Issue 5 December 2019
Featuring Ann Anderson
Editor’s Note It is the end of the year! Have you done all you wanted to? Are you on track for your yearly goals? If not, it is time to reflect and redirect! Choose to change some things and get back on track! Make a list of all you want to do in 2020! Do a vision board so you can see it daily! So, you can be inspired to make it happen. Set weekly, monthly and yearly goals! And let’s get started making 2020 great!
Teresa Hawley-Howard CEO of WOM Enterprises Publisher, Author and Writing Coach
Teresa Hawley Howard is a best-selling author, blogger, empowerment coach, and radio host. She lives in Murchison Texas with her husband Rickey. She is a mom and a Mimi. www.WOMEnterprises.com
Coming 2020
Ann Anderson Cover Story Romans 8:28 King James Version: “And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
This is the foundation scripture for my business. I believe that my purpose was birth through my own pain. And that it is all things (everything that happened, the good and the bad) that made me into the strong, positive game changer “Boss” woman that I am today! I am Ann Anderson. My story is filled with a lot of hurt, lies, bad choices, and broken pieces. It’s also filled with a major comeback, freedom in my soul and a savior that restored everything. I am the oldest of seven (7) children, three girls and four boys. I was born in Houston, Texas but raised in Shreveport, Louisiana from age seven through high school. My mother was a nurse and elementary school cook and father was ex-military and a construction worker. I worked as a Paralegal and professional Photographer for 30 years. Most recently a writer and apart of four (4) anthologies: “You’re Too Old To”; “From Broken To Beautiful” (Owning Your Truth); Hearing God’s Voice” (Above The Chaos); and featured in “A Woman’s Treasure” (a medical book). She’s also featured in “Making Headline News” which is an online news journal, and a book called “Louisiana’s Leading Ladies.” Her first Amazon #1 best-selling novel “Butterfly Uprising” was published in 2017. I am the CEO of Butterfly Uprising LLC and Founder and CEO of “60 + And Powerful” which is a personal self-development women’s (mid-life) coaching program. I am also a prolific Speaker, Author and Certified Holistic Women’s Life Coach. When I am not writing, like for the last almost three decades I spend my time helping other women to find their own voices to transform their lives and teaching them the tools and time-proven strategies to becoming the best version of themselves. But it hasn’t always been this way. Fifty-three years ago, I was alone. I was just 10 years old, when a normal encounter with my stepfather suddenly turned into sexual assault. Nobody talked about
being raped by our stepfather. I tried to take steps to prevent the pain, but a part of me thought that was how he loved me. The abuse continued over the next six years. It took a long time for me to heal from the experience and become comfortable disclosing what happened. I remember running out of my room the next day after the first time, scared and confused. He acted as if nothing had happened. This went on year after year. I struggled between feeling guilty and anticipating the next sexual experience between us for many years. And the real healing wasn’t achieved for me until I started to sincerely believe that I was not responsible for what happened to me. And I was able to put everything in the right prospective. He was the adult, and he had a responsibility as a parent figure to protect me. I was innocent. The child is never responsible. Today, I proudly share my story to remind over comers of sexual assault, especially women and young girls, that they are not alone. And I’m glad to know there’s somebody else out there who understands what it means to have my everything stripped from me. But I thank God that the part of me that wanted to heal was stronger than the part of me that was broken. I know that regardless of age or gender, the impact of sexual violence goes far beyond any physical injuries. The trauma of being raped or sexually assaulted can be shattering, leaving a person feeling scared, ashamed, and alone or plagued by nightmares, flashbacks, and other unpleasant memories. The world doesn’t feel like a safe place anymore. We no longer trust others. We don’t even trust ourselves. We may question our judgment, our self-worth, and even our sanity. We may blame ourselves for what happened or believe that we’re “dirty” or “damaged goods.” Relationships feel dangerous, intimacy impossible. And on top of that, like many rape survivors, we may struggle with, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It’s important to remember that what we’re experiencing is a normal reaction to trauma. Our feelings of helplessness, shame, defectiveness, and self-blame are symptoms, not reality. I’m sharing my story because I want people to know that no matter how difficult it may seem, we can come to terms with what happened, regain our sense of safety and trust, and learn to heal and move on with our life. I realized that what I am about to say may sound strange, but it’s a beautiful thing, to be an overcomer of something so heinous. Because it allows me an opportunity to help so many people who are victims of abuse. No one person’s story is alike. No one overcomer’s experience is the same. But we all do have the ability to choose to change the narrative after the fact. To turn it into something positive by using our voices to help others to find their voices to tell their own stories. Because it’s through sharing our own stories that we give others the strength to become their own rescue. My book, Butterfly Uprising: The Evolution of Alexander Scott is inspired by a true story. It’s about the metamorphosis of one woman’s life’s journey through interlocking stories of incest, sexual assault, drug addiction and domestic violence. It’s funny and triumphant. It was creatively written to correlate with the developmental stages of the butterfly through the maturation of Alexander Scott (who’s my character in the book). It also speaks about our inner ability (no matter what we go through) to prevail through God’s undeniable grace. Since “Butterfly Uprising” was published by Page publishing out of New York in 2017. This year in 2019, it has become an Amazon #1 best-selling book. Butterfly Uprising LLC derived from the book which is about a movement to “BU” whatever that means. It’s about you not losing your value or
being defined by what happened to you or what you went through. But that you are worthy and you being ENOUGH, no matter what! Also “60 + And Powerful” which is a personal self-development women’s (mid-life) coaching program derived from the book. This coaching program is designed to help women 35, 45, 55 who are approaching their sixties and women who are sixty plus to better up-level their game regarding their inner and outer temple. And not let their mirrors, clocks or calendars determine their ages or how they feel or what they do in life. It empowers women struggling with trauma from past/present abuse to rediscover their dreams and goals, recognize whats holding them back and move forward with great momentum and clarity of vision. The mission is to restore, to help women to take back their lives after any type trauma or PTSD from abuse and align with their true self so they can live in their greatness and God-given power placed on the inside of them.
The book was originally written with the thoughts and desire for it to be made into a box office (big screen) movie or TV series. It is still my main goal for it to be made into a movie and I have already written the screenplay and chose the different actress and actor I would like to play every character role in the book, Butterfly Uprising. I can see Alicia Keys playing my character. I believe that this role would allow her to stretch and completely show all of her range as a bad ass entertainer, actress, musician and vocalist. Not saying that it’s the only one, but definitely one of them. Social Media Links butterflyuprising@gmail.com coaching@annanderson.net butterfly__uprising.com Ann Anderson@AnnAnde67487280 www.butterflyuprising.com
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Author Spotlight Sheryl Glick Many years ago, I might have responded a woman, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a teacher, an American, a lover of theatre, music, food and everything that the go or physical reality thinks us to be. I would’ve given you all these labels but in having discovered my soul presence through mystical experiences, I now know I am a Divine spark of God with unlimited potential to co-create the world of dreams and beauty, goodness and love. There is no beginning and no end to eternal life. I am Sheryl Glick. What inspired you to write your book? Many years ago, during my first reading from a medium, when I was still a skeptic about the divine or magical aspects of life, Sonya Mitchell relayed to me that I would be writing three books for my father in spirit. While at that time I had no intention of writing even one book, as time passed and I discovered so much about the human, divine and energetic connection, my ability to follow spirits guidance became clearer and I did it willingly for I knew it to be my souls mission to share what I was learning about, our ability to improve the human condition. I wrote this book as directed by Spirit to share the amazing realization that we are immortal souls. What do you want others to get out of your book? I would like readers to know they have choices even though w are born with a life plan and destiny that must be fulfilled according to the contract we made with our spiritual teachers. We still have free will and if we remember to listen to our heart’s wisdom, we can make choices that will improve our life here and help us design the next life we will experience in spirit. We are creating with each thought word and action a new view of our increased soul ability to shine with love and greater compassion.
Who is your audience? My audience, of course, is every spiritually minded seeker of truth. Psychics, mediums, healers, philosophers, spiritualists, creative artists, musicians, poets, storytellers and indeed when it is time every living human being who should know the reality of their true being. Are you planning another book? I was contracted by spirit to write a trilogy and I have completed my soul mission with the completion of New Life Awaits, however I have always thought I would love to do a children’s book for when a parent reads a child a story before bedtime, it is the closest connection to both the divine and the love that is felt by the child and the parent at that moment when the sky is bright with stars and the angels watch over the family. Where can we get your book? All of Sheryl’s books, Life is No Coincidence, The Living Spirit and New Life Awaits can be purchased in all fine bookstores and on www.amazon.com How can we follow or get in touch with you? Website- www.sherylglick.com Email- sheryl@sherylglick.com Facebook/Twitter- Sheryl Glick What is one thing you would tell others if they want to write? Everyone has a story to tell, a journey to travel, a life to live and when you write your first book, you will perhaps find a part of yourself, a soul identity, that may have been misplaced by the daily trials and tribulations of everyday life. Be brave, ask for help from spirit and write from your heart.
Spotlight Author Kristin Stewart Kaufman “I believe we are here for three primary reasons: to teach, to learn, and to serve….all held together by that glue called Love.” ~ Kristin Stewart Kaufman Kristin is the founder of Alignment, Inc. ® a unique consultancy formed in 2007 to help individuals, corporations, board of directors and other similar groups find alignment within themselves and their organizations. She’s brought this expertise to hundreds of people since establishing Alignment, Inc®. Some of her clients include Baylor Healthcare System, Accenture, Hewlett-Packard, Smith & Nephew, Frito-Lay, IDEA Public Schools, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Mercy Health, and many others. Kristin brings over 25 years of corporate experience to bear, including executive positions at HewlettPackard, Vignette Corporation, and United Health Group. At HP, Kristin was the General Manager of the channels and partner program that supported Hewlett-Packard's largest corporate accounts. This business represented a $3 billion revenue stream for Hewlett-Packard. Serving as Worldwide Channels Vice-President on the Executive Committee of Vignette Corporation, a $250 million publicly traded, software – company; her team built the global infrastructure for multi-channels of distribution for their software solution. In her first departure from traditional ‘corporate America’, Kristin was asked to join the NYC Leadership Academy effort, which was the centerpiece of the New York City Children First reform agenda. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Chancellor Joel Klein sponsored this agenda; lead by CEO ‘Robert E. Knowling Jr.’ The goal of this reform was to create a system of outstanding schools where every child and teacher has access to effective teaching and learning. Kristin was chosen as one of two private sector business executives, to teach, train, and coach the 1,200 principals of the NYC public school system and the top 100 executives on the Chancellor's staff. This three-year experience was the initial catalyst for Kristin forming Alignment, Inc. ®
Her last executive position in corporate America was as Group Vice President of United Health Group. This appointment leveraged her strong knowledge of the technology business and how to leverage multiple channels to market in the increasingly complicated world of healthcare and healthcare insurance. Kristin provided expertise for its go-to-market strategies, defined and created alternative channels to improve organic growth, and implemented sales effectiveness methodologies across all segments within United Health Group.
Kirstin is a prolific writer. Kristin’s first book was ‘Is This Seat Taken?’ ‘Random Encounters That Change Your Life,’ was released on 11/1/11 to national acclaim, and endorsed by Stephen Covey and John Maxwell, among others. Her second book in the series of ‘Is This Seat Taken?’ is entitled ‘It’s Never Too Late to Find the Right Seat’ was released in January, 2015. It has been endorsed by notables such as Marshall Goldsmith, Sean Covey, and Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines. This book shines the light on late in life reinvention and encore ‘second half’s’ of diverse individuals. The individuals are in some cases widely known and others are somewhat anonymous to the mass public. The common thread is their ‘post-50’ resurgence in life and in some cases their ‘fork in the road’ is quite serendipitous. Kristin’s third book, in the ‘Is This Seat Taken?’ trilogy Released October 8, 2019. Author “I have written three books in the “Is This Seat Taken®” book trilogy. I speak around the world on these books along with other topics relative to my company: Alignment, Inc. Kristin Kaufman’s Books include: Book #1 - Is This Seat Taken? ® Random Encounters That Change Your Life If you think incidental meetings are incidental – think again. No matter how much we plan as executives, leaders and individuals, the random encounter opens up unforeseen opportunities. Lessons and perspectives on leadership, alignment and the power found in the present moment are discussed and made real through actual stories from Kristin’s widely acclaimed book. Kristin’s book, endorsed by notable leadership gurus such as Stephen Covey, Ken Blanchard, and Noel Tichy, will come alive on stage and have your audience thinking about their everyday moments from a different perspective. Whether the audience is a group of power house executives, type A sales professional, or individuals needing a bit of inspiration, Kristin’s content will ring true to the soul in each of us. Book #2 - Is This Seat Taken? ® It’s Never Too Late to Find the Right Seat This book and keynote is designed for those individuals who have come to a fork in the road, chosen a path, and found themselves twenty to thirty (or more) years later in a destination they didn't quite recognize. The stories are relevant for anyone; at any age, at any station in life that has awakened and wondered what they are going to do next or how will they move forward. The examples offer hope, inspiration, and applicable lessons as derived from the lives of well-known and not-so-famous men and women who found new and unexpected success - by many definitions - late in life. The message will light a spark - whether you are twenty-five or sixty-five - to take back the reins of your life and become
clear on exactly what you are going to do now and how you wish to contribute to the world. The music has not stopped, and there is still time to find your seat. Book #3 - Is This Seat Taken? ® No, I Saved It for You. This book is the last in the trilogy in the Is This Seat Taken? ® Series. This book and associated, keynotes shares a collection of stories which focus on diverse individuals and their experiences who have served as Kristin’s teachers; these experiences vary from the beautiful and the empowering, of the side-splitting humorous, to the crushing and difficult; Yet, the common aspect is that they ‘Providentially’ have taught Kristin lessons, which she vulnerably and authentically shares with her audience. This talk is a compilation of the entire book series focusing on being present in the moment, being awake to learn from all experiences in our lives, and how all these stories factor into our individual quest toward alignment – professionally and personally. The book, and her keynote, wrap up with a few suggestions – which are highlighted in the thought and activity guide at the end of the book – for each person to take the reins of their lives. When we asked Kristin what she would you like to achieve in 2020, she said – quote “I want to continue to stretch, grow, and serve. If I do this well and with purity of intention – the rest will come.”
You can Find- Kristin Stewart Kaufman at one of her Social Media sites listed below: Learn about our BOOKS: www.kristinkaufman.com Read our widely followed BLOG: http://www.alignmentinc.com/blog/ Learn what about our SERVICES: www.alignmentinc.com Learn about my OTHER BUSINESS: http://partnerwithkristin.com Check me out on YouTube: http://www.kristinkaufman.com/Kristinyoutube Follow us on PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/kristinkaufman/ Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/kristinkaufman Follow us on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/partnerwithkristin Join my network on LINKED IN: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinskaufman Website and contact info: Kristin Kaufman, PCC, CLC Founder and President of Alignment, Inc. Dallas, Texas 75204, 1- (214)-526-4944 kristinkaufman@alignmentinc.com or www.kristinkaufman.com
Author Spotlight Vince Racioppo, Ph.D My name is Vince Racioppo, Ph.D. I am a coach, consultant, and international speaker who is profoundly passionate about raising the expert performance of others so that they can produce extraordinary results. What Inspired You to Write your Book? Organizations led by inspiring, capable and skilled leaders easily surpass other companies. I felt puzzled because many of these leaders seem to come out of nowhere fully formed. I no longer feel that. The book I have written captures the essence of what leaders need to practice to become extraordinary and to produce amazing results. What do you want others to get out of your book? I want everyone who reads the book to realize they too can learn how to be the leader everyone wants to follow. The book offers a step-by-step means to practice what every aspiring leader needs to do to produce extraordinary results. Who is your audience? The audience that will benefit most from my book will be those who are growing their leadership skills, and those who are already in leadership positions who want to produce even better results.
Are you planning another book? Yes, I have begun scheduling interviews with inspiring leaders who have produced top results. I wish to identify the 20% of the behaviors that are necessary to provide 80% of the fantastic results.
How can we follow or get in touch with you? Please call my cell phone at 847-840-9926 or write to me at racioppo@expertperformance.com
Share your story and change the world!
VERNESSA BLACKWELL VERNESSA BLACKWELL is a Radio Host, Motivational Speaker, International Best-Selling Author, and Grief Coach. She is the CEO of The Grief Helpline which provides coaching and consulting services, Vernessa Blackwell also hosts a weekly Radio Talk Show entitled, Life U Imagined Broadcasting on SIBN Radio and Roku. Vernessa Blackwell, Joy Restoration and Grief Strategist, is a retired army veteran and served proudly for 24 years. After experiencing the untimely loss of a both parents and all her siblings to include three sisters and a brother. Vernessa pioneered on the journey of grief and mourning, quickly embracing God’s gift of helping others who have experienced the loss of a loved one. In 2015, Vernessa founded The Grief Help Line expanding her expertise in coaching and overcoming adversity to a wider audience. Vernessa currently resides in Southern Maryland. When she is not busy guiding clients through grief, she can be found reading, spending time with her two lovely daughters Kema and Kia and 7 adorable grandchildren.
ROBIN W. BENNETT Robin Bennett is a certified Spirit-Led Christian Life Coach (HIScoach) and Certified Image Consultant. Robin has over 25 years in the clinical research industry. Her commitment is to help women especially those in stages of midlife and beyond rebrand and reinvent themselves so they can walk confidently in the next chapter of their lives. Robin is passionate about helping women value their self-worth and significance, so they can discover and pursue their God-given destinies. As their coach she helps them get from where they are to where they want to be. She supports, inspires and motivates them. Her plans are to conduct workshops and seminars on topics such as The Superwoman Syndrome, Strategies for Increased Self-Esteem & Empowerment and Thriving in Midlife and Beyond to name a few. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from North Carolina Central University. She is a wife and mother to three wonderful children. She loves reading, attending concerts, traveling and enjoy a great meal with family and friends.
Takia Chase- Smith Takia has fifteen years of honorable military service as an Active Army National Guard and National Guard Soldier. Born in and raised in Maryland. She has four sisters and one brother, Takia is the second youngest. Her hobbies include swimming, styling hair, networking and traveling. Takia graduated from Strayer University with my Associates Degree. She completed Barbering at Bladensburg Barbering School. Takia has a Maryland cosmetology license. She chose this school so that she could further her Cosmetology skills and to be well rounded in the beauty industry. As a Licensed Cosmetology with a Children’s Hair Salon Name Royally Pampered Kidz Spa & Boutique. Takia has 3 children. She has co-authored in 3 books, Daily Dose of Decisions for Mothers and Daughter’s, Spiritual Discipline Version 7 and You are Beautiful. She also cohosts The Life U Imagined Radio show has been on air since February 2018 and we have been honored to interview a variety of phenomenal people.
DR. SYLVIA A. COLE Dr. Sylvia A. Cole (affectionately referred to as Dr. Sylvia) is a Radio Host, Motivational Speaker, Author, Publisher/Book Writing Coach and Educational Consultant. She is the CEO of Perfecting Enterprises and Called 2 Write Writing Services which provides consulting and tutoring to educational programs and book writing/coaching, respectively. Dr. Sylvia also hosts a weekly Radio Talk Show entitled, CALLED 2 INSPIRE with DR. SYLVIA, on Galaxy Gospel Radio and Facebook Live. She enjoys reading, speaking, attending sporting and professional events, mentoring teens and young adults, and spending time with her family.
TIFFANY DANIEL Tiffany Daniel: Mother, Grandmother, Analyst, Business Owner, Nutritionist, Health & Wellness Coach, Minister, Public Servant, Writer, Speaker, and Woman Veteran. Community Service is important; Tiffany is the owner of the Curves, Women’s Fitness Facility, located in Fort Washington, MD. At Curves, she enjoys giving back to the community assisting one family at a time by empowering women to take their health back. She believes that Curves is a safe haven where women can come and not only work out, but release all the stress they have accumulated throughout the day. It is a place of solitude for “women only”.
SHENNA FOSTER I was born on August 4, 1970 in DC. I am the daughter of Sheila and Joseph Foster. I have three siblings LaShawn, Shantea and Duane. I am the mother of four children Tony Sr (28), BaShawn (26), Lorenzo (25) and the late Walter (19). I have 5 grandkids, I grew up in Clinton, Maryland and attended the Prince Georges County School System and graduated in 1989 from Surrattsville High. I enjoy spending quality time cultivating and developing early childhood age children. In my church and community, I am known as Ms. Shenna the lady who loves the babies. I am active in my church, and I serve wherever I am needed. Life hasn’t been an easy ride with sickness and the loss of a child but my faith in God has remained strong. I unwaveringly stand on the scripture Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen”.
Darkema Freeman I was born on January 13th, 1976 in Md. I am the daughter of Vernessa Blackwell and Joseph Freeman. I have two siblings Takia and the late Joseph Jr (Jody). I am the mother of four children Tyquan (26), Kemonte (19), Khyeema (18) and Davonte (15). I grew up in Capitol Heights, Maryland and attended the Prince Georges County School System. I enjoy spending quality time with my family cooking and fellowshipping with family and friends. My favorite scripture is Phil 4:13 “I can do all things in Christ Jesus Who Strengthens Me”.
Eva Foushee’ Minister Eva Foushee’ (Eva the Diva) Is a 70-year-old minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ and an entrepreneur. Her calling is laying on of hands, therefore she is a part of the hospital ministry at her church, Spirit of Faith Christian Center. One church three location under the leadership of Apostle Michael A. Freeman. She has four adult children, eight grandchildren six boys two girls and three great granddaughters. She is a licensed insurance broker and she just recently became a consultant for Paparazzi Accessories Although, she is retired from a nine to five full-time job. She enjoys helping seniors with their health insurance needs and benefits. Most of the senior don’t even realize that they are entitled to the benefits. It does her heart good to see the smiles of thanks and appreciation on their faces when they are enrolled into the program.
Erica Michelle Hicks A bouquet of exotic flowers defines Erica Hicks; mother of 4, and always a friend. She’s an avid supporter of the Autism movement as her 10-year-old son was diagnosed at two. Her compassion for community is the driving force for the birth of her non-profit, UMAD, United Mothers and Daughters. She has overcome hurdles & endured the loss of her husband of twenty-three yrs. in 2017. The word according to Erica Hicks is a resounding yes! “Life is powered by who you choose to be.” She was a young mother who once upon a time struggled until she began to help others outside of myself”. Her endeavor is to be that ‘one’ to help another spring free!
Lisa T. Horton Lisa T. Horton was born and raised in Washington DC. She has been married for over twenty years and have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. She is the author of Secret Compulsions book one of a Murder Mystery trilogy. Lisa’s love for mystery and adventure began with doing crossword puzzles. She believes puzzles are like cases and the squares contain secrets. This has inspired her to write with a purpose and a passion.
Deborah Ivey Deborah Ivey is the CEO of My New Bold, LLC. Deborah has served in the military and is a US Army-Retiree. Deborah has a Master’s Degree in Business Communication, Leading a Customer Driven Organization. Deborah was born in New Zion, SC but raised in Washington, DC. Deborah has certifications in Women’s Leadership, International Speakers Academy, The Marketing, Branding & Image Certification and Women’s Empowerment through Professional Women’s Network. Also certified Life Coach, HISCoach and Spiritual Coach Deborah is a member of the Professional Woman’s Speakers Bureau and Professional Woman’s Author Institute. Deborah is a co-author of Tapping Into your Inner Beauty and the Power of God Daily Devotional 2017. Deborah has over 20 years’ experience working in Government in Administrative, Acquisitions and Procurement.
Minister Christine Kelly Jackson Min. Christine Kelly Jackson serves as a Licensed Minister at Azusa House Fellowship in Waldorf, Maryland and is appointed as the Community Outreach Director. She is founder of the Torch of Hope, Inc., a (501c3) Non-profit organization serving Survivors of Crime Victims and others who have experienced loss of loved ones. The organization serves as a beacon of “Hope” built on solid Christian principles and serves as a liaison for community resources available to survivors. Having experienced her own personal loss on September 20, 2008 of her eldest son, Phillip Christopher Jackson, age 18 due to gun violence. Christine is currently employed as a Human Resources Specialist at the National Museum of African American History & Culture Museum, Washington, D. C. She resides in Bryans Road, Maryland with her husband Phillip and son, Aaron Capice Jackson (age 20).
Delilah M. Kelly Delilah M. Kelly is a human services professional residing in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her B.S. in Human Services from the University of Phoenix. She is currently pursuing a M.H.A. which, will help her realize her goal of providing much needed mental health and social services to the underserved communities. Some of her other goals are to end homelessness and to heal hearts. After serving for over twenty years with the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health, Delilah realized a long-held wish and relocated to Atlanta, where she has settled comfortably in the East Point neighborhood. Her passions include creative writing, designing vision boards and international travel. Some of her favorite destinations thus far have been Mexico, Paris and Croatia, with Germany and Italy on her must-visit list. When not traveling or writing, Delilah loves to volunteer as well as spend quality time with her family. The motto that she lives by is: “Every voice has value.” She can be contacted at delilahkel@msn.com.
Tawawn Lowe Tawawn Lowe is the CEO of Tawawn Lowe Enterprises (TLE), founder of the Women Walking in their Own Shoes™ Movement, an Amazon #1 bestselling author, certified life coach, facilitator, and vision board instructor, speaker, trainer, and the creator of the Achieve Big Now Academy™. TLE is a woman-and minority-owned multifaceted company based in Maryland that provides consulting and mentorship to individuals; learning/leadership-based solutions for organizations, and the umbrella for Tawawn Lowe Consultancy, Training and Leadership Concepts, and the Women Walking in Their Own Shoes™ Movement. Tawawn has blended her Bachelor of Science – Behavioral Studies degree, and various certifications and credentials (life coaching, facilitator, strategy planning, and Myers Briggs Type Indicator Practitioner, and over 25+ years of professional experience to assist organization with talent management; and individuals with maximizing their potential, transforming visions-goals into results, and achieving success.
Jeanelle H Martin Jeanelle H Martin is a retired Army Veteran and mother of 4 children. Jeanelle retired from the Army after being a “Soldier Medic” for 20 years. Upon separation from the service Jeanelle went on to become a Practical Nurse and now works for the Department of Defense. In June of 2018 Jeanelle’s youngest son was murdered. It is the grief from the loss that has made her return to something she often did as a child, writing. Jeanelle’s has had many titles in her life but the greatest one is mother. Raising her two sons and two daughters has been the focus of her life and the motivating factor in most of her decisions. She always felt that God meant for her to finish her Army career because she was never forced to choose between being a soldier and taking care of her children. Jeanelle currently resides in Europe. Dedicate yourself to a passion and run with it, the beginning starts yesterday and it never ends...
Celeste Pinckney Celeste Pinckney has a heart for all people. It has been her mission to care for, offer hope, and spread inspiration to those in need. She retired from the Federal Government in 2014 as an investigator for the Office of Personnel Management. She is a first-time co-author in the newly released, Diary of a People Pleaser and CEO of On-the-Go-4U (an ecommerce business). True to her life mission, in the very near future, she will be launching a brand-new business called B-BY-Your-Side Companion Service to assist those individuals in our society who needs a compassionate caring friend to lend a helping hand. Celeste can be reached at 410-446-4314 or Celeste.pinckney@yahoo.com
Vanessa Rankins Vanessa Rankins, 20 plus years in the real estate industry, as Broker/Agent and ministry with her local church, as the Director of Education. Was appointed to serve on the Maywood Housing Authority Board of Commissioners by the Mayor and is currently serving as Chairperson. Vanessa has a fervent passion for “giving back”. For this reason, she has formed great alliances with the Leadership in her community. Her objective is to educate, inform, teach, and preach the kingdom of God. And be ready always to give an answer to every man that ask her a reason of the hope that is in her with meekness and fear. Vanessa and husband Jerry have 4 adult children and 12 grandchildren. Her flexibility allows her to enjoy spending time with them, traveling, speaking and sewing.
SHALENA LYNETTE ZEIH SANKEY M.S.H.R.M. I am the third child to Willie and Ann Sankey. I am blessed with two older sisters Angela, Latresa and a younger brother Ed. I was born with the gift and passion for writing. I have written a lot of poetry books and movies. I graduated from Bedford High School. I earned my Associates in Business Administration from Kaplan University. I also attended Indiana Wesleyan University earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management. I am an entrepreneur and have several businesses that I love to run.
SADIJA A. SMILEY Sadija A. Smiley is the Founder and CEO of Stillborn and Infant Loss Support (SAILS), dedicated to raising awareness and creating a supportive environment for families who have experienced a stillbirth, pregnancy or infant loss. SAILS was created to honor the life of her daughter, Ivyanna Salene, who was born sleeping November 13, 2003. She currently serves as Executive Director of Sinai House, a Washington, DC program that enables families to move from homelessness to independence by providing safe and affordable housing and comprehensive social services. Sadija has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life outcomes for underserved, minority, and low-income communities. She has spent the last 18 years in human services and non-profit work, serving in both management and direct service positions, in organizations that provide services surrounding case management, mental health, substance abuse, housing, workforce development, financial education and employment skills. Sadija is an honoree of the Maryland 2019 Prince George’s County Forty Under 40. A Philadelphia native and first-generation college graduate, Sadija holds a BA in psychology from West Virginia State University and an MBA from Strayer University. She currently resides in Maryland with her family.
Evangelist Maria Terry Evangelist Maria Terry is a native of Washington DC she has been in ministry for 18 years during which time has allowed her to reach many souls through her charismatic approach to the gospel. She has been privileged to serve at many conferences, women's days, nursing homes, shelters and services. He shares of the numerous miraculous healing God have favored over her Life. She motivates and inspires individuals at their breaking points and with God's importations she pours out of her spirit to help them bounce back. She is the founder of Healed and Whole Ministries, a nonprofit organization since 2004. She is currently writing her book, Bouncing Back Which should be completed by winter 2019. Evangelist Terry along with Healed and Whole Ministries host a bi annually event The Gathering of The Saints, which is a collaboration of worship through dance, instruments, words of encouragement and Song. She shares about her life trials and tribulations of how God walked her through with positive thinking, positive energy and positive affirmations of how He will lift you out of a pit of darkness, depression and despair into a life of humility, happiness and humor. She is the wife of 21 years to Mr. Jeff Terry and together they have 6 children Terri, Iysha, Stephen, MarCel, Lauryn and JeMia. 4 grandchildren Taighlor, Ryleigh, Karter and Karsyn.
SAMEKA WARE Sharvantaye James born Sameka Ware. A high school drop-out but returned and received her G.E.D. Graduate of Mott Community College with an Associates in Applied Science. She is continuing her education to obtaining her second degree in General Studies. Doubt and remains ready to "Seize EVERY day" she is also an author since 2014. 15 plus years as an entrepreneur with a wide array of skills and trades in her life. A devoted mother of 3, every success she accredits to them. She faces her fear and an avid activist for the disadvantaged. Adventurous and outspoken. Often mislabeled and misunderstood. She has a love for travel and she loves to cook in her spare time. She had a zest for life. She has a heart of GOLD. Brutally honest yet she can often be found making others laugh. A masterpiece in her own right. A QUEEN in mind and motion. A servant in actions and deeds.