WhereItzAt Mar. 2016

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

DUNNS RIVER LOUNGE

DEFYING THE ODDS

KNATOKIE FORD

FOR THE ROYALE TREATMENT NAALA ROYALE

BLACK BUSINESS FOCUS

PRR RECORDING STUDIO PRIVACY | PROFESSIONALISM | EXCLUSIVITY 21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY (See page 35)

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Vol #14 3rd edition

march

Articles

Contents

Feature Articles

FOR THE ROYALE TREATMENT

8 Your House and Your Income Taxes

24 Team Jamaica Bickle and Supporters Raise Funds

10 Now Open! Conduit Social Adult Day Care Centre

25 Andre Fowles “Chopped Champ”

12 How to End Those Endless Commutes

Dunns River Lounge Naala Royale

pg. 18

26 Sadeeq Harvey “An American Dream” 28 6 Black Caribbean-Born Execs

14 Eye Collection Clothing Fashion Show

32 Donette Brotherson

20 Money Series

34 WIA Classifieds

DEFYING THE ODDS Knatokie Ford

pg. 16

22 CBC Women of Power Event

CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTO JOURNALIST

LEGAL COUNSELOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CLIVE WILLIAMS

ADIKA BUTLER

MARJORIE FLASH

GARNETT H. SULLIVAN, ESQ

UNIVERSAL PRODUCTIONS

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

ART DIRECTOR

NEW MEDIA INITIATIVES

CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS

CHRISTIAN X. JONES

ROCKSTONE MEDIA GROUP

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

MANAGING EDITOR OF ONLINE CONTROLLER MAGAZINE MICHELLE WILLIAMS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ON THE COVER IMAGE ADIKA BUTLER - ANNETTE GORDON NAALA ROYALE, KNATOKIE FORD DR. CLIVE WILLIAMS - CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS DANEEK MILLER - CALLISTA REGIS MELISSA RAWLINS - PATRICK A. STERLING SHERRY MORGAN - YOLANDA CANDELARIO

ANNETTE GORDON

CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS

INQUIRIIES

Clive Williams (917) 749-7613 Sherry Morgan (800) 774-2803

wiaeditors@gmail.com uniquebizandevents@gmail.com

www.gowhereitzat.com www.facebook.com/whereitzatmagazine twitter.com/gowhereitzat

WhereItzAt Magazine is published monthly by WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. WhereItzAt Magazine is a registered trademark of WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is prohibited. Views of editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of WhereItzAt Magazine, WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. or its advertisers. For questoins, comments and concerns address your letters to: WhereItzAt Magazine • 219-10 S. Conduit Avenue • Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 or email:editors@whereitzatmag.com WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. 461 Elmont Rd. Elmont,NY 11003 Phone: (917) 749-7613 4 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

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PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 5

PUBLISHER’S VIBE Ode to Merritone

The end of an amazing era! Those who enjoyed partying in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, they all know, that the era of Merritone Music, was by far the most influential period in party and dance music, I dare say - anywhere! That golden era has come to a close with the departure of Winston “Merritone” Blake, who now performs in the Celestial Halls of Musical Eternity, entertaining the Gods with his musical mastery.

Clive Williams, CEO/ Publisher _________________________

W

hen was the last time you had a real adult conversation with yourself? Or have you been avoiding confronting yourself about what you value most, what you really believe and why you hold fast to that belief? What’s your spiritual and philosophical belief about life, relationships, love and family?

How do you spend your time? Is it spent working, shopping, texting, chatting on the phone or on FB, listening to music, partying, then doing it all over again the next day? How do you deal with the vexing problems of life – do you seek resolution or do you just let them ride? When do you get a chance to clear your head of all the accumulated debris that you create?

As a matter of fact, when was the last time you stopped long enough to contemplate in order to gather your thoughts, while experiencing silence; when last did you Stop, Look at yourself and Listen to yourself - figuratively? While I am writing this piece in the study corner of my living room, all I have to do is raise my eyes toward a small cardboard sign I created some years ago in order to keep me centered, it says, “Silence and Breath.” I know that sounds kind of ridiculous to you, but it reminds me of two vital exercises, 1.To practice silence often, and 2. Practice breathing correctly. A few years after that I scribbled an incredible quote from Ram Dass that reads, “The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” I have been using those methods as probes to check my state of mind on a regular basis. When you are silent, you hear yourself and when you breathe properly, you feel yourself.

So you ask, why would I write this column that seems so intrusive, so inquisitive with all the questions, provoking your mind, picking your brain - why?

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The music was his muse, and when he touched the turntable, he lit the fuse, and we danced all night into the morning light, occasionally there was a fight, but only for the right to dance with the finest girl that night. We followed the musical notes of Merri -Music from its very beginning in the East, then to the West, North and South, as the Pied piper of Red Hills Road held us, spellbound with the Merritone sound. The music is now infused in our bones, so when like Merritone we are laid to rest – just like Winnie, we’ll still be dancing to the musical tones from the sound of Merritone.

So my friends, wherever you caught the musical train – Morant Bay, Copa(cobana), Wheel, Red Gal Ring, Wagon Wheel (Mandeville),Turntable or Waterfall. Your journey was not in vain, you are an everlasting part of the Merritone Movement.

Clive Williams, (A Merritone Survivor)

CHECK YOUR STATE OF MIND Because I believe the longer you take to talk to yourself, as well as question yourself and begin to know yourself, the longer you’ll remain estranged from yourself. We all experience this self-imposed estrangement and this disconnect when the debris overwhelms the mind; so we understand that the debris is the problem, now let’s try and understand what it is, and why it’s a problem, and how we can mitigate it.

You and I will readily agree that we passionately remove the debris from our bodies regularly by bathing, washing our hands, getting a manicure, a pedicure. We physically eliminate debris by relieving ourselves, as often as we are able, and we consider the functions to be mandatory, yet we blithely or unknowingly neglect to eliminate mental debris. So the dictionary describes debris as waste, litter and refuse; there should be no question in our minds that, hate, bitterness, jealousy and envy qualify as debris? Why? Because those negative emotions of bitterness, jealousy, and envy convey death – not life. We have all had our share of bad experiences, negative memories and various traumas, either from rough childhoods, abusive relationships or crappy jobs, all of which has taken years to accumulate and become toxic debris.

I have been saying for a long time that negative energies such as hate, bitterness, jealousy and envy become rotten and putrefied very much like unused or undigested food; the resulting symptoms of brain fog, irrational or erratic thinking, paranoia and depression, all ultimately lead to varying degrees of

physical illness. The last nine months of my life has been spent in a semi-retreat from certain activities in order to, restore and renew my Spiritual Energy; I began to feel the tension and heaviness from people around me, albeit good people, with toxic States of Mind. I felt the debris from the jealousy, envy and bitterness, so I retreated. You too can feel the bad vibes and retreat before you become overwhelmed by the destructive debris all around you.

Please check your State of Mind – regularly, your sanity is in the balance, so is your life, relationships and physical health; the methods are quite simple and absolutely free: Stop yourself every day and be silent, suspend your phone, TV, radio and loved ones and be Quiet, I promise you will hear things you never heard before. Then begin to learn the process of breathing correctly, using your diaphragm. Very few people ever do. As you breathe, begin to count each breath you take, you will soon discover why you are alive, as you begin to understand the “Breath of life”.

The first benefit you experience is a burst of Spiritual and Physical Energy that you’ve never experienced before – as you continue to practice you will experience a Spiritual and Physical integration, (things begin to come together) – you will literally find yourself. Now you can start the conversation.

‘Cause that’s WhereItzAt!

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URBAN BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT Your House and Your Income Taxes

How does your house actually help with your income taxes?

Upon purchasing your house, you generally, almost immediately, absorb expenses that are tax deductable.

All home buyers will have “closing costs”. These include paying property taxes, and “points” which is a undercover word for interest. 100% of the interest and the property taxes are deductable on your income taxes for the following year after your house purchase.

In addition to the initial closing costs, you will begin to pay your mortgage. Your mortgage in most cases, is bundled for your convenience. In other words, your mortgage will include the interest on the loan, the principal, the property tax payment, and in some cases, the insurance premium on your home. All these costs except the insurance premium and principal are deductible for every single family home owner.

But how is this actually done?

Let’s assume your taxable income is $50,000 (line 43 of 1040), and you file a federal 1040 tax form. If you had no deductions, and your tax rate is 15%, your tax bill would be $7,500. Now assume further that your mortgage interest is $12,000 and your property taxes are $8,000.

These two items are tax deductible (on form Schedule A), and added together would give you a deduction of $20,000. In this case your taxable income would now be $30,000. And your resulting taxes at the same 15% tax rate would be $4,500. This is a tax saving to you of

$3,000 per year. Imagine if you saved this $3,000 for the next 10 years!!

But what if you renovate your new house? You buy new doors, windows, siding, and the like. The question many home owners ask is, “are these deductable”. The general answer is no. But as with every tax question the follow up answer is: it depends.

If you decided to fix the basement for rental and purchase new fixtures et al for that specific purpose, then every item bought, is deductable.

The difference here for tax purposes, is the deduction is not taken in the same way on form Schedule A for a single home owner. But it is deductable on form Schedule E (Supplemental Income or Loss).

There are additional tax benefits to renting that basement.

The IRS allows you to depreciate the property and include the depreciable costs as deductions on your Schedule E. This further reduces your income, thus lowering your taxes.

If your house is valued $300,000 and has three levels, one could fairly deduce that the basement is one third of the property. Therefore for tax purposes, we would allocate $100,000 or one third of the full value to the basement.

The IRS allows for straight line depreciation 0f 27.5 years

Patrick A. Sterling

BS, MS / Business/Tax Advisor I can be reached via inbox on Facebook: The Sterling Group Inc. or by phone: 917 250 1746

on rental property. In this case the basement depreciation to you would be $3,636 per year.

So if the rental of the basement provides you with $600 per month, or $7,200 per year, you would deduct the depreciation of $3,636 and all other costs related to maintain the living quarters for your tenant(s). In most cases the expenses will exceed the rent collected and therefore result in a deduction for you.

But as with most things, here’s the possible basement rental dilemma. While you must declare any income you receive over $600 in any calendar year to the IRS, including rental of a basement – the state could consider your basement an illegal living quarters. So even if the rental activity is “illegal” according to the state, the IRS still requires you to declare the income.

Please do report any income you receive. It’s best to report the income, and then figure any possible deductions you have to reduce the taxes. But not reporting income is tax evasion. Tax evasion is illegal. Tax avoidance is not.

BAD NEWS Pa. Judge Sentenced To 28 Years In Massive Juvenile Justice Bribery Scandal A Pennsylvania judge was sentenced to 28 years in prison in connection to a bribery scandal that roiled the state’s juvenile justice system. Former Luzerne County Judge Mark Ciavarella Jr. was convicted of taking $1 million in bribes from developers of juvenile detention centers. The judge then presided over cases that would send juveniles to those same centers. The case came to be known as “kids-for-cash.”

The AP adds: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court tossed about 4,000 convictions issued by Ciavarella between 2003 and 2008, saying he violated the constitutional rights of the juveniles, including the right to legal counsel and the right to intelligently enter a plea.

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Ciavarella, 61, was tried and convicted of racketeering charges earlier this year. His attorneys had asked for a “reasonable” sentence in court papers, saying, in effect, that he’s already been punished enough.

“The media attention to this matter has exceeded coverage given to many and almost all capital murders, and despite protestation, he will forever be unjustly branded as the ‘Kids for Cash’ judge,” their sentencing memo said.

The Times Leader, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., reports that the court house in Scranton was overflowing this morning. More than a dozen people who said they had been affected by the judge’s decision stood

outside, awaiting the sentencing.

Jeff Pollins was in that crowd. His stepson was convicted by Ciavarella.

“These kids are still affected by it. It’s like post traumatic stress disorder,” Pollins told the Times Leader. “Our life is ruined. It’s never going to be the same... I’d like to see that happen to him,” he said.

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HEALTH & LONGEVITY

COMMUNITY NEWS! NOW OPEN! CONDUIT SOCIAL ADULT DAY CARE CENTER

I

f you are a resident of South East Queens or any part of the Greater Jamaica area, we have great news for you.

Mr. Neville Flowers, Physical Therapist has announced the introduction of the only facility of its kind and scope in Greater Jamaica/ Southeast Queens, the Conduit Social Adult Day Care Center. Arguably the largest, and one of the few remaining Black owned Physical Therapy practice’s in New York City, his son Michael Flowers, Physical Therapist said, “our 12,000 square feet facility offers the necessary equipment and the expert staff to ensure the highest level of care in areas of rehabilitation, physical fitness and nutrition.”

Located on the southeast corner of Springfield Blvd., and the South Conduit Avenue, the facility offers convenient parking for its clients and the most comprehensive wellness program to the residents of the greater Jamaica area, to encourage healthy and active living. This is a safe, supportive environment that blends activity with

relaxation and peace of mind for the entire family. If you live alone, it gives you the opportunity to interact with others you may have much in common with.

Mr. Flowers along with his son, Mr. Michael Flowers, have been pioneers in the rehabilitation process for victims of accidents, arthritis, sports injuries and all other physical therapy needs. However, a recent assessment of the physical and occupational needs of the aging babyboomer population in Greater Jamaica and beyond has led Mr. Flowers to make the needed capital investment to provide a state of the art Social Adult Day Care facility, (the first of its kind in S E Queens) to ensure fitness, mobility, balance training as well as mental stimulation and healthy living. The facility boasts a gym, recreation rooms and a first of its kind Balance Facility for stroke or accident victims who need to regain needed equilibrium.

The Conduit Social Adult Day Care Center provides professional care in an enjoyable, stimulating and

Act Now and Register!

718-276-4400

Neville Flowers, Physical Therapist

supervised group environment and gives members an opportunity to interact socially with each other through games, computer classes, movies and TV and many other activities. Hot and cold meals, plus transportation are provided FREE! If you are taking care of an elderly family member or friend call to learn how you can earn extra money.

Most Medical Insurance plans and MEDICARE are accepted. Act now and register by calling 718 276 4400 or visit the center at 219-10 South Conduit Avenue, Springfield Gardens.

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PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 11

OP-ED

How to End those Endless Commutes Five ways to quickly improve mass transit in the city’s transportation deserts

By I. Daneek Miller

N

ew Yorkers suffer the longest work commute of any large urban population in the nation, averaging 6 hours and 18 minutes a week in transit. However, for residents living on the city’s perimeter traveling into any of the three largest business districts—midtown, the financial district, or downtown Brooklyn—this burden is even greater: roughly 15 hours a week.

That amounts to 238% more time spent commuting for Southeast Queens residents than other New Yorkers. On a daily basis, they spend three hours per day in transit. The United States Census Bureau deems that an “extreme commute.”

Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $298 million dollar pledge to reconstruct and expand it.

ensure that money raised for the MTA’s city projects are spent on them. It is also vital that the federal government equitably funds mass For these reasons I have proposed an easily transit, including through the enactment of a implemented five-point plan—the five E’s— national transportation infrastructure fund. to quickly and efficiently improve transit in “transportation deserts” throughout the city: Such change requires grassroots support. New Yorkers must demand from their community • Equalize commuter rail fares and eliminate boards, elected officials and transportation two-fare zones. Commuter-rail fares within leaders a holistic approach to transportation and New York City should match the subway and that addresses dramatic inequities throughout bus fares. This will increase access to more the five boroughs. than 40 Long Island Rail Road and MetroNorth stations. A free transfer would promote I. Daneek Miller, D-Queens, represents the 27th connectivity within the MTA system. These City Council District and is a member of the actions will reduce commute times to top Committee on Transportation. He is former cobusiness districts by up to 7.5 hours a week, and chair of the MTA Labor Coalition and past ongoing construction upgrades will support president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local higher capacity from intercity ridership.

1056.

We are traveling longer and spending less time at home and with our families. Southeast Queens shares this experience with neighbors in the Rockaways, the North Bronx and the South • Enact the Commuter Van Reform Act. This legislative package would combat thousands Shore of Staten Island. of illegal commuter vans and raise standards Such exorbitant commute times adversely affect for licensed operators. This will require regular communities and underscore the inequities that data disclosures, better licensing provisions and continue to exist in our city. Studies associate higher fines for illegal operators. long commutes with poorer health, reduced work productivity, lower incomes and higher • Extend express bus service. Many communities expenses. Many of us feel the effects regularly: throughout the city are serviced by express the heightened anxiety of a missed bus, the bus routes to midtown Manhattan, but not to fatigue of a long, early-morning commute, and lower Manhattan or downtown Brooklyn. We need more options to get to these commercial the financial burden of two-fare zones. districts.

Yet rather than providing true transportation alternatives, government has passed the buck. To • Expand Vision Zero. While the city’s safety fill the void, illegal and unsafe commuter vans initiative includes the 25-mph speed limit, street have proliferated in perimeter neighborhoods. redesign and enhanced camera capabilities, Meanwhile, essential transportation investments there is still work to do. I have proposed have been overlooked in favor of grand schemes. legislation to create penalties for taxis that flee For example, while construction on the much- city enforcement agents and also to require bike delayed and over-budget Second Avenue subway helmets for all young cyclists. continues, the crumbling 76-year old Jamaica • Ensure proper funding. We must continue Bus Depot has yet to be rebuilt, despite the to fully fund our transportation agencies and 12 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

Council Member Daneek Miller, 27th District

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WhereItzAt Pix

EYE COLLECTION CLOTHING Co. w o h S n o i h Fas

Michael G. Williams

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FEATURE - BLACK WOMEN IN BUSINESS

DEFYING THE ODDS

“

WHITE HOUSE SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR KNATOKIE FORD SHARES HER STORY

I

recently had the opportunity to meet a young woman named Knatokie Ford. When we first met I had no idea who she was or what she did. All I knew was that we were both in attendance at The Paley Center for Media’s International Council, an independent forum dedicated to providing common ground for the global media industries. Knatokie was introduced to me by a mutual colleague, an African-American filmmaker also attending the event. At that point I figured Knatokie was also a filmmaker or perhaps someone who worked in the media industry. Little did I know I was meeting and talking to a scientist and senior policy advisor at the White House. I was intrigued and excited all at the same time. A scientist who works at the White House, who is also African-American and a woman, need I say more? Well, I just had to learn more about this amazing woman, who was just so humble and unassuming and share her story.

KNATOKIE FORD 16 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

Where were you born and raised?

Akron, Ohio

By Christopher Williams

designed to prepare students to pursue PhDs and was an accelerated 5-year BS/MS program.

Part of the requirement for the program was to conduct research every summer and eventually join a lab for a master’s thesis project. Research experience was critical in preparing and making me a competitive applicant for PhD programs.

I began a PhD program in biological and biomedical science at Harvard Medical School.

I completed my coursework and qualifying exams in 2 years and then the remainder of the time I was doing full-time research in my thesis lab. After completing my PhD, I spent 1 year as a postdoctoral research fellow and then began a AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Science and Technology Policy Fellowship at the White House.

What was your life like as a Black child/ teenager growing up in Akron, Ohio? What are some of the challenges you faced?

I am the youngest of four children in a bluecollar family. My parents had financial struggles, but were amazingly resourceful and adamant about exposing me to different experiences (e.g. road trips to different cities, visits to libraries and museums, and fishing trips) and they always encouraged me to strive for academic excellence and nurture other skills (I played violin and my dad would take me to play basketball on Saturdays in the summer). I also participated in summer programs at the University of Akron (STEP/Upward Bound) every summer from 6th grade until I graduated high school.

What are some of the highs and lows you experienced during your studies in school?

How did you overcome those challenges?

I initially had a hard time believing that I My parents did an amazing job of ensuring that “deserved” to be a grad student at Harvard and I had a happy childhood in spite of their limited that I would eventually be exposed, which is a resources, so I’d say my biggest challenges have hallmark of the imposter syndrome. After one been overcoming/combating the imposter semester, I decided to take a leave of absence syndrome, which started when I began graduate to reevaluate my life and career goals. I moved school at Harvard. See question 6. to Los Angeles, to pursue a career in acting. I When did you first develop an interest in always loved the performing arts, and from science? Did you know then that you wanted elementary school up until college, I had consistently participated in talent shows and to become a scientist?

I was in an accident at the age of 3, which plays. I began working as a background actress rendered me blind in one eye. Because of that, for TV and film, landing work with TV shows I’ve always had an interest in vision and how like “House MD,” “CSI Miami,” and even the the eye works. Originally I wanted to become movie “Dream Girls,” and I also landed a part an ophthalmologist, but in college the emphasis in a Gospel musical where I sang a solo (my first one since playing Mrs. Santa Claus in the 6th switched to research. grade). I learned that Hollywood industry was Explain the process/path you took to full of long days, excellent craft services, but becoming a scientist? only paid “extras” minimum wage. There was I After high school, I went to Clark Atlanta with a Master’s degree in Chemistry…earning University on a full ride scholarship to study minimum wage. Quickly deciding that I was chemistry (which was my favorite subject in not willing to starve to be an actress, I decided high school). My scholarship program was to take a job as a substitute teacher, primarily

FEATURE - BLACK WOMEN IN BUSINESS working at an underserved school in the heart of south central Los Angeles. It was during that time that I discovered my knack for teaching, and my ability to “get through” with inner city kids. This is also how I discovered one of my other passions—motivating and inspiring young people. Also during this time, I began to miss the intellectual stimulation of being a scientist. My cravings for mental challenges eventually got so bad that I started calling my older brother (who was a PhD student in mechanical engineering at the time) and asking him to give me differential equations to solve.

After a year and a half I returned to Harvard.

The imposter syndrome was still there waiting on me, but I refused to quit and was determined to finish my program. A defining moment was when I won a poster competition against other Harvard grad students. At that point, I realized I was beginning to thrive at Harvard and not just survive. I did a lot of minority recruitment and outreach, which was very fulfilling. Over time, I learned to not entertain negative thoughts, be proactively and diligently positive, avoid comparing myself to others, and define my own metrics for success. If I can compare myself to where I was 6 months or a year ago and see progress, then that’s all that truly matters. My faith and spirituality have also been integral in helping me persevere in trying times.

Looking back, was there a defining moment, a period you just knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is what you wanted to do?

What was that moment?

During the final year of my AAAS Fellowship, I had done a lot of soul searching about what my next career would be. I really wanted to do something that combined all of my previous experiences in science policy, basic research, education, and even the entertainment industry.

I settled on the idea of using entertainment media as a tool to help inspire young people, especially girls and minorities, to pursue science careers. I didn’t know exactly how I was going to do it, but when the “light bulb” went off in my head my heart began to race and I knew that everything in my life and career had brought me to this “place.”

to raise awareness of the importance of inclusion of diverse and compelling STEM images, stories, and positive messages in mainstream entertainment media in order to promote greater diversity in the STEM workforce. Improving the Nation’s STEM education system and diversifying the STEM workforce has been a top priority for the Obama Administration from the beginning. The underrepresentation of groups including women and minorities in STEM has been a persistent problem for decades. That’s why we have to tackle this challenge from all angles, from inside the classroom, to workplace culture, to even messaging/imagery in media.

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS & KNATOKIE FORD

What does it mean to you to be a scientist?

To be a scientist is to be a highly curious and creative person. It means you like to ask interesting and challenging questions to better understand the world that surrounds you.

Scientists are one of the few (if not the only!) professions that creates new information about things previously unknown. That new information can then be applied to solving old problems, which is very exciting and rewarding.

Being a scientist also means you are a resilient person—comfortable with failing, at times repeatedly, but resolute to “try, try, again.”

What does it mean to you to be a Black Female Scientist?

It means that I doubly defied the odds!

What is or was your favorite job and why?

I love my current job — it’s literally my dream job/project. Using media to promote diversity is the next big frontier in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and I feel like one of the pioneers. It’s super challenging, but I believe this work has potential for broad and sustained impact, which makes it very fulfilling.

Unfortunately science is not pushed enough, if at all, as a career option for Black students.

What would you say to encourage or inspire them to pursue science? Are you involved with any programs aimed at increasing awareness about science as a career for Black youth?

Every person has a unique perspective and there are so many problems that need solving! The United States has always been at the cutting edge of innovation — imagine how much more innovative we can be when we capitalize on the talent of ALL of America’s diverse students/people! Beyond the United States literally needing to draw from the brilliance of black youth, STEM careers can be exciting and rewarding. Students should not confuse difficulty or “challenges” as a sign that STEM isn’t for them. No one is born being good at math! Just like an athlete trains to improve her physical skills, academic excellence also requires dedication and “practice.”

What would you say to encourage or inspire young students of color reading this story?

It’s cliché, but I want the students to know that you can literally be WHATEVER you put your mind to and are willing to work for. When I was high school, a teacher gave me a frame that had this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt in it: “The future belongs to those that believe in the beauty Explain what you do today as a Senior Policy of their dreams.” It has been an adage that I have Advisor in the White House Office of Science deeply believed in and lived by. & Technology Policy?

I am leading an effort to promote greater diversity in the STEM workforce, which seeks PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 17

FEATURE - BLACK WOMEN IN BUSINESS

DUNNS RIVER LOUNGE

FOR THE ROYALE TREATMENT

By Clive Williams

I

sat at a table situated directly in front of the plate glass window of Dunn’s River Lounge and viewed parts of the historic village that is Rockville Center, traditionally one of the wealthiest enclaves in pre and post-modern American life.

A Jamaican style brunch was being served as I contemplated the irony of the situation; here I was, a Jamaican immigrant sitting comfortably in the Jamaican owned Dunn’s River Lounge, in a village that once boasted one of the most active and powerful chapters of the Ku Klux Klan, and one that routinely denied “negroes” proper housing and the right to assemble. The situation was so serious in Rockville Center, that Dr. King was forced to visit there in 1968, to address the disgraceful plight of the black community.

That was then – NOW, Rockville Center is abuzz with diversity, despite the fact that its population remains over 80% white; the influx of Blacks, Hispanics and Asians to dine and enjoy its amenities has become welcome revenue for the Village.

So in 12 years has made Dunn’s River Lounge a cultural mecca for its food, music and atmosphere, even attracting patrons from out of town to come savor its food and vibes.

Naala Royale is her real name – no, it’s not a celebrity pseudonym as it may think, but rather the authentic name of this enigmatic, brilliant, resilient and creative Jamaican woman who makes the River run. In the lyrics of Tarrus Riley, “She is Royal.” Naala’s mom, an accomplished

18 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

scholar and author, lectures at the University of the West Indies while, her brother Chris, owns his own graphic design business in Florida.

Whereitzat has been following the success of Ms. Royale and her now famous Dunn’s River Lounge, so our own Clive Williams spoke to Naala Royale: Whereizat: Why compromise an incredibly successful management career, with an equally successful fortune 500 company - for a dream?

And why dream up such a tough business, its competitive and difficult?

Naala: I have always been fascinated with the idea of opening my own restaurant and lounge and I am at heart a ‘foodie,’ not a big eater, but really passionate about, the taste, texture, variety and preparation of food. This was however a private dream or more specifically, this was something that was on my “to do list”. As time passed, the desire to do this, elevated it to my bucket list.

So, one morning while having breakfast with my best girlfriend, I blurted out that I wanted to open a restaurant and lounge. I said I would try it for a couple years, just for fun, and if things didn’t work the way I expected, I would sell.

After all, I had a great job, so what was there to lose? But another compelling reason was that - I had my own notions about how people should

NAALA ROYALE be served and I wanted to deliver that special service to them; as a frequent customer in a variety of restaurants, I observed a lot of what was missing in providing customer satisfaction.

I wanted to provide the kind of service that I would want for myself. As a Jamaican, I also felt that there was a need for a place outside of Manhattan that one could go to enjoy authentic Jamaican food and music in an upscale and enjoyable setting.

Whereitzat: So twelve years ago this item on your bucket list came due, so you acted quickly.

Why the Rockville Center location and how were you going to determine what to offer on your menu?

FEATURE - BLACK WOMEN IN BUSINESS “. . . I observed a lot of what was missing in providing customer satisfaction. I wanted to provide the kind of service that I would want for myself.”

Naala: Well, I already had some familiarity with Rockville Center, from my college years; I, like a lot of other students, would frequent many of the more than 200 restaurants in Rockville Center, the place is literally a culinary haven or heaven depending on how much you like food. But what stood out in my mind was that there was a diverse clientele, all looking to taste a variety of dishes. My menu was developed around that reality, I was going to stay true to my Jamaican food, but present it in such a way, that it would appeal to everyone else. I paid careful attention to what my customers liked and requested and made sure that if their experience was disappointing in any way, I would make good on our promise to please them.

Naala: Clive, you’ve been here and you come back because you value environment and atmosphere over size, right?

Whereitzat: Quite recently I mentioned Dunn’s River to an acquaintance who remarked that she heard the place was incredible, but small. Do you get that often and how do you deal with it?

Whereitzat: Can we let a secret out of the bag Naala? We happen to know that your food is so much in demand, that, quite a few privileged people have told me you have catered their events and they love it. They are secretive about

Whereitzat: Right! So what you’re saying is, size matters very little if your needs are met.

Naala: Look, you can go to much larger places, but the experience, the vibes, the family atmosphere is completely missing. We have created the space, service, food and music, which set the tone for our customers who bring their love for the finer things of life, and we all make music. Do you know what our motto is?

Let me share it with you, its, “good food, good friends and good reggae.” It’s a simple formula or recipe that works for our customers and us.

it, because they don’t want anyone finding out where the great food comes from. What’s the story behind that?

Naala: The true story, the real story - we do cater, and the demand has grown so much that I beg and beseech my valued and loyal customers, please, please call way ahead, so that we can maintain our demanding schedule and satisfy your (most welcome) demands. Clive, as you might well know, my former corporate career gave me the management expertise and experience to run a business, but it is my customers who have taught me the rewards of service and the benefits of great hospitality. I want to take this opportunity to thank all my customers for their love and support over the last 11 plus years and as we celebrate our twelfth year in June, I am as passionate as ever to provide them with GOOD FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS AND GOOD REGGAE! To make reservations for Dunn’s River Lounge or for your Catered event call Naala at 516 764 6540 or 516 724 5834.

NAALA ROYALE & STAFF PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 19

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT Money Series!

Do you want to be in the Credit Score Game?

The Game – Credit Score Part 7

H

ave you taken the pledge to bring order to some of your Finances? Is it possible that the information we have shared with you made you take responsibility as the real Chief financial officer (CFO) of your home and financial life?

I am sure a sense of accomplishment surfaces when you know that you have allocated time and thought to identify clearly and exactly where your money is roaming. Of course, many are stating, “been there, done that,” with little significant results! Referee’s reply, “probably so, but have you viewed the numbers from a CFO perspective?”

Last month the Money Series proposed to create some financial order by appointing you as the CFO of your household finances. Searching for a promise from you to take on the next threemonth as a trial period with creating a budget and working on those expenditures that are not servicing your best interest. Consider getting rid of wasteful spending and placing controls on managing how your earned income is being spent. The pursuit of this CFO’s promise will create the financial freedom to live, work, and play without guilt.

Why the resistance to budgeting?

By Yolanda Candelario

incorporates these values in everything they do. Although these words may sound similar, they have different meanings as reviewed in Wikipedia.

• Efficiency avoids wastefulness with time, money, efforts, and energy in doing something.

Furthermore, efficiency is the ability to do things well—Doing things right!

• Effectiveness is capable of producing results.

Furthermore, effectiveness is the ability to achieve its intended mission, vision or purpose-Doing the right things!

I selected Walmart because of their successful ranking in the Fortune 500 listings and for being a well-supported mega store in the community.

Did you know that your household spending has helped ranked this company to generate and produce high marks on efficiency and effectiveness?

Humans are creatures of habits, and Walmart knows what we want: attractive pricing, convenience and choices.

Walmart has achieved a proven formula, faster, cheaper, better with doing things right, and a financial reporting and leadership team that is doing the right things.

Pretty Simple--A budgetary process is not valued; to many - it’s too time-consuming, Winning the Game no real benefits from previous attempts, and an absolute waste of time. Do any of these Take a page from Walmart’s playbook and be the CFO, by doing things right with your responses resonate for you? time, money, efforts, and energy. Review the Efficiency and Effectiveness educational videos, sharpen a pencil and write down two months of expenses to identify where Most successful companies, operate with an your income is being consumed. Next month, established budget that reports to CFOs? we will break down the household spending Walmart, for example is successfully ranked the percentages and work on doing the right things #1 top slot on the Fortune 500 companies many that suit the household’s best interest. Walmart times over with achieving top performance has shown us that efficiency and effectiveness revenue goals. Why? The company knows the have ranked them as #1. importance of efficiency and effectiveness and 20 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

Yolanda Candelario Evidently, it has been proven to you that your expenses have generated revenue for Walmart ranking them #1. Doing the right thing is to examine, as well as prove that your expenses can generate revenue for you, which ranks #1 for your household. The game changer is to apply efficiency and effectiveness into your household expenditures.

I am your Prosperity Coach, Yolanda Candelario Tel. 516-841-3401

THE MOST MOUTH-WATERING BRUNCH IN QUEENS

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 21

WhereItzAt EVENTS CBC’S WOMEN OF POWER EVENT TO CELEBRATE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH WAS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS New York, NY- March 11, 2016 – On March 2nd CBC celebrated Women’s History Month by honoring 10 outstanding Caribbean women who made significant contributions to our community. The movers and shakers in the Caribbean community and beyond came out in full force to support.

Reports are that great connections were made.

Conrad McCook of Logical Financial Solutions said he was very pleased since he met some great people. Ravi Ramkeesoon a Leader in the Indo Caribbean community thought this was one of CBC’s best events. Millicent Clarke of Clarke & Associates thought it a great event because she met a number of new people. Thanks to our host restaurant, Pa-Nash Euro Soul Restaurant, Owners Titus and Annette Runcie along with their outstanding team. Even though the venue was packed to the seams the wait staff kept their professional edge, the food was delicious and the restaurant’s décor was the perfect backdrop for this CBC Women of Power Event.

Congratulations to these outstanding women Back row L – R: Hnaif Russell, CBC’s Founder, Lesleyann V. Samuel Senior Consultant in Telecommunications, Educator, Community Leader & President of UJAA, Darlyene Mayers Educator, Civil Rights Leader, Political and Community Activist, Annette M. Gordon Community Service Advocate, Senior VP Whereitzat Magazine & Beauty Consultant, Sophia Sutton, Assistant Branch Manager Astoria Bank East Meadow Branch, Dr. R Simone Lord Marcelle Pastor, Author and Inspirational Speaker , Sandra McCarty CBC’s Founder and Ray Thomas CBC Advisory Board Member.

Front row L – R: Dweynie Esther Paul Esq, Kings County Civil Court Judge, 2nd Municipal District, Aminta Kilawan Esq., Legislative Council of NYC, Faudia Baijnauth, Co-Founder & Chairperson of Indo-Caribbean Alliance, Gina Faustin Travel & Entertainment Expert, World Class Swimmer and Olympic Fencer and Rosannah Deonarine Cultural Activist, Professional Emcee and Radio Host.

ABOUT CBC: CBC is a membership organization that was established to provide a forum for small business owners and professionals in the Caribbean Diaspora to flourish. CBC has evolved to be a platform where all ethnic groups are welcomed and reportedly 40% of those who attend the monthly events are not of Caribbean descent. Our mission is to provide a forum for small business owners to aspire, connect and achieve.

For more information on CBC see www.caribbeanbizconnection.com or send us and email at info@caribbeanbizconnections.com.

22 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 23

WhereItzAt PIX TEAM JAMAICA BICKLE AND SUPPORTERS RAISE FUNDS FOR THE PENN RELAYS Attorney’s Dawn Warren and Joan Flowers join forces with the help of Dennis Warren in support of Team Jamaica Bickle’s ongoing mission to house and feed Caribbean athletes participating in the Penn Relays.

Photo Credit: Roland Hyde

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FOOD & CULTURE INTRODUCING JAMAICAN CHEF ANDRE FOWLES

“CHOPPED CHAMP”

B

orn and raised in Central Kingston, Jamaica, Andre Fowles’s passion for the Culinary Arts began as a child when he used to make sweet potato pudding and other local Jamaican specialties every Sunday with his grandmother (best known as Mama Cherry). As years passed, he jumped at every opportunity to demonstrate his culinary skills by volunteering to cook for friends and family. After seeing their satisfied faces while enjoying his food, he knew he wanted to make a career out of it.

Chef Andre began cooking professionally at age 17, working in various restaurants and hotels in Jamaica. He served as Sous Chef at Montego Bay’s five star resort Round Hill Hotel & Villas, working under award-winning Executive Chef Martin Maginley. Here, he mastered the art of fine-dining and contemporary Caribbean cuisine, cooking for high-profile guests such as Sir Paul McCartney and Ralph Lauren. After 4 years at Round Hill, Chef Andre got a once in a lifetime opportunity to cook at one of New York’s most popular restaurants: Miss Lily’s, a tropical Caribbean oasis located in the heart of downtown Manhattan.

H AV E Y O U E V E R C R AV E D S P I C E S N E G R I L F O O D AT L U N C H T I M E ?

NOW YOU CAN FEED THAT CRAVING. OUR TAKE-OUT SECTION IS OPEN RIGHT NEXT DOOR WITH DELICIOUS FOOD.

CALL 516-279-6988 TO PLACE YOUR ORDER!

Now, at age 27, Andre serves as Sous Chef at Miss Lily’s, working under Executive Chef Adam Schop and overseeing both of its locations in Soho and the East Village. Here, he brings his modern and innovative approach to Caribbean cuisine by introducing authentic Jamaican flavors and techniques to the Miss Lily’s kitchen.

Chef Andre graduated from Jamaica’s renowned Runaway Bay HEART Academy and The Culinary Institute of America in 2013 and notable and past accomplishments include cooking at Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, and The Daily Meal’s test kitchens and being named “Chef on the Rise” in the Jamaica Observer. Most recently, he is the proud winner of Food Network’s hit show “Chopped”.

Editor’s Note: Andre will be the first Jamaican to compete in the Food Network’s CHOPPED CHAMPIONS episode to air at 10 pm EST on Tuesday April 19th on the Food Network. If he wins this round and makes it to the final – he would be the first Jamaican and youngest ever to compete in the CHOPPED CHAMPIONS FINALE, with a chance to come away with $50,000.

LIVE BAND EVERY FRIDAY|DJ EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT SUNDAY BRUNCH|SUNDAY KARAOKE! CALL 516-279-6988 TO MAKE RESERVATIONS text SPICESNEGRIL to 33733 to join our MOBILE CLUB & get exclusive discounts & invitations

F R E EI N PA R K I N G REAR PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 25

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Sadeeq Harvey A Rising Film Producer

“An American Dream” Inspirational Story For The World!

Entrepreneur

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Advocate

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adeeq Harvey, commonly known as Deeq, is an African Indian American producer from the 2200 Block Of Catherine Street, south section of Philadelphia. He was raised by his mother and grandmother with the latter, having a significant influence on his life. At the core of his being is the belief that human beings from all walks of life have dreams which can be realized. Mr. Harvey does not believe that social or biological factors are barriers to dream accomplishment.

Moreover, he has a profound belief that children too have dreams which should be nurtured, explored and recognized. His dedication to discovering and pursuing dreams is inspired by personal experience. As a child, Sadeeq stood next to his mother and witnessed the May 13th 1985 Philadelphia bombing. According to Sadeeq, the bombing was ordered by the then government who sought to stop an AfricanAmerican Activists group called The Move. This experience is still vivid in his mind and dreams, especially the smell of the smoke and the sight of the flames. Like the activists who were bombed because they fought for change, Mr. Harvey has a lifelong mission to inspire people to fight for their dreams, in his words, ‘A dream is for any [age]. It requires hard work and faith in God to accomplish goals.’ Dreams are pathways for a better life and society.

The many challenges of his upbringing helped to shape his global perspective in significant ways.

He recalled that as a child, he had lots of dreams, despite the negative factors in his environment.

The corruption, drugs, robberies and violence did not deter him; in fact, the streets stirred him to explore several roles in an effort to concretize his dreams. Prominent among these dreams was to become a pro basketball player. He trained 26 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

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Upcoming Producer

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Speaker

hard and was one of the best on the team.

Support from some of his family helped him stay focused and strategic. Thus, even though his basketball dream was not realized, he remained motivated and driven. Mr. Harvey recollected being doubted by many people and numerous attempts were made to discourage efforts to pursue his dreams; nonetheless, he asserted that he remained steadfast in his determination to accomplish his dreams. As such, he attributes his successes to persistence and his ‘go for it’ attitude.

Sadeeq’s mother was a promoter for music legend, Roy Ayers and was also one of the first Black women to be part of production management engineering for the first radio station WCSR AM640 on the campus of the Black college Cheyney University. Sadeeq Harvey has a talented family who are also deeply spiritual. These influences undoubtedly shaped

SADEEQ HARVEY

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Music Promoter

By Callista Regis

his passion for entertainment and community building.

His long and profound love affair with the Entertainment Industry began in his days as a Philadelphia music promoter which brought him in contact with a variety of “A” list artists, club events, runway shows etc. He promoted the late (singer) Aaliyah’s last album. His thirst to explore new territories led him to Hollywood, California where he works for BoxStarFilms. com, a major production company where the CEO/Director is David Yarborough. His move to Hollywood was not without challenges.

During the time he moved in pursuit of his dreams, he was in a severe car crash where he injured his back and was told by doctors that he would have to attend a pain management program for about a year. He worked through almost insurmountable pain and frustration and nearly gave up his goals but something inside told him to ‘go for it.’ Sadeeq is mentioned in many interviews which provide details of his career as a producer for several big brand shows such as City Of Dreams LA which is scheduled to debut on Prime TV this year. The central theme of the show City Of Dreams LA captures the experience of people from various walks of life, who are on a quest to achieve their dreams in Hollywood. Not only has the show attracted global actors/actresses and filmmakers but A Listers are also involved. This is the adult version of the City Of Dreams LA Reality Show.

A preview trailer received over One hundred thousand views on YouTube!

There will also be a youth version of City Of Dreams LA which will feature young people from a range of ages i.e., middle to high school age, who are conceptualizing, exploring and

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

cast and was shot by a Hollywood experienced DP and directed by David Yarborough.

Yarborough He also has several A List driven projects and is coproducer of the show Heirs to Hollywood, a one hour docu-dramas series based on the lives of Hollywood’s most elite and famous Blacks celebrities and their heirs. This show is a spinoff of City Of Dreams LA.

him history and for keeping him inspired. He taught her how to use the internet to connect with people from all over the world and even to trace her ancestry.

Ultimately, he wishes to lead a positive revolution which recognizes the rights of everyone to dream. Mr. Harvey’s campaign to promote dreamers encapsulates the late Martin Mr. Harvey takes pleasure in proving doubters Luther King Junior’s famous quote, ‘I have a wrong. He does not believe in negative self- dream.’ Yes, a dream which must be pursued fulfilling prophecy, rather, he maintains that a and aggressively preserved, a dream to inspire person is responsible for crafting and pursuing others and change community one by one. his/her own destiny by having a dream and aggressively pursuing it. Such a philosophy has kept him relevant in South Philly where he continues to reach out to youth, elderly and the homeless. He was an avid supporter of The Kindred Soul Community Festival, held on August 9th 2015 in Philadelphia. To be specific, his philanthropic work in Philly dates back to the 90s where he was honored by the city’s mayor with A Good Citizenship Award Medal and a four year college scholarship.

The prestigious award, earned him a place on City Hall’s Union League Data. His work in the community, his leadership and attitude has always been inspired by passion and personal experiences; as such, it comes from the heart.

Sadeeq noted that more than 17,000 of Union League youth become leaders in their choice of business or profession.

struggling to achieve their dreams. Mr. Harvey is steadfast in his belief that young people should be given spaces for engagement as it relates to dream accomplishment. His work with young people started prior to his induction into the entertainment industry. Earlier in his life, he worked as a city year corp member in Philadelphia classrooms where he engaged in inspiring children from a variety of backgrounds.

This experience gave him an opportunity to In many ways, his care for the community and connect with young people and to understand for others was shaped by his family, in particular, the world from their perspective. Consequently, his grandmother, whom he praises for teaching he seeks to use the medium of film to bring children’s views and dreams to the world.

In addition, Sadeeq is also a co-executive for two major multi-million dollar films. As a producer, Sadeeq is currently working on Love Or Laughs, an action packed, romantic comedy which explores various aspects of modern day dating.

This film has a guest celebrity as a part of the

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 27

T

6

URBAN BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

Black Caribbean-Born Executives In Top U.S. Posts

here is no denying that the Caribbeanborn black population in the United States accounts for a significant number of the black population across the nation, including nativeborn African-Americans, and they dominate major positions in corporate America as well as in academia and health care. As we wrap up Black History Month, here are 10 Caribbeanborn executives in top posts across the U.S.: 1: Maxine Williams, Facebook

Technology companies are mainly staffed by men. African-Americans and Hispanics make up 5 percent of the companies’ workforces compared with 14 percent nationally.

operations, culture and customers. During her career at the company, she has served in a variety of positions, including store manager, district manager and regional vice president. She has also served as vice president of operations, Williams joined Facebook in 2013 with buy-in vice president of merchandising and special from the top. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg orders, vice president of retail marketing and and Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg sales for Home Depot Direct, vice president of are both publicly supportive of her diversity vendor services and, most recently, president efforts and they have handed her significant of the Southern Division of The Home Depot. responsibility.

Campbell is a graduate of Georgia State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree 2: Ann-Marie Campbell, Home Depot in philosophy and a master’s degree in business administration. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, an international business honor society, and the National Scholars Honor Society and currently serves on the boards for Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, Barnes & Noble and Potbelly Corporation. In 2014, Fortune Magazine listed her among the top 50 most powerful women in business.

3: Debra Sandler, Mars, Inc.

The Global Head of Diversity at social media giant Facebook was born in Trinidad & Tobago. Maxine Williams, a Rhodes Scholar and graduate of Yale University, is a former attorney and journalist who now develops strategies to harness the unlimited potential of Facebook’s talent while managing a high performing team of diversity program managers from the company’s headquarters in Menlo Park, CA. Prior to Facebook, she served as the Director of Diversity for a global law firm and has represented clients in criminal, civil and industrial courts in both her native Trinidad and in the U.K. at the Privy Council.

Home Depot US Stores’ Executive Vice President is from Jamaica. Ann-Marie Campbell began her career with The Home Depot in 1985 as a cashier in South Florida and managed to work her way up to the top post. In this role, she leads the company’s three U.S. operating divisions comprised of nearly 2,000 U.S. stores and the bulk of the company’s nearly 400,000 associates.

Venezuela–born, Trinidad & Tobago-raised Debra A. Sandler is the Chief Health and Wellbeing Officer for Mars, Incorporated. The newly created position hands Sandler the reins to focus on nutrition in the face of increasing “For Facebook, diversity is imperative to our Campbell learned her first lessons in retail scrutiny by consumers and health activists. At future growth,” she told USA Today recently. “If from her grandmother in Jamaica, a successful Mars Chocolate North America, Sandler helped we don’t get it right, we risk losing relevance in retailer in her own right. And after more than 30 years with the company, Campbell brings an incredibly diverse world.” a deep understanding of The Home Depot’s Continues on page 30 28 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

IF YOU FIND THIS INFORMATION AS LIFE-CHANGING AND POWERFUL AS I DID – TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS:

STEP 1 - LISTEN TO THIS RECORDED #: 1-701-801-3088 STEP 2 - VISIT WWW.NOUPFRONTMONEY.COM THEN PLEASE CALL ME ASAP AT 1-800-823-2093 PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 29

URBAN BUSINESS LEADERSHIP Continued from page 28 6: Dr. Tashni Dubroy, Shaw University She joined Onyx from Johnson & Johnson where she served as Vice President of Human Resources and a member of the Executive Committee. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, she held several senior Human Resources executive positions with Pfizer Inc. supporting its pharmaceutical businessesin Japan, Asia, Africa, Middle East and Latin America, and she led the integration of both the Warner-Lambert and Pharmacia mergers for these countries. She currently sits on the Board of GFC – Girls For Change, a national organization which empowers girls from low income neighborhoods to develop and lead social change initiatives in their communities.

She earned her undergraduate degree at Baruch College of the City University of New York and received her MBA from Columbia University, Jamaican-born Dr. Tashni Dubroy last August Graduate School of Business. She is married and was named President at Shaw University at age the mother of two children.

34. Her appointment makes her the second 4: Kaye Foster-Cheek, Onyx Pharmaceuticals Jamaican and also the third female to serve 5: Dr. Michelle Johnson, Memorial Sloan as the school’s president. Dubroy started her Kettering Cancer Centre career as a research scientist at BASF, the world’s leading chemical company. She quickly moved up the ranks, earning two promotions within a two year period. lead the launch of Goodnessknows, a regional brand containing slow-roasted whole almonds, fruits and toasted oats that “have no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.” In this role, Sandler oversees wellness initiatives for Mars Inc., whose products include M&M’s and Snickers candy, Orbit gum and food brands like Uncle Ben’s. Sandler joined Mars in 2009 as chief consumer officer for Mars Chocolate North America and was promoted to president of Mars Chocolate North America in 2012. Prior to joining Mars, she was worldwide president of Johnson & Johnson’s McNeil’s Nutritionals LLC. Sandler holds an undergraduate degree in International Business from Hofstra University, an MBA from NYU, Stern School of Business and an Honorary PhD from Long Island University. She is a Trustee of Hofstra University and a Board member of the Ad Council.

Following her tenure at BASF, Dubroy was hired by her alma mater in 2011, where she served as an associate professor of chemistry and later the department chair of Shaw’s department of natural sciences and mathematics.

Bridgetown, Barbados-born Kaye Foster-Cheek is the senior vice-president of Global Human Resources for Onyx Pharmaceuticals. In her role, Foster-Cheek leads all aspects of the human resources function at Onyx for both U.S. and global operations, including talent acquisition and development, Total Rewards strategy and design, performance management, organizational learning and development, organizational structure and design, and employee relations.

30 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE

Dubroy is the daughter of Emerson and Greta Coote and is one of six siblings. She moved to Jamaican-born Dr. Michelle Johnson is associate the United States at age 18 before graduating chief of cardiology at Memorial Sloan Kettering from Shaw in 2002. Later she attained a Cancer Centre in New York. Dr. Johnson is one doctorate in Chemistry from North Carolina of only doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering State University.

Cancer Center who specialize in Cardiovascular Courtesy of newsamericasnow.com Disease. Dr. Johnson is a cardiologist in New York, New York and is affiliated with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She received her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University and has been in practice for 23 years. She is a graduate of Kingston’s Immaculate Conception High School.

PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE | 31

COMMUNITY & ART

Donette Brotherson E

ver since she was a child, Donnette Brotherson displayed a talent for fashion and design. A Guyanese native, Donette honed her skills at the Bowrrows School of arts and Design, in Guyana.

In 2006, following her passion, Donette launched DonJ’Moda designs which has steadily been making its way up the international fashion market creating casual as well as, colorful, cutting edge, sophisticated and unique pieces for small and curvy women.

DonJ’ designs have graced numerous runways, from Guyana Fashion Weekend, Glamorous fashion Show, US Virgin Island Fashion Week, Carifesta Fashion Expo, Caribbean Gala and Medgar Evers College Black History Month Gala.

DonJ’moda will be hosting its first annual Sensational Curves Fashion Show on: May 7th, 2016 at the Glen Cove Mansion.

For info Call: 516 277 2754.

DonJ’Moda Boutique is located at 262 Glen Street, Glen Cove, NY 11542. Phone: 516 277 2754; Website; www.donj’moda. com, Social Media; Facebook.com/DonJ’Modainc, Twitter; DonJModainc, Instagram: DonJ’Modainc.

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COMMUNITY & ART

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