OFFICIAL HONOREE LISTING
After nearly three decades as a news reporter, C. Ron Allen launched CRA & Associates, a media relations, marketing and crisis management firm. Allen’s network includes CRA News Service, the Delray Beach Tribune newspaper and CRA Media Group. Allen is a high-level counselor to business leaders and public figures. A community servant, he founded KOP, formerly Knights of Pythagoras Mentoring Network, helped found the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, 100 Black Men of Palm Beach County and a past president of the Rotary Club of Delray Beach, Sunrise. He was twice a finalist for the Jefferson Award for Community Service, honored by Governor Jeb Bush, and a JM Family Enterprise award recipient. Dr. Monique Barbour, a board certified ophthalmologist, is the medical director of Clear Vue Eye Center, a comfortable, state-of-the-art vision care center in Wellington. A native Washingtonian, she earned her medical degree with honors from the Howard University College of Medicine. She and her husband manage the Smiles and Vision Foundation, a non-profit organization whose focus is to provide dental and vision care to the indigent worldwide. When not providing clinical care, Dr. Barbour explores her passion for music and athletics. As the founder of Reign Entertainment Incorporated, she not only manages other artists and athletes in their pursuit of excellence, she exploits her own entertainment talents. Dr. Barbour enjoys travelling internationally with her husband Dr. Robert Victome, and their three children. Louie Chapman, Jr., City Manager of Delray Beach, governs the operation of city services. As Chief Executive Officer, he engages regularly with the Mayor and Commission on public policy, issues and ordinances. Mr. Chapman’s professional career includes 19 years as Town Manager for Bloomfield, Connecticut, successfully recruiting new industry and maintaining the Town’s AA Bond rating. Previously, he held positions with the municipalities of Charlottesville, Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Chapman holds a Master of Planning Degree from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Norfolk State University. He and wife Petra together have five daughters.
Patrick Cousins, Esq. is recognized as one of the country’s foremost consumer-protection attorneys and a widely acknowledged expert on so-called “lemon laws.” But many may not know that Cousins, who managed Prince’s legal affairs, was responsible for banning a large national retail chain from selling Halloween costumes with Prince’s likeness. It was, however, lemon-law cases that have earned Cousins the most attention, including a feature in Automobile magazine in June 2006. Cousins represented car manufacturers from 1991 through 1997, then switched hats and began representing consumers. Since then, he has won nearly all of his roughly 500 cases. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and the University Florida Levin College of Law.
Ronald Davis is the president of the Mosnar Group, L.L.C. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Business Development Board.
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Keisha Douglas –Moore, LPN and Licensed Healthcare Administrator, founder of Moore Care Assisted Living Facility, in Riviera Beach, Florida has 22years of professional nursing experience. As the owner of Moore Care Assisted living facility it is her life’s work to take care of our most valuable and vulnerable population, the elderly and those that are unable to take care of themselves. Moore Care Assisted Living Facility, has become a home away from home for both the seniors and their families. Immediately upon entering there is sense of warmth and security that puts families mind at ease during this challenging period.
Erika Duff is the co- of SAT Virtual Resource Center (SATVRC). SATVRC, is a private, non-profit, Christian based, learning institution dedicated to teaching and developing our future leaders. Erika and her husband, Jack have successfully guided their three daughters through the rigors of home school. Their oldest daughter has achieved her associate’s degree at a local state college. The two younger daughters are currently enrolled in college and pursuing higher education. The fuel, which drives the commitment of Jack and Erika Duff to SATVRC is the desire to see other parents achieve similar success through private and homeschooling opportunities. Jack Duff is the co- of SAT Virtual Resource Center (SATVRC). SATVRC, is a private, non-profit, Christian based, learning institution dedicated to teaching and developing our future leaders. Jack and his wife Erika have successfully guided their three daughters through the rigors of home school. Their oldest daughter has achieved her associate’s degree at a local state college. The two younger daughters are currently enrolled in college and pursuing higher education. The fuel, which drives the commitment of Jack and Erika Duff to SATVRC is the desire to see other parents achieve similar success through private and homeschooling opportunities.
George E. Dungee is currently the Director of Nova Southeastern University’s Palm Beach Campus. For the past 12 years, he has guided faculty and staff members of the university resulting in phenomenal growth of numerous degree programs offered to the residents of the Palm Beach Beaches and the Treasure Coast. These programs include pharmacy, business, education, psychology, nursing, criminal justice, and counseling. He has always had a concern on how the surrounding community would be impacted as a result of dynamic population demographics and local business objectives. George attended East Carolina University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Biology from Greensboro College. He received his MBA from Nova Southeastern University’s H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship. Patrick Franklin is the president and CEO of the Urban League of Palm Beach County. He was born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA, Patrick attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA and graduated Cum Laude in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. Upon graduation, Patrick began a career with Shell Oil Co. in New Orleans, LA as an Exploration Geophysicist. During a short 4 year career with Shell Oil, he was a co-founder of one of the largest oil and gas reserve finds (Prospect MARS) in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Delray Beach City Commissioner Angeleta Gray, longtime resident and owner of Top Notch Beauty Spa & Suites, is well known for her commitment to public service. Her dedication to economic development, education and preservation of quality neighborhoods has earned her the trust and respect of the community. Angeleta also serves on the PBC Health Care District and PBC League of Cities Boards. Prior board appointments include Florida and PBC Caucus of Black Elected Officials, TED Center, Community Redevelopment Agency and Roots Cultural Festival. Devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Angeleta and husband Kenneth are members of St. John Primitive Baptist Church.
RoxAnne Harris has worked in progressively more responsible roles in healthcare for over 20 years with her most recent being the Ethics and Compliance Officer for both Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee, FL and West Palm Hospital in West Palm Beach, FL. She earned a Master’s in Administration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor’s in Health Services Administration from University of Detroit Mercy and a Certificate in Executive Leadership for Healthcare Professionals from Cornell University. In her current role, she ensures corporate policy is compliant with federal and state regulatory guidelines. She resides in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and has a passion for political activism, for causes that focus on social justice and ethnic diversity. Vice-Mayor Al Jacquet, Delray Beach resident since 1990, was elected to the City Commission in 2012. A graduate of Atlantic High School, he attended DePauw University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He also studied at the University of Westminster in London. His education continued at St. Thomas University School of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctorate degree, and is licensed to practice in the state of Florida. Mr. Jacquet is fluent in four languages and has served as an Immigration Court interpreter. He most recently served as Legislative Aide to the Florida House of Representatives, handling complex pieces of legislation.
The Honorable Keith James is currently a member of the West Palm Beach City Commission, representing District 4. Mr. James was elected in March 2011, and re-elected (without opposition) in March, 2013. Mr. James currently practices corporate law through his own law firm, Keith A. James, P.A. Mr. James graduated from Harvard College in 1979 and Harvard Law School in 1982. Since graduation from Harvard Law School, Mr. James has concentrated his practice in the area of general corporate law and governmental law. Mr. James represents several small and medium-sized corporations, and private entrepreneurs Joseph Lee Ed.D., is the Area Superintendent, Palm Beach District School System, the 11th largest school district in the country.
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Bruce Lewis is the Founder, President and CEO of L.B. Limited & Associates, Inc. Strategic Public Relations where he oversees business strategic planning, new business development, financial responsibilities and special public relations/marketing initiatives. Bruce is a graduate of the University of Minnesota BSEE where he specialized in Chemical Design Engineering and also, a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County, class of 1997 with a proven track record of leadership on many fronts. He is highly active throughout the community working with City and County-based organizations and most recently served as the United Way of PBC 2005 - 2006 Campaign Chairman raising a record $15.5 million for communities and people in need.
The Honorable Thomas A. Masters is in his fourth term as Mayor of the City of Riviera Beach, arriving to the post after more than 25 years of community advocacy. As Mayor, he has led or created many successful initiatives, including a City teen curfew, an ordinance outlawing saggy pants, annual job fairs, a senior citizen savings program and a successful sister-city relationship with Freeport, Grand Bahama. He is the vice president for trade and tourism for the World Conference of Mayors and has attracted many businesses to the City. The California native is also an ordained pastor, currently serving as bishop of New Macedonia Baptist Church.
Jean Marie Middleton, Esq., is Associate Counsel for Labor and Employment in the Office of General Counsel with the Palm Beach County School District. Ms. Middleton is an experienced and dedicated Attorney with over 26 years of practice in both the public and private sectors. Her experience includes serving as Staff Attorney for Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Assistant City Attorney for the City of Lake Worth, Florida; Chief of Litigation, School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida; Assistant City Attorney for the City of Miami, Florida; Associate Attorney, Rigell, Ring & Ardman; Staff Attorney for the City of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Corporate Attorney & Senior State Relations Consultant for Lincoln National Corporation and Manager, for American Bankers Insurance Group.
Born in Panama, Eugenia Millender immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 12. Working full-time and attending graduate school might be enough for most people, but not Eugenia Millender. In addition to her doctorate, Eugenia is simultaneously working on a psychiatric / mental health nurse practitioner degree from Rush University in Chicago. When asked why she feels compelled to pursue a nurse practitioner degree, she points to her experiences working in critical care: "I saw first-hand the challenges faced by immigrants, refugees, and minorities when accessing mental health and substance abuse services," Eugenia shared. She wants to make a difference by "helping underserved populations--especially adolescents and families facing limited access to mental health and substance abuse care." Timothy Page chief executive officer of Kindred Hospital The Palm Beaches, has 25 years in the healthcare industry. He has an M.B.A. and a B.S. in Allied Health Management. He’s also a distinguished product of Kindred’s robust executive development program. During his 17-year tenure, he’s served as director of quality management, chief operating officer and assistant administrator at the hospital level. In ten years, he advanced from manager of the Respiratory Therapy Department in Detroit to CEO of Kindred Hospital in Chicago. In September 2010, he was appointed CEO of the Riviera Beach location.
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Estella Mims Pyfrom enjoyed a highly noted three-decade career as an educator and guidance counselor in the Palm Beach County School District. During her tenure, she earned her District’s Most Concerned Teacher of the Year honors; and was profiled in Who’s Who and Jet magazines and on NBC television. Pyfrom was inspired by her modest upbringing to create Project Aspiration (now Estella’s Brilliant Bus) a mobile learning center that delivers services throughout the county. Estella and her husband Willie are the parents of four remarkable children and 11 grand-children. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida A & M University; and continued her education at Florida Atlantic University. The Honorable Isaac “Ike” Robinson, Jr. was elected to the West Palm Beach City Commission in 1999. He was reelected in March 2001 and March 2003. He served as President of the Commission from March 2001 until March 2002. Ike received his B.A. degree in Sociology from Florida A&M University and his Masters Degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University. Ike also served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1959. He and his wife Ernestine have five children, and three grandchildren. Ike has been a resident of Palm Beach County since October 1962.
Angela Rozier is a 10-year veteran reporter for WPBF 25 News. She’s been on the front line of some of the biggest local stories of the past decade, including the I-95 Barahona tragedy, Hurricanes Frances and Jean and the Miami Heat’s back-to-back NBA Championships of 2012-13. Angela is a native Floridian and grew up in Riviera Beach. After graduating from the University of Florida, she accepted a position as a general assignment reporter at WJNO News Radio in West Palm Beach. Angela and her husband are raising three beautiful young ladies. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta and the National Association of Black Journalists.
Richard A. Ryles, Esq. is a shareholder at the Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Ryles Law Firm. He is pas-
sionate about pursuing the truth and claiming what is due by law during the course of litigation. Mr. Ryles was born and raised in West Palm Beach, and he enjoys helping the community through his practice of law and his mentorship of those less fortunate. He obtained his Juris Doctor Degree in 1990 from the Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C., and since that time, Mr. Ryles has gained experience in the fields of personal injury, trial advocacy, premises liability, and negligent security. Jyric Sims serves as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of HCA Affiliated St. Lucie Medical Center, in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He oversees the day to day ancillary/clinical operations, staffing, programmatic development, and construction activities of the 229 bed Hospital Sims holds a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Arkansas, a Bachelor of Science Degree from Louisiana State University, and is board certified in healthcare management and project management. He currently serves on the board of directors for St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, St. Lucie County Education Foundation, American College of Healthcare Executives Treasure Coast Chapter, and Louisiana State University National Advisory Board. Sims is married with one daughter.
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Grasford Smith, Esq. is a Senior Counsel at Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A. and practices primarily on business law matters. Grasford has achieved the AV-Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which recognizes the highest level of professional excellence, and has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Florida Super Lawyers and one of Nation’s 40 best advocates under 40 by the National Bar Association. Grasford is the Chair of the Transaction Law Committee of the Palm Beach County Bar, FormerPresident of the F. Malcolm Cunningham Bar, and serves on the boards of Urban League of Palm Beach County (as General Counsel) and the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. Ann Marie Sorrell, President and CEO of The Mosaic Group, a full service marketing, public relations, government relations and event management firm. Under Ann Marie’s leadership, The Mosaic Group has obtained contracts with organizations including state agencies Florida Department of Environmental Protection, South Florida Water Management District, nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters, and corporate companies AECOM to name a few. Ann Marie received a BS degree in Healthcare Management from Florida A& M University and a MBA from Nova Southeastern University. She is an adjunct professor at Palm Beach State College where she teaches principles of Business, Small Business Management and Human Relations.
Pamela Stewart is the president and CEO of the Paragon Foundation of Palm Beach Count, Inc. possesses a wealth of first-hand expertise and extensive knowledge of small business development. Her background is shaped by broad experiences in small and minority business program management, economic and community development and management and financial assistance to small businesses. Ms. Stewart worked as the Small Business Division Manager for the City of West Palm Beach, FL, the Director of the SBA Florida Women’s Business Center and held various management positions within the insurance industry. Ms. Stewart holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Florida State University, and has completed the Johns Hopkins University’s Executive Leadership Development Program. Commissioner Priscilla A. Taylor, Vice Chair of the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, is a native Floridian, born and raised in Fort Pierce. She currently resides in West Palm Beach where she was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in November 2004 and re-elected twice as the District 84 representative. She brought to the House more than 25 years of business experience in the insurance industry. Commissioner Taylor’s past public service involvement includes working with the Criminal Justice Commission, Workforce Development, the Urban League of Palm Beach County Board of Directors, the YWCA Board of Directors, Executive Women, Leadership Palm Beach County, and the Palm Beach MLK Coordinating Committee. The Honorable Steven B. Wilson is the mayor of the City of Belle Glade. Belle Glade is the largest city within the 2,862,00-acre subtropical Everglades in the heartland of Florida.
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“Providing News and Information to South Florida’s Black Affluencers and Influencers”
“Winner of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce 2013 Small Business of the Year Award”