm for developing the magazine’s work with professional women in the 12 | Young Elites
MARGIE VERMILLION | OWNER, VERMILLION
the next 18 years.Throughout her career, she has rehabilitated athletes from middle school to high school and college to professional. During the time she took time to raise her family, she volunteered for several positions in her community and at her children’s school, especially around athletics and rehabilitation. In 2013, she started her own Physical Therapy practice in Cornelius, located in the building of Champions Sports Performance, where she works full time now.
PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC
Margie Vermillionhas been a licensed Physical Therapist for 28 years. Sheattended Purdue University for undergraduate degree in Movement and Sports Science. Following a oneyearbreak, she then attended the University of Miami and received her Master’s in Physical Therapy in 1988. She received the Director’s Award and also earned a position atan outpatient orthopedic private practice which was run by her professors. While still in Miami, she transferred to an outpatient position within a hospital where she became the supervisor for 2 years. She then moved 45 minutes away andstarted her own business, sold it,and then started part timeworkin 1993, at another outpatient orthopedic facilityto raise her family. She maintained her licensure as a physical therapist throughout
KATE DORDICK | DIRECTOR OF ARENA
BOOKING, HORNETS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT In her current role, Kate navigates around the NBA schedule to program the arena with a variety of event types. This includes concerts, family shows, tournaments, conferences and more. Her daily responsibilities include overseeing the arena booking and marketing department, cultivating and maintaining relationships with event promoters and meeting planners, highlighting Charlotte as the premier destination for sports and entertainment in the
Carolinas, all while ensuring each and every event booked into the building is successful from conception through conclusion. It will always be her ambition to help create memorable experiences that help shape the cultural landscape of Charlotte. Prior to joining the Hornets, Kate has served various roles within the entertainment industry, most recently as the director of sales and marketing for four theaters in downtown San Jose, CA. Kate earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University. She serves on the board for the Ohio University Alumni Association – Charlotte Chapter and is an active volunteer and participant for the American Red Cross Association. A native of Cleveland, OH, Kate currently resides in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband, Justin, and their two dogs.
KALEY KARAFFA | VP CLIENT SERVICES &
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, CENTER FOR BOARD EXCELLENCE Kaley Childs Karaffa is the VP,
Client Services and Business Development for the Center for Board Excellence (CBE). In her current role, Ms. Karaffa advises organizations and their boards of directors regarding corporate governance matters and best practices through the use of CBE’s proprietary cloudbased platform. Ms. Karaffa is admitted to practice law in the state of New York, and prior to joining CBE, was General Counsel at Clarolux LLC. Before moving to North Carolina, Ms. Karaffa practiced law at several law firms in New York City with a focus on real estate, banking law, and litigation. Ms. Karaffa received a Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law, where she was a member of the Moot Court Board, Phi Alpha Delta, and the Corporate and Commercial Law Society. Ms. Karaffa received a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in Political Science from Samford University, where she was a Beeson Exceptional Scholar and contestant in Miss Alabama and a member of the Student Government Association, President’s Leadership Collegium, and Alpha Delta Pi sorority, among other organizations. Outside of her professional career, Ms. Karaffa has a longstanding passion and dedication to youth-focused organizations and initiatives. From 2001 to 2006, Ms. Karaffa volunteered with Jefferson County Teen Court, an alternative sentencing program for juvenile offenders in Birmingham, Alabama, and subsequently served as Program Coordinator from 2007-2008. Ms. Karaffa
regularly volunteers her time with various philanthropic organizations and has served as a Guardian ad Litem in Guilford County since 2013. Ms. Karaffa has been on the Board of Trustees of the Northside Charter High School in Brooklyn, New York since January 2012 and is currently the Chair of the Board. Ms. Karaffa is President of YP Civitan of Greensboro, which is a young professionals networking and service organization focusing its efforts on organizations benefitting youth with disabilities. Ms. Karaffa recognizes the importance of helping young women develop a strong sense of self and the confidence and skills to allow them to achieve greatly. Ms. Karaffa attributes her success to the many mentors who supported her in developing her knowledge and skills and challenged her to continually set high goals. Young Elites empowers young women to discover the depths of their mental, physical and emotional capabilities, and become the leaders our community and the world needs. The greatness of our collective futures rests in the hands of young women whose potential is unlimited.
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JANE CAMPBELL | “ GAME CHANGER”
DAVIDSON COLLEGE, RETIRED CAPTAIN –U.S. NAVY Jane E. Campbell is a 1987 graduate of Davidson College, and a retired United States Navy Public Affairs Officer (PAO). She wore the cloth of our Nation for more than a quarter century, serving in a variety of assignments around the globe. She spent the formative years of her Navy career serving on ships and ashore – from Norfolk, Virginia to Miami, Florida to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and even a tour in Washington, DC. During that tour in Washington, she served on the staff of the Secretary of Defense in the Pentagon – followed by a tour on the National Security Council Staff at the White House. After leaving our Nation’s capitol, she was assigned in Coronado, California and overseas in Bahrain. After being
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promoted to the rank of Captain, she volunteered for a tour in Afghanistan. Following that combat tour, she returned to Washington to spend a year at the National War college earning a Masters Degree in National Security Strategy. She went back to the Pentagon to serve as the Director of Press Operations on the staff of the Secretary of Defense, leading the Defense Department’s largest team of U.S. military public affairs officers. Prior to her retirement, she served as the Director of Public Affairs for United States Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va. Upon retirement, Jane and her wife Heather McKee – a fellow 1987 Davidson graduate –returned to Davidson, NC. Both have become actively involved in church, college, and community non-profits.
TIARA BROWN | COORDINATOR, COMMUNI-
TY & PLAYER PROGRAMS, HORNETS SPORTS &
ENTERTAINMENT Tiara joined Hornets Sports & Entertainment in May 2014 as coordinator, community and player programs executing individual player programs and events in the community. She develops a roster of service activities that engage various groups or target specific social issues, to strategically build and implement community programs for players and NBA Cares initiatives. Tiara manages player agent communication and engagement strategies, oversees all aspects of our player purchased ticket program and ensures all NBA team requirements are met; including league reporting and team mandatory player programming. Tiara attended the University of Louisville and attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Administration, with a minor in Communications. She served as the community relation intern for two consecutive semesters during the 2013-14 Charlotte Bobcats season.
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Wednesday, JUNE 15
ANDRE BRIGGS | OFFICER, CHAR-
LOTTE-MECKLENBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT In 1987, Andre Briggs joined the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department where he met his lovely wife and had two children. Andre is currently assigned to the police and fire training academy where he is charged with shaping the minds and bodies of future police officers. He is very active in the community he serves, volunteering countless hours and mentoring young people at Davidson Day School where his son is a student. Andre also teaches self-defense classes to elderly ladies and educates special needs kids about the police department.
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DR. IZZY JUSTICE | CHIEF TALENT OFFICER, PREMIER INC.
Dr. Izzy Justice is one of the premier sports neuropsychologist in the world, being the first to introduce Emotional Intelligence (EQ) to professional sports. He presently works with several professional athletes in a myriad of sports as well as professional coaches. Dr Justice is co-author of the Amazon Best Seller TriathleteEQ, co-authored with 5-TIme Ironman Champion Heather Gollnick. Dr. Justice is currently the Chief Talent Officer at Premier Inc. Prior to that, he was the CEO of Qeureka, Inc., CEO and Founder of EQmentor,Inc., which was recognized as a company with one of the most significant innovations in professional development in
the past 10 years. Izzy was a Partner at Cerner Corporation and also worked at Andersen Consulting and Deloitte. He brings over 20 years of experience working with dozens of companies worldwide providing them with consulting services during major transitions, cultural changes, and strategic innovations. He is a sought-after advisor to Boards and Executive Teams and has been an executive coach for several Fortune 100 senior executives. He is a Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt which distinguishes him as one of the very few in the country with that level of expertise. Aside from Triathlete EQ, Izzy has published four other books on management and leadership. His highly acclaimed weekly blog is read world-wide.
JILL SWAIN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
INITIATIVE | The power or ability to begin or to follow through energetically with a plan or task
PUBLIC SERVANT HUNTERSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I am embarking on a new career as the Executive Director of the new Huntersville Chamber of Commerce, after having recently completed my public service career after four terms as Mayor of the Town of Huntersville, North Carolina (the 46th fastest growing suburb in the United States), and four additional terms as a commissioner. During that time, I have had the ability to utilize my professional background while adding to my wheel of knowledge. Initiating programs within the community and being able to transition from federal-level discussions to state and regional leadership roles have been exciting aspects of my job. I am honored to have been voted as Chair of the Metro Mayors Coalition (a collaborative of 30 of NC’s largest municipalities) and asked by Charlotte’s former mayor (current Secretary of Transportation) to co-chair a working group for regional transit. I have worked to create and grow a business networking and support group from infancy to over 500 local businesses, coordinated efforts for a health initiative, a community-to-schools initiative,
a historical society, and have been a proud voice for Huntersville during numerous international events. I have helped recruit several multimillion dollar international corporate entities to Huntersville and have been at the helm of our town board during an expansive population growth, even during the Great Recession. I can think of no better examples of my successes in marketing than the relationships I’ve built in my 16 years in public service. To have Huntersville rated as one of America’s best places to retire and to relocate, to be chosen to be the flagship location for Discovery Place Kids and the $90 million investment by the corporation ABB; and to be a leader in regionalism is both
professional since 2001. Mr. Pacitti is the Executive Director and founder of the not-for-profit corporation, Actor’s Crib, Inc., whose mission statement is “ to entertain, educate and affect social change through improvisational theatre.” Scott is the leader of the almost nine-year-old Charlotte-based improvisational theatre troupe, The Chuckleheads. Over his fifteen years of performing, teaching, motivational speaking, marketing and other various and numerous corporate activities and duties he has performed, educated and motivated thousands of men, women and children of all ages about the wondrous art form of improvisational theatre and how it can benefit them for a lifetime both on and off of a stage. women and children of all ages about the wondrous art form of improvisational theatre and how it can benefit them for a lifetime both on and off of a stage.
SCOTT PACITT | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ACTOR’S CRIB, INC., PLANET IMPROV
Scott Pacitti has been an improvisational theatre
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Destiny Webster I’m most proud of being in the IB program at school. Right now I’m taking Spanish V, 20th Century History, Theory of Knowledge II, English IV, Biology III, ROTC II, Psychology II and my fifth math. It is a lot of work. I’m graduating with 32 credits. All you need is 24. It’s like a whole extra year of credits.
Emily Archer It was a life-changing experience! Game of a lifetime – trip of a lifetime. I hope to influence young women just as the U.S. Women’s Soccer team has influenced me!
Karen Wolter I did a little bit of everything in high school because it was a great time to explore and discover who I am.
Kayla Forest I went to States for golf and did not do as well as I had hoped. The weather was really bad, but I tried to stay positive the entire time. It was frustrating. It made me realize that I have to work even harder now and make more sacrifices if I want to get a scholarship.
Audra Paione I’m co-founder and Vice President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Hough. It’s our second year. We collected all of these things for Ada Jenkins. We made boxes and asked for donations. We went to the dentist to get requested items and they donated 200 crayon toothbrushes. We are bringing the stockings to Ada Jenkinstomorrow and we still have a ton of stockings to stuff.
Jessica Ledford I was babysitting my sister and I had friends over. We were just doing homework. And I was trying to take them home. I went forward instead of backwards and I hit the fence. I called my mom and started crying. She told me to call my dad. Then I got grounded. I learned to look at the PRNDL before.
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Johannes Mosby This is my first year doing woodworking. I tried everything else; photography, drama, music, and I wanted to try something new. I really like it. I’m the only girl in my class. Later on I’ll be able to make a lamp, a cutting board and a spice shelf. I like getting to see that something that is considered a man’s job, a female can easily do it too.
Zantaria Stocks Tomorrow I present my graduation project. The topic is child development. I had to volunteer at a daycare for 16 hours. I worked with 2-4 year olds. I planned activities for the children I worked with. At the end, I had to inform parents on how to enhance their child’s development. I have to present to the board now. My presentation is 6-9 minutes.
Carmen Jarrell I like volunteering here because it gives back to the community. I like seeing thepeople come and get nice clothes. I started coming here because I went to a summer service camp. We came here one day and I liked it so I just started coming. The hardest part about volunteering is that sometimes the hangers are too big for the children’s clothes or when you have to guess the women’s sizes.
Ellen Gordon I’m obsessed with Survivor. My family and I have watched it since I’ve was born. I’ve actually watched since season 2. I’m applying as soon as I’m 18. I’m actually watching videos on how to make a good application. I really want to get on it. Iwould make allegiances the first day. Then I would try to win all of the immunity challenges. I wonder if I would be deceptive. I guess I would have to be at some point.
Kaytlin Kilian I’m definitely an overachiever. It totally stresses me out. I procrastinate to the max and then try to do everything. I do work best under stressful situations though. But procrastination gives me time to do so many different activities. Do you want me to just send you my resume?
Ashley Pearson I actually skipped 7th grade so I’m supposed to be in 8th grade. I always want to learn more so I do work over the summer. I had learned all of the material by the time I started 7th. I went to my parents to ask if I could move up to the 8th grade. Then we asked the principal. So now I’m in 9th grade a year early.
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Kailyn Sutton People are usually really surprised to know that my hair is naturally red. They never believe me.
McKenna Martin My brother has Autism and my uncle has special needs too so I volunteer with a lot of special needs groups. I volunteer probably well over 8 hours each week. Working with people with special needs has taught me to have so much patience with other people.
Hannah Wilder & Darby Hubbell We just had our first official The Little Mermaid meeting. D: I’m Ariel H: I’m Ursula D: We have to be mortal enemies on stage, but we are actually best friends off stage.
Charisse Blyden & Celecia Blyden Cel: The most we’ve been apart for is two weeks. It was pretty hard. I called her every night, but I mostly spoke to my mom. Cha: I was
Lauren Loveless I won an award at a dog show once for looking most like my dog. It’s not what I’m most proud of, but it’s definitely an accomplishment.
Meggie Cauley I’m Meggie. I work at the soup kitchen 100 hours per year, I play tennis year round and I’m really good at winking.
Alisa Kilian I spend about 5 hours in the car each day driving my children to their activities. Megiving myself to my children is one of the most important things I can do. I feel like I didn’t grow up with a lot. I didn’t have that supported home. I worked 3 and 4 jobs to put myself through college. I guess I’m trying to give my kids a better opportunity and trying to teach them, just because you have things, it doesn’t make you better, it doesn’t make you more important, but what it does make you is somebody who has the resources to help give back to those who don’t. 21 | Young Elites
Addison Crosbie & Chloe Knox A: Last night we had our Winter Wonderland Fine Arts performance. C: We are in drama and we performed six scenes from Chronicles of Narnia. It was so bad. We messed up our lines so much. A: Someone tripped and I had to turn my back because I was laughing so hard. C: You know it’s bad when we mess up our bows. I bowed four times. A: We really bonded over it though. Because we were the only juniors in the class we hadn’t really talked to anyone. C: But after we were all hugging and congratulating each other. It was so great just because we accomplished it. A: Even though it was horrible.
Georgia Picariello I really like Van Gogh. I was looking up quotes from him last night. The one that stuck with me the most was DzWhat would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?dz He was different. He wasn’t afraid to be himself. 22 | Young Elites
Sarah Chinuntdet I started a debate class here last year. My friend and I took a history class in 8th grade and debate was part of the curriculum. We really liked it so we approached our teacher to start a debate class. We are going to start competing in January. Iwant to be a lawyer when I grow up and I like being able to debate both sides whether I agree or not.
Mackenzie Hanby In October, my tennis team went to the state tournament. One of the players got injured and I had to play up. I have always lacked confidence with my shots and been hesitant, but I had to push through and change my approach. I was actually the only one who won a match on the team during the tournament. I’m definitely more confident now when I play.
Guppi Berger I worked full time for 5-6 years. Then I went to part-time consulting when I had babies. Then I quit all together. I was a stay at home mom for about 8 years. Then when my oldest was about to go to high school, we started together at Pine Lake. We were both new kids together in high school. This is my fourth year. My girls love me teaching here and I love it too.
Kathie Fisher When my children were in second grade, I decided to take a leave from my job. I wasn’t balancing my family and didn’t want to regret not spending enough time with them. I started volunteering and after a few months, that I could do both if I made choices. It wasn’t an all or nothing. I am still able to volunteer and work now, but if my children have a school function, I leave work early. The organizations I volunteer in now serve my children and give us opportunities to be together.
Cameron Winesman & Ryan Winesman C: I’m having a really good time on this team this year. We are bonding a lot and it’s exciting. We are having a team bonding party tonight and I’m looking forward to it. The whole team will be there. R: I won’t be. I’m going to a Hornets game.
Sophia Digioia, Alexas Bradford, Kate Roberts S: One time I got hit in the face with the basketball. Like right in the eye. A: Oh yeah, that was pretty funny. K: I laughed. So much.
Carley Knox I asked for GoPro for Christmas so I could film my family vacations. We’ve been a lot of places, but my favorite place is either Switzerland or Italy. I think they are very modern and cool.
Emily Sackett I’m the only one trying out for varsity soccer in my grade. I’m a little nervous, but I’ve been working out.
Sarah Marlow I think I want to be a nutritionist for a sports team. I work at a fast food restaurant right now so it’s kinda a conflict of interests.
Charisse Blyden & Celecia Blyden Cel: The most we’ve been apart for is two weeks. It was pretty hard. I called her every night, but I mostly spoke to my mom. Cha: I was busy.
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Mackenzie Bell I went to Spain on a class trip. I really liked getting to meet students my age there. I was really surprised that everyone could speak English fluently. They were our age and they weren’t stuttering or forgetting words or anything. It was really impressive.
Grace Milian This is my favorite mask. I love acting. I’m in the spring musical. This year it’s Shrek. I’m the fairy godmother. This is my first year with lines. And I get to have purple hair. I get to wear a really cool costume.
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Jeanine Grabowski I just finished finals. The studying kicked my butt. I complain so much during finals, but after they are done, I know it’s worth it. It’s so fulfilling to see all of my growth and all of the things I’ve learned during the past semester. Each semester, I keep growing more and it makes me really excited to see what my future holds
Katy Johnson The first time I ran an under 6 minute mile was awesome. I started off running a 6:15 mile. I was just like Dzeh, I’ll run and see what happens’. And then I got 5:55 in Indoor Track and 5:52 during Outdoor. So that felt good. I hope I can get 5:40 this season.
Hanna Berger I have really long eyelashes. My mom and sister tell me not wear makeup so I don’t ruin them. But I’m actually wearing a little mascara today.
Alana Darby I made this gargoyle in ceramics. The wings were really hard to do. This piece has one more firing and then he’ll be all shiny and done. It took me like two and a half weeks. I love ceramics. I was involved with sports for so long that I’ve really enjoyed seeing the other side of the school.
Mary Chiapetta I won this award. You can’t really see it. Well, my club won it, but I did most of the work.
Rebekah Goldman I wish I had tried harder in school. I finally got my grades together this year because of college. I really had to choose schoolwork over hanging out with friends. It was hard missing all of the fun activities my friends were doing, but it is worth it because I will be able to go to the college I
Claire Christman I am a student athlete who loves to volunteer because it gives me a chance to giveback to my community. I think the ability to lead is an admirable quality that takes strength. I love spending time with my close friends.
Alexis Smithy & Elizabeth Smithy A: We aren’t allowed to stunt because our coaches aren’t here. E: But this isn’t really a stunt.
Bella Carter We had to take photos of orange things for a children’s cancer research foundation. It was fun to go around and take photos of all of my classmates who were supporting the foundation that day. It was actually difficult to choose who to photograph because there were so many people wearing orange.
Dakota Dukes I want to go into Medicine so that I can help people. I will use what I’ve learned at Davidson College to improve the healthcare system and ultimately children’s quality of life. I know it’s going to be challenging but it will also be fulfilling.
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Maya Caldwell There are a lot of girls out there who aren’t mentally tough or emotionally tough, and Young Elites helps build that mentality to an unbelievable level. Girls who don’t come to Young Elites are missing out on a lot. There’s a spark between you and a group of people there, and the staff, that let’s you know there are more people out there who care about you, who are looking out for you, who have your back and support you.
Haley Hamblin I think I want to go into congress, get a law degree or do both so that I can changepeople’s lives on the basic level. I could go into social work or become a doctor but we need to change the institutions to make people’s lives better and that’s what I want to do.
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Shannon David Usually I have busy days. I do a lot at my children’s school. I serve as the classroom mom and the cross-country coach, and I’m doing the Stations of the Cross—the Living Rosary. I have even filled in for the school nurse. Right now I’m cooking dinner, Turkey Chili and I’m about to make 3-dozen brownies. This is normal for a lot of moms.
Escada Lewis Once I turn 18 I want to road trip the states alone for about a year but I want to plan it so I can come home for the holidays. It will expose me to more cultures and give me the space and alone time to develop and learn more about myself. But I want to take my time.
Connie Francovig It’s not just piano, it’s everything about music. Music it’s not a hobby though. I really only do it when I’m stressed out or sad. I can play how I want to feel. Or how I’m feeling. I started playing when I was in Kindergarten. My parents forced me to go to lessons. No matter how much I begged them to not go. I actually pushed them so hard that I was able to quit for a few years. And then I moved here and the classes were offered at school. My teachers encouraged me to take the classes. And I guess because I listen to my teachers more than my parents I started to take piano again.
Nasera Kaouss I used to play volleyball, but then I got three concussions. Now I just lift to stay healthy.
Megan Brochetti & Gabi White M: My favorite thing about this school is the teachers. G: We really like the teachers here! M: They are also so helpful and they want us to do our best. G: This is Mr. Bitters. He’s mostly everyone’s favorite.
Lindsey Dotson I’ve been playing guitar since 7th grade. I just finished writing my first song. My inspirations for song writing are life experiences and pressures along with stress of being a teen.
Maya Berger I love chips. But my mom doesn’t buy them. She’s a health freak. Sometimes, my dad will buy them if she doesn’t know about it.
Laurie Paione I knitted this scarf! It only took me about an hour. It was my first knitting project. Itook a class and then used YouTube for the rest of it. It was easier than I thought. Everyone is getting these as gifts now!
Savanna Holbert Being a leader is about being positive and having endurance while helping others along the way, and Tennis is a great way to do that, because its not only about me but also my team that supports me
Shelia Brock I feel that, through Young Elites, we are making a difference in the lives of young people, and that’s totally fulfilling as an adult.
Alex Long I’m writing my last paper for Communications 201 on the increased usage of emoticons and emojis by people and business. I’ve learned about the evolution of the communication and how emojis have changed the expression of emotion through computer mediated interaction. The most interesting fact is the younger generation, Millennials (18-24), spend an average of 90 hours a month using iPhone apps. Marketers are now infiltrating mobile devices to attract attention from younger generations. 27 | Young Elites
Cristen Inman The girls who are a part of this program are so full of life...I just wish there was something like this when I was their age.
Hannah Early I’m graduating soon and it would be cool to get a job in something I already enjoy doing. I should be a TV critic or work for the FBI.
Mel Ransom I wish I could sing. But I would never become famous for singing. I would prefer being a closet singer. I prefer wealth over fame.
Mirabella Calabrase I just got my permit and am excited to drive so I can go fast.
Brynn Polgrean I would love to be a really good cook. I would specialize in desserts and be on Chopped.
Diona Johnson My birthday is February 29. I’m a leap year baby. So I am officially five-years old. I’m a big girl now.
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Niya Johnson Birthdays have always been a big deal to me. Growing up, I always had the best and biggest parties that everyone looked forward to. March 6th should be a holiday. We can call it NiyDay.
Jennifer Shiley I get to be me every day. I get to build and design myself. It makes me want to win moments, whether that means I need to hustle or slow down. It reminds me to care for others and pushes me to stay observant, take risks, be self-aware, and persevere. What goes around comes around.
Lauren Crane Swimming is important to me and it is part of my identity as a freshman woman at Davidson College. It keeps me active and motivated to be better. To many peoples’surprise, I’ve only been swimming for five years, which is on the shorter end of the spectrum for college athletes. Growing up, I always said I wanted to be a soccer player at the University of Georgia. But look at me now - I’m a swimmer at a small college in North Carolina. It is important for high school girls to never limit their future to one idea but to explore many.
Pat Caldwell Young Elites has given my daughter Maya the belief that she can be great, has given her an attitude to believe that everybody is equal, and has given her the leadership to be able to be powerful.
Lauren Stokes I’ve been playing basketball for 8 years. I started because my parents made me. I was trying out different sports and I was good at basketball so I stuck with it. I played varsity since freshman year, but this is the first year of varsity at this school. I wanted to quit earlier in the season because I didn’t feel like I was apart of the team. My teammates started telling me how much they needed me and how much theyliked having me on the team, so I stayed. And I’m happy I did.
Emma Rizo Last year I was in DzBring it Ondz and DzHouse on Pooh Cornerdz. I did DzPippindz and I did lights for DzCatsdz. Right now I’m in DzPrincess and the Peadz. We had auditions for DzShrekdz. I’m okay with whatever role I get. I don’t have to have a leading role. I just like being a part of it.
Alexis Lynch I am inspired by the people who achieve more than me with less than I have. It makes me work hard to reach my goals. Seeing someone face adversity and push through it inspires me.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 16 amazing people they are!
ANNIE BOLTON | OWNER, YOGA ON DAVIDSON
I have been a student of yoga for over 13 years. I started practicing in high school and continued through college at Appalachian State University. After college I moved to Seoul, South Korea to teach English as a Second Language; this is where I was introduced to hot yoga and realized my true passion for education and yoga. When I returned to the states, I completed two 200 Registered Yoga Teacher certificates by Yoga Alliance and began teaching yoga part time and working at Lululemon. I have turned my passion into a career!
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ALLISON O’CONNOR | YOGA INSTURCTOR, BE YOGA AND WELLNESS CENTER
Allison O’Connor works at Be Yoga and Wellness Center as the Business Manager and as a yoga instructor. Prior to her role at Be Yoga, Allison was an English as a Second Language teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for four years. She also enjoys performing in the occasional regional musical in various local theaters. Throughout my career as an ESL teacher, yoga teacher and performer, I have learned that I must practice self-compassion toward myself. Often times, we treat others with more kindness than we do ourselves. I hope to inspire the young women of Young Elites to treat themselves like the
COURTNEY WILLIS | DIRECTOR, PRO SKILLS
BASKETBALL
Courtney Willis grew up in Fayetteville, NC and attended Terry Sanford High School. In 2000, Courtney was named Female Athlete of the State for North Carolina after lettering 4 years in volleyball, basketball, and soccer. She was named Player of the Year in both volleyball and basketball her junior and senior seasons at Terry Sanford and led her basketball team to the 4A state championship game during her senior year. Courtney then went on to play 4 years at division I East Carolina University, leading her team in points and rebounds during her junior and senior years. Her 18.1 points and 10
TENACITY | Persistent determination
rebounds a game her senior year ranked in the top 20 in NCAA women’s basketball in 2004. She left ECU as the fifth all time leading scorer and first team All-Conference for Conference USA. After college, Courtney was invited to the L.A.Sparks and Charlotte Sting WNBA training camps, but spent her first year playing professionally in Athens, Greece. After 5 months she finished out 2004 playing in the WNBDL for the Birmingham Power. In 2005, Courtney went to Italy, where she played professionally for the next 8 years for division 1 teams. In her first season playing for Vicenza, she led the league in scoring (16.0ppg) and offensive rebounds (4.0). From 20072013, she was chosen to play in 3 of the Italian AllStar games where she represented a team of 10 foreigner players chosen from 16 teams. In her final 2 seasons playing in Italy, she led 2 different teams to the Semi-Finals of the Italian Championship. Courtney is the daughter of
Hunter and Donna Willis who currently reside in North Myrtle Beach, SC. She has an older sister, Cameron Morris who now lives in Englewood, Co.
JULES MARCOUX | BEST-SELLING AUTHOR,
best-selling book on Amazon last December, making him a bestselling author at the age of 21 years old. As of today, Jules impacts the lives of more than 125,000 business owners and marketers every day through his blog, products and services. He’s constantly called for advice by brands, whom some are exceeding $100 million in revenue annually.
MARKETING
Jules Marcoux is a young marketer, consultant, and author from Quebec City, Canada. Since a very young age, he always had the passion to make his projects popular. In 2011, he started to record French rap music and marketed it to millions of views online, touring across the province. A couple of years later, he started to promote nightclub events and later took these skills to help brands with social media marketing. In 2015, Jules decided to write his first book The Marketing Blueprint, despite its young age. The book reached #1
BO QUICKEL | OWNER, VIGILANTE TRUTH INC. Bo is a husband to his high school sweetheart and the proud father of two teenagers. Many understood that even before his graduation from North Carolina State in the early 90’s, his Serial Entrepreneurial lifestyle was already set in place. To that claim, his 20-year 31 | Young Elites
background in business is diverse to the definition. He has founded and co-founded over 12 multi-million dollar businesses in 9 different market industries. Over the previous 2 decades his focus was in building his own earthly castle, after the economic siege of 2008 left his kingdom in shambles, he 32 | Young Elites
realized that recreating a mass fortune was not worthy of the effort. Rather, Bo decided that partnering with God to build the Heavenly Kingdom on earth was of much more value. Presently, as a full time executive employee of 501C-3 Vigilante Truth Inc., Bo is able to use all of his DNA talents to create the
strongest company he has partnered in to date. Vigilante Truth Inc., is the vehicle that is being used to fulfill the needs to sustain a long and passionate Crusade to END Sex Slavery in the USA and also radically change the current Culture of Men to understand the true Value of Women (V. O. W.)
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FRIDAY, JUNE 17
SHARON PITTERSON-OGALDEZ | PRESIDENT, OGALDEZ INTERCULTURAL CONSULTING LLC
Sharon is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory (ICS). She has been certified by the Intercultural Communication Institute in Portland, Oregon. Sharon is certified to administer Emotional Intelligence (EQi) and the Gallop StrengthsQuest assessments as well as using the Cultural Detective to help group members in bridging cultural differences. She has over ten years of experience working with groups (elementary – high school students, college 34 | Young Elites
and university professors, staffs and students and organizational employees and member). She conducts cultural assessments, leadership and diversity training, strategic planning, as well as group dialogue circles. She has a unique way of imparting complex ideas in understandable terms. She is a native of Jamaica, West Indies and has lived, worked and studied in Jamaica, Belize, Central America and the United States of America. Sharon has taught at high school and university level and has also supervised teachers. She has worked in Higher Education, the agricultural Industry, and the medical field and has served in various community organizations in Jamaica, Belize and the USA. Sharon has helped students in K-12 schools about their cultures and strengths and how these set them apart and equip them to be valuable citizens in their communities and the world. Young girls are often not taught or expected to
become leaders. Sharon helps them recognize their leadership potentials and using their strengths to set goals for their education and profession. She values the opportunity to partner with Young Elites to help high school girls explore their strengths and talents.
ROB BENNETT | OWNER, MY ALOHA
PADDLE & SURF
Rob Bennett is the owner and spirit behind My Aloha. He is a WPA and LEVEL 2 Paddle Fit Certified Paddleboard Instructor. In 2010, Rob made the choice to leave corporate world to pursue his passion with SUP. For years, Rob spent time in Hawaii where his love affair with Stand Up Paddle boarding began. His entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to take a passion and turn it into a
EXECUTION | The carrying out of a plan or course of action business. He is strong supporter of the LKN community and is active in raising funds for charitable organizations. For five years, hosting an annual Stand Up Paddleboard race and fundraiser here on Lake Norman. Stand UP Paddle boarding is much more than just a sport to Rob; it is a way of life that enables a pay it forward initiative. His goal now is to surround himself with a likeminded team who can support these efforts and share their paddle boarding expertise with you.
STEVE HALLORAN | OWNER, FASTFIT BOXING
Steve LOVES the sport of boxing! He is a certified personal trainer and has been in the health and fitness industry for over a
decade. He is an open amateur fighter with sanctioned fights all up and down the east coast for over 12 years. He is extremely passionate about the sport, and fitness, providing his clients with that same enthusiasm. His personal attention gets his clients the results that they have entrusted Steve to help them achieve. He is excited to come to the gym every day and give each person he works with the BEST workout they have ever had tailoring each workout to that individual, their needs, and goals.
three years of financial planning experience. This includes Tax Planning, Insurance Planning, Risk Management, Corporate Finance and Real Estate. Jackie’s passion for helping others to reach their full financial potential and her love for Accounting and planning has led her to a career in Financial Planning. She has worked as a Financial Representative and a Financial Advisor for Mass Mutual Financial Group, and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management respectively, and has recently joined Lake Norman Financial Group as an Independent Investment Advisor. Her passion for Financial Planning and being able to recommend good financial decisions to her clients and prospects, has JACKIE HEADLEY led her to advance her | FINANCIAL education as a Financial CONSULTANT, LAKE Advisor. She has NORMAN FINANCIAL GROUP recently completed her MBA in Financial Jackie has over seven years Planning at California of risk management and Lutheran University and will insurance experience and be making application to 35 | Young Elites
sit for her Certified Financial Planning Designation (CFP) in November 2016. Jackie currently does financial planning for physicians, dentists, business owners, and young families. Her specialties include Retirement Planning, Financial Plans, Risk Management and Insurance Planning, Long-term care planning, Disability Income Planning, and Business Overhead Disability Income Planning.
HANIYA MEE | DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING, WOODLAWN SCHOOL
Haniya Mee has recently been named the Director of College Counseling at Woodlawn School after spending the last few years as the Associate Director of College Counseling at the Cannon School. Prior to her role as a college counselor, Haniya spent 7 years working in selective college admissions at the University of Rochester. 36 | Young Elites
A native of Syracuse, NY Haniya spent most of her childhood attending college sporting events and continues to be involved in athletics as a coach and referee. Her love of other cultures has brought her throughout six of the seven continents, and has helped her to become proficient in six languages. Haniya and her husband Ryan live in Davidson with their son, Trotter. It was Haniya’s mother who first shared with her that “ education is the one thing that no one can ever take away from you.” Since then Haniya has worked to educate herself, and support educational initiatives for other minorities. She now guides young people in their own unique search for post-secondary opportunities. Haniya looks forward to working with Young Elites for the first time this summer. Young Elites teaches young women to be self-aware, encouraging them to develop their individual traits and better equipping them to take control of their future.
AMY BENNETT | DIRECTOR, PRUDENTIAL
FINANCIAL
Amy joined Prudential in May of 1998, supporting the Northeast Territory of Prudential Advisors. Throughout her career at Prudential she has been called upon to support various regions of the business, as well as serve on corporate initiatives such as Prudential’s People Strategy in 2008. Because of Amy’s knowledge of the Financial Services Industry as well as employment trends across the United States, she has been invited to speak at industry events on Generational Diversity in our workplace. In September 2007 she presented to GAMA’s (General Agents and Management Association) Executive Council on how generational diversity is impacting our business, and in March of 2009, she and a colleague presented a workshop on recruiting,
managing and retaining a multigenerational workforce at GAMA’s LAMP (Leadership and Management Program) meeting. She has also presented the topic at NAIFA events as well as shared resources with peers within Prudential Financial. In September 2007, she and a colleague were the co-authors of the GAMA International Journal cover story on Managing a Multigenerational Workforce. In addition to her human resources role, Amy is a certified trainer in Vital Smart’s Crucial Conversation curriculum. With this certification, she holds five classes a year educating associates across Prudential on the subject of holding dialogue when a situation turns crucial. In 2005, Amy also began work on Myers Briggs Type Indicator. She received her certification to administer the Type and has been training individuals and groups on the Indicator ever since. Prior to joining Prudential, Amy spent 7 years working with a non-profit that supported physical rehabilitation facilities as well as developed and managed a special education school
system in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was their lead Human Resources professional, tasked with developing the human resources function within industries that were changing rapidly as regulations evolved. Amy is a graduate of St. Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania where she earned a Masters degree majoring in Human Resources and Industrial Relations. She also earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
MANNY OHONME | CHAIRMAN & PRESIDENT, SAMARITAN’S FEET INTERNATIONAL
Over 30 years ago, on a hot summer afternoon in Lagos, Nigeria, a missionary from Wisconsin approached a young African boy and invited him to enter a contest where the prize was a pair of shoes. For this young boy, like so many others in
Africa, the chance to own just one pair of shoes was beyond his wildest dreams that day. That boy’s name was Emmanuel Ohonme. Emmanuel “ Manny” Ohonme won the contest on that hot summer day and earned his first ever pair of shoes. But, even more important than the pair of shoes, were the words of hope shared by this “ Good Samaritan” . The missionary gave not only the gift of shoes to the young boy, but the gift of encouragement about believing in your dreams, reaching for the sky, and never giving up.That gift of hope propelled the young boy to work hard at developing his talents, skills, and confidence. As a young man, he turned those lessons into success, earning a full basketball scholarship to a college in America. Earning his Bachelors and Masters, Manny was climbing the ladder of success in the technology industry when on a trip home to Nigeria, his passion and compassion collided and became a vision of Samaritan’s Feet. Determined to make a difference, both in his homeland and around the world, Manny and his wife, 37 | Young Elites
Tracie began Samaritan’s Feet in 2003. Through Samaritan’s Feet, Manny has the opportunity to continue the legacy of love and hope he received when he was given his first pair of shoes and make a difference in the lives of millions.
performed during half-time ofthe basketball games. Amber was a honor athlete and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lees-McRae with a degree in Sports Management and Minor in Business Administration. After college, Amber began working at Motorsports Authentics in Concord, NC, but quickly realized that God had a different plan for her. Amber ended up accepting a job at South Iredell High School in Statesville, NC AMBER HORN teaching Sports |MARKETING & EVENTS Management and COORDINATOR, Graphic Design. Amber SAMARITAN’S FEET never thought that she INTERNATIONAL would ever be a teacher, but that’s where Amber Horn grew upin God stepped in. Amber Catawba County, North taught atSouth Iredell for 7 Carolina. She grew up years, where she was loving sports and being nominated for Teacher of involved ather school, the Year 4 years in a row Bandys High School as a byher peers, Varsity 3-sport athlete. After high Volleyball Head Coach, school, she accepted a and was a leader of a academic and athletic Student Assistance scholarship to attend Lees-McRae College. While Program (mentor program). After 7 years, Amber felt attending Lees-McRae, that God was closing a Amber participated in a door onher teaching mentorship program on career, she felt that there campus, the Delta was something bigger that Omicron Theta God had prepared her for sorority, and lead a through teaching.Also, children’s program called during this time Amber and the Bobcat Club that her husband, Jerad, 38 | Young Elites
dedicated an entire summer to serving children inan impoverished neighborhood in Mooresville,NC, in which they provided lunches everyday during the summer, and offered team building activities and Bible studies for the children. This act of service really spoke to Jerad and Amber’s heart and helped open Amber’s eyes to what God was calling her todo...give back in a bigger way and connect her serving with her passion. That’s when Amber decided to step out and contact Samaritan’s Feet. A few weeks after contacting Samaritan’s Feet, Amber accepted a position as the Marketing/ Event Coordinator inthe Charlotte, NC office. That November, after accepting the offer, Amber and Jerad went toNicaragua with Samaritan’s Feet. That was an absolute life-changing opportunity for the two ofthem. It opened their eyes and really showed them what it means tobe humble and to have a servant heart.Amber has been working with Samaritan’s Feet since January 2015. Amber works on coordinating and planning the Barefoot
Gala, Barefoot Golf Invitational, and the Championsof Hope weekend for Samaritan’s Feet. She also works as the graphic designer for Samaritan’s Feet. We’ve all been given gifts. You will all be given opportunities to serve and change lives. Throughout Amber’s life, there have been ups and downs, and there are more to come, but it’s how you use those ups and downs tobe a light in this world and to share your story with anyone you meet. Amber has struggled with self-esteem issues for a large portionof her life, but
it’s not all about us. Amber has foundher heart through serving and inspiring young individuals through her story. You cannot find yourself in someone else and you cannot find yourself in things, one of the greatest things you can doin this life isto serve, and a lot of times that is where we find ourselves—serving the least of these, loving on individuals, passing someone on the street and just saying “ Hi” . Remember that you are worth it, you were created for a GREAT purpose. Each of you have a story that is unique to you, it’s what
you choose todo with your story that willleave a lasting footprint on this world. “ Participation leads to passion. Your passion determines your purpose. Your purpose determines your legacy. If you struggle finding your purpose, goback and figure out your passion. The answer lies within you.”—Manny Ohonme, Founder & CEO Samaritan’s Feet
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