T-Shirts - Auntie Karen Foundation

Auntie Karen Foundation
“Empowering, Enlightening & Educating through the Arts”
October 31, 2015
Dear Future Billionaire,
Welcome to the 13th annual Auntie Karen Foundation Young Entrepreneurs Conference. The
concept for today is “Operation Connection”. There are many examples of artist and
entrepreneurs here today: You will have a chance to meet and interact with them.
I’m so excited because some of our young entrepreneurs like Janae Ward (Something Fruity);
Kiara McFarlan (vocalist), Amina Cox (visual artist), Gabby Goodwin (Gabby Bows, currently
featured in Walgreens stores in South Carolina), and our youngest entrepreneur Zyonna Kinsey
(ZMAC Jewelry) have returned to share their gifts with you. Other examples of artist
entrepreneurs include some former Young Entrepreneurs such as: Sheneka Jackson Kinsey
(visual artists) who will be working with our Young Moguls.
In 2001, we had a dream to showcase the best young minds in our region and we created this
conference to showcase their talent and creative abilities. Today you will have a chance to
meet and talk to them. These amazing young entrepreneurs have had an impact on a national
and global scale. Janae Ward, our 2014 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, was honored last
year for her hard work and the success of her creative ideas as an entrepreneur.
I created the Auntie Karen F.A.I.T.H. principles as a guide to living my dreams. My hope is that
you will read and adopt these concepts to your life. (Find a purpose or goal; Ask for help; Invest
in your mind; Take time to plan; Help someone else). You will see examples of these principles
in action throughout the day!
I would like to thank the Auntie Karen Board, YE Conference Co - Chairs (Brenda Peterson and
Joan Mobley) and the 2015 Conference Committee for making this day possible. They have
spent months organizing this day especially for you!!!
I hope you take away something from this conference that will encourage you to start your own
business. Remember, all great things begin with an idea!
Especially enjoy this day, because it’s the 14th Anniversary for The Auntie Karen Foundation
and Halloween!
Sincerely,
Karen Alexander
AUNTIE KAREN FOUNDATION
WWW.AUNTIEKAREN.ORG
4204 NORTH MAIN STREET • COLUMBIA, SC • 29203
PHONE:803-748-7124 • FAX: 803-256-6971
• EMAIL: [email protected]
Time
8:15 AM - 8:45 AM
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM
Session A
9:30 AM - 10:20 AM
Room
Benedict College Business
Development Center
Benedict College Business
Vet Center
Benedict College Business
Vet Center
Registration, light breakfast
Timothy Bowers, Master of Ceremonies
Karen Alexander & Brenda Peterson
Speaker
Entertainment by Kendra Nelson & Frederick
Kennedy
2015 Young Entrepreneurs Conference Schedule
Opening Ceremony
Welcome
Timothy Bowers, Moderator
Rosalyn Frierson Smith, Ramone Dickerson and
Corey Simmons, Larry Smith, John Dozier
Tiffany James, Moderator
Lasenta Lewis-Ellis, Rodney Jones, Liz Portee
Go to workshop sessions
Sheneka Jackson Kinsey
Track
Entrepreneurs' Panel 1 (12+)
Entrepreneurs' Panel 2
(11 and under)
Logistics
Young Moguls
Topic
Teams
Executive Directors, CEO,
Presidents
"Operation Connection" - Connect with Executive Directors, CEO,
Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders Presidents
"Operation Connection" - Connect with Young Moguls, Owners,
Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders Producers, Agents
All
Young Moguls
"We can do it too"
Personal Development
Finance
Business Development
Presidents
Agents
Executive Director
Owners
Producers
Room #127
Room #125
Room #124
Personal Development
Roy Smith
Dee Robinson
CEO
Room: Vet Center
Product Management
Business Development
Roy Smith
Dee Robinson
All
Agents
Presidents
Producers
Bus Transportation to David H Swinton
Center
Lunch provided by Big T's Barbecue & Grochos
Masters of Ceremony: Timothy
Bowers/Erica McGee
Entertainment and Young Entrepreneurs
Showcase & Awarding of YE of the Year
(Deborah Woodard Memorial)
October 31, 2015
All
Operation Connection
H. Vincent Ford
"Better"
Sherrie Belton
Be a Boss: Know Money, No Problems
Vanessa Harper
Dream, Plan & Execute
Business Etiquette-Dressing for the
Chaundra Cleveland-Jennings/Kristopher Jones Business Atmosphere
Harnessing the Power of The Internet
to Build Your Business
Link to Achieve
Room: # 114
Room #123
Owners
CEO
Executive Director
Room #127
Room #125
Room #124
Personal Development
Personal Development
Finance
Business Development
Room: Vet Center
Successville
Product Management
Business Development
Benedict College David A.
Swinton Center
Room: # 114
Room #123
H. Vincent Ford
"Better"
Sherrie Belton
Be a Boss: Know Money, No Problems
Vanessa Harper
Dream, Plan & Execute
Business Etiquette-Dressing for the
Chaundra Cleveland-Jennings/Kristopher Jones Business Atmosphere
Harnessing the Power of The Internet
to Build Your Business
Link to Achieve
Multipurpose Room
9:30 AM - 10:20 AM
10:30 AM - 10:40 AM
10:50 AM - 12:20 PM Multipurpose Room
Workshop One
10:50 AM-11:30 AM
Workshop Two
11:40 PM -12:20 PM
12:20 PM - 1:00 PM
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Auntie Karen Foundation Young Entrepreneurs Conference
2015 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Janae Ward
Something Fruity
Janae Ward has been drawing
and creating designs since 4th
grade. She has always loved art
and creating beautiful things. She
attended Rollings Middle School
of the Arts and her love of the arts
grew and was nurtured there. In
2011, while attending Rollings, she
noticed that there were very few
designs for girls who are curvy.
The apples, pears and hour glass
figures are not really regarded in junior fashions. She set
out to create designs that flatter the figures of “real girls”.
Thus, Something Fruity was born. Since then, she has
continued to design, learn to sew and make connections
that will help her to launch her line. She creates pieces,
upon request, for friends and family members and is
hopeful to mass produce items from her design collection
within the next year. Janae is currently a junior at Ashley
Ridge High School, in Summerville, South Carolina.
Lee Livingston
K-9 Find
Lee Livingston resides in Irmo , S.C.
where he attends St. Peter Baptist
Church, Bishop Odell Sims, Pastor.
He is a student at Spring Hill High
School located in Chapin, S.C.
Spring Hill High School is a Magnet
School in School District Five of
Lexington and Richland Counties.
His main focus is in Environmental
Science at Spring Hill High School.
Lee’s future plans are to become a Veterinarian and minor in
dog breeding. He is the proud owner of K-9 Find. His business allows him to locate any breed or type of dogs for his
customers. His hobbies consist of reading, running
track,training his dogs, and collecting Jordan’s ! Lee realizes
life is what you make out of it! No matter where he is or what
he is doing, he knows that he can do all things through Christ
who strengthens him!
Contact: E-mail:[email protected]
or call (803)331-4816
2012 YE of the Year
2014 YE of the Year
Amina Cox
Visual Artist
My name is Amina Cox and I am a 22 year-old College graduate from Benedict College in
Columbia, SC (05.09.15) with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree. I was born in Miami, FL and raised
in Lithonia, GA, where I was being cared for by my mother. As the only child, I’ve developed the
skills of becoming an athlete and being a talented artist. I started running track in the sixth grade
all up until my Junior year in college. I’ve been drawing ever since I’ve been in middle school, but
It wasn’t taken serious because I’ve always seen myself as an Olympian. As a College freshman,
I got injured within the first month of both my freshmen and sophomore year with two different
injuries, resulting in being out both seasons with only two meets under my belt. Trying to take
something out of a negative situation, I got back into art where I started to produce my best work,
most of which were made up of charcoal, colored pencil, paints, and pastels. Art then became
my passion again, to where only God himself can take this from me. Since graduating college with the experience of
being featured in art galleries, as well as conventions & museums, I’ve gained the knowledge of how to professionally
Carry myself and how to cater to customers while becoming a better artist. I have big dreams of becoming an
architect since being in middle school, which is a completely different path in the art field. Aside, from drawing and
graphics, Ive always loved math and science with a passion, so I knew that architecture was right up my alley. I don’t
know what to look forward to in the future but the best. I’m takin my artistic abilities to the end. Right now I’m just
looking for direction because I seem to had gotten lost after graduating college because I just knew I would have it all
together, especially with all of the hard work and opportunities I had. But I just know that soon enough everything will
work out, and things will start falling into place.
2015 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Gabrielle Goodwin
GaBBY BOWS
and twists.
Gabrielle Goodwin and
her mom invented the
Double-Face DoubleSnap Barrette by GaBBY
to save families time,
money and frustration.
Solving the age-old
problem of disappearing
hair barrettes, the DoubleFace Double-Snap
Barrette is engineered to
prevent hair slippage and
perfect for pigtails, braids
GaBBY launched and began selling barrettes through its online
store at gabbybows.com in February 2014. In less than six months,
GaBBY Bows became available for purchase in 40 select Walgreens stores in South Carolina and Georgia. Nearly 100 retail
stores in South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina now carry
GaBBY Bows, including BiLo and Once Upon a Child. GaBBY has
sold her barrettes online in 35 states across the U.S. and in five
countries.
GaBBY’s story has been shared in The Washington Post, Chicago
Tribune, The State, Augusta Chronicle and Atlanta Journal-Constitution, on a number of television stations including WIS, WLTX,
WACH Fox, NBC 26 and ABC Columbia and through a host of
online media platforms.
Gabrielle was recently named a 2015 South Carolina Young
Entrepreneur of the Year, the youngest to ever receive this award.
She and her mom were also named as one of 15 national finalists
for the U.S. Small Business Administration InnovateHER Business
Pitch Competition.
Eight year-old Gabrielle is engaged in all aspects of the business, from inventory and taxes to writing thank you notes to every
customer who orders barrettes through gabbybows.com. Asked
by her mom to come up with ways to give back to the community,
Gabrielle decided she wanted to “play with all the girls others won’t
play with,” any girls who have been bullied. Carrying out this idea,
GaBBY hosts community wide bullying prevention play dates benefiting area children’s shelters.
Gabrielle loves to read and dance and is a 3rd grader at Escolores
Magnet Academy at Harbison West Elementary School where her
favorite subjects are science, math and language arts. Gabrielle,
her parents Mike and Rozalynn and little brother Michael live in
Columbia, SC.
Kyle Green
T-Shirts
Who is Kyle Aubrey Greene,
Jr? A basketball star. A
sneaker head. A hard worker. A
student. A son. A brother. And a
friend. Kyle, also known as KJ,
is a born leader and a gogetter. He is smart, funny,
ambitious, athletic, and
adventurous. He is a leader in
his classroom, a member of his school’s student council, a
member of the chess club, and a leader of his basketball
teams. KJ is a champion, in his early basketball career he has
already won 3 rec league championships and in 2014 won an
NTBA National Championship with his 3rd Grade team as a
2nd grader. “Ball is life” is definitely KJ’s motto because he
eats, sleeps, and breathes basketball. He is creative, smart,
and most importantly empathic to those around him. He is an
entrepreneur and A True Baller is the first of many successful
business ventures he has planned to launch. Kyle began
planning this venture as an eight-year-old and launched his
first campaign last spring. He started his t-shirt business to
raise money for charity and to give money to his church. His
other purpose is to make money to get things that he wants
without spending his parent’s money
Chyna Young
Vocalist
Chyna Nychol Young is a
student at Richland North East
High. She is a member of the
Dent Dance Company. She
has been dancing with them
for the past 2 years. Although
it is Chyna’s dream to be
a dancer one day, her real
passion is singing. She comes
from a long line of singers and
musicians. Chyna has been
singing since she could talk.
Her favorite genres of music
are gospel and pop.
Some of her favorite artist are Tye Tribbett and Jonathan
McReynolds. She spends most of her free time perfecting
her craft. In the near future she plans to learn how to play
her guitar just like her father, Mr. Terence Young.
2015 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Dustin Praylow
Dancer
Kiera McFarlan
Vocalist
Dustin Praylow is the son of
John and Linette Praylow. He
Kiera McFarlan is a
began his dance training in
native of South Carolina
2011 at Dancin’ on Main in Lake
coming from a family full
City, South Carolina under the
of musicians. She has
instruction of Karl Singletary
been singing since she
and Paige Strickland. Dustin
was the young age of
now is a Senior at the University
seven, where her voice
of South Carolina where he
loudly rang in the youth
majors in Biology and minors
choir. As a teenager,
in Dance. Dustin currently
she placed top in the
choreographs for Wilson High
Richland County teen
School’s Tiger Production, Mayo High School for Math,
idol competition. She
Science, and Techonology’s Phoenix Phame , and
is a rising junior at
teaches Hip Hop Dance classes at Stepping Out Dance
South Carolina State University, majoring in early childhood
Studios in Lexington, South Carolina. Dustin wishes to
education planning to later further her education at The
pursue a dance career as well as a career in Pediatrics
University of South Carolina. She is a committed member
after graduating from the University of South Carolina.
of Zeta Phi Beta dedicated to community service. Kiera
has been involved with the Auntie Karen Foundation
since 2011. This is her 4th year singing in the Young
Entrepreneur Conference.
Kara & Kalen Maddox
Violinist
Kara Mattocks is only part of KM². She accompanies her brother, Kalen
Mattocks who is both a vocalist and bass player in the group. Kara’s
main instruments are violin, piano, and guitar. Her journey with music
began when she was in the 5th grade. She began by taking piano
lessons and then continued her journey of music into middle school
where she picked up the violin. As time went on, she continued with
music in high school and even college. She recently graduated from
Columbia College where she received a degree in Music Education.
She specializes in instrumental music with an emphasis on violin and
piano. Kara is currently teaching elementary general music and strings.
She also teaches private violin and piano lessons. Kara has always
envisioned a life filled and surrounded with music. When she is not
spending time rehearsing and performing with her brother, she spends
time working with students all over Columbia. Kara believes that sharing the gift of music with all people is the purpose of
the gift she and her brother both share whether it is listening to a performance or teaching someone how to play. Kara and
her brother Kalen have been working together to build up their music group, KM². They perform for a variety of occasions
where they provide entertainment and background music. They perform any genre of music ranging from pop to classical.
Kara has also been teaching private violin and piano lessons for several years. She is currently looking for more students to
teach and is happy to provide services to any age. his dancing very seriously.
Kalen Mattocks is the other half to KM2, along with his sister Kara Mattocks. He attends Blythewood High School, where he
is a junior. He currently is participating in both orchestra and chorus. Kalen is a bass player in the Chamber Orchestra. He
is also a tenor in the Concert Choir. Afterschool, Kalen participates in an a cappella group at BHS, called the acaBengals.
They’ve performed at various venues such as, Richland 2 School Board of Trustee meeting, NHC Retirement Home, and
the Spring Valley Country Club. Kalen has also participated in SCACDA choir, District Honors Choir, and along with two
other students from his school, have been the first from Blythewood High School to participate in South Carolina’s All-State
Choir. Kalen also participates in clubs at his school.
2015 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
The Cubs Awesome Little
Divas Step Dancers
Step Dancers
The Cubs Awesome
Step/Dance
Program was
established in 2000
by Parent Alliance,
Incorporated as
an after school
fun fitness activity
at Joseph Keels
Elementary School,
Columbia, South
Carolina. The program was the first elementary step team
established in Richland School District Two. The program
has two divisions: Cubs Awesome Little Divas which
perform exhibition routines only and “Cubs Awesome Squad
participates in step competitions and exhibition events.
The Cubs Awesome Squad’ has earned the reputation of
being an outstanding group of girls and the #1 elementary
step team in the area. By taking pride in looking their very
best inside and out, they always get the “cute points”!
Over the past 15 years both teams have participated in
many community events, and earned numerous first place
awards; by entertaining audiences and impressing judges
with their ability to execute simple to complex step/dance
routines with sharp precision and AWESOME showmanship.
The team Motto: We are a team, we act like a team, we
look like a team, we work hard as a team, our standard
is excellence and our goal is precision. We are the Cubs
Awesome Step Team!
More information contact: J. Caressa Louallen, M. A.,
Founder/Director at 803-318-9815 or
[email protected]
Zyona D. Kinsey-McNabb
Z Mac’s Jewelry
The six-year old owner of
Z.Mac’s Jewelry, Zyona
D. Kinsey-McNabb, was
born August 18, 2009
with her eyes wide open
and a smile on her face.
Her family knew from the
very first sight of her, that
she would blossom into
an awesome individual.
And boy did she ever!
At the tender age of four, Zyona approached her aunt,
Sheneka Jackson-Kinsey, and told her that she wanted to
own her very own business. Amused at the thought, her
aunt began helping her create her business. The moment
her aunt realized just how serious Zyona was about starting
her business was when Zyona took all of her hair bands
and began twisting them together.
Her aunt and grandma decided to invest in Zyona’a
business and from that moment on, Zyona, along with
her employees, Quinlin and Deontae Bookert, has been
creating bracelets, necklaces and rings for sororities and
fraternities, families and all ages. She loves what she does
and takes pride in each piece she creates and sales. She
also takes sales and creates them within a week’s time; in
between homework and studying.
Zyona is currently a student in District One at Forest
Heights Elementary School. The five-year old business
owner expects for her business to expand and eventually
turn into a more productive company with a more durable
product. So please stay tuned!!!!!
The Dance South Inc. Company Program
This program is designed for children and teens ages 7 to 17. The Company Program
to provide children and teens the opportunity to receive intensive training in Ballet, Jazz,
Modern, Contemporary, Hip-Hop and much more. Under the direction of the best well-trained seasoned professionals; the DSI Company Program focuses on preparing youth for
a professional career in dance, and the performing arts.
The Company Program provides youth the discipline needed to capitalize on their talent and help build the self-esteem
needed to succeed in the industry. Dancers Compete in competitions and Showcases nationally. Dancers raise funds for
competitions and performances through fundraisers created and organized by the youth. Dance South Company are the
“Rising Stars” of our communities.
2015 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Sheneka Jackson Kinsey
Art Students
Visual Artists
Derrick Brooks is
a 17 year old Senior
at Lee Central High
School. He is
active in the Art Club
and JROTC. Since
he was 7 years old,
Derrick has been
building his portfolio.
Derrick plans
on furthering his
artistic future. He has been accepted to the Art Institute of
Charleston.
Earlando Lighty is
a 17 year old senior
at Lee Central High
School in
Bishopville, South
Carolina. He aspires
to be a graphic artist. He enjoys being
creative and he
enjoys expressing
himself through his
art.
Logan Wells
Dancer
Logan Wells, daughter of Tigerron and Christine Wells,
is a first grader in the Academy for Civic Engagement
Magnet at Lonnie B. Nelson
Elementary School. Despite
being a new student in the
ACE Program, she quickly
distinguished herself as a
standout scholar among her
peers. In addition to serving
her teacher and class in
several leadership positions,
she was also elected by
her peers as Mayor of her
classroom. A precocious
six year old, Logan excels
in both her academic life
and extracurricular activities, which include dance,
theatre, golf and piano. As a member of Journey United
Methodist Church, Logan has used her talents as a dancer
and speaker in several Sunday morning services to glorify
God and uplift those in attendance.
Mahaganee Foster
Dancer
.
Hydeia L. Wilson
Mahaganee Foster is
is a 16 year old
a high-school student
junior at Lee Central
who dances competiHigh School. She
tively. She also Miss
is active in Army
Freshman in her high
JROTC, Columbia
school pageant. She
Urban League, and
is an honor roll student.
the Upward Bound
Mahaganee has won
program.
countless trophies
Hydeia is very
and awards for her
creative and she
dancing ability. Over
can make art out
the summer, she was
of anything from
invited to a week-long
duct tape to crochet
camp given by DTIto glamorizing
Dance Troupe, Inc. In
sneakers for her
Savannah, GA! There
younger sister.She
she learned skills from
enjoys making art so
professional dancers
that she can explore
and choreographers.
her creativity.
She hopes to earn a dance scholarship to Spelman College!
Her dreams are to become a Broadcast Journalist for a major
news station. She was recently invited to tour WIS-TV’s news
station, control room and broadcast studios and was able to
watch a live broadcast by WIS-TV’s very talented journalist,
Meaghan Norman.
2015 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Skylar Joyner
Motley Nelson
Skyla Joyner, daughter
of Active Duty Soldiers,
Charles and LayTonia
Bailey was born on June
17, 2005 in Sierra Vista,
Arizona. As a military
child she has lived in
Arizona, Maryland,
Germany, and South
Carolina. Skyla is the
big sister to her six-yearold brother, Cedric. She
enjoys drawing, watching movies, and making her own
accessories. Skyla is currently a fifth grade student at
Langford Elementary School where she sings in the chorus.
Her favorite subject is Art and Music. Her creativity was
first formally recognized when she won #1 in the Bavarian
region for her clay island sculpture called “The Mystical
Island.”
Motley Jasz Nelson BKA
MJ was born February
8th 2006. This handsome
baby boy was born to the
proud parents named
Fredric L. (Father), and
Kendra P. (Mother)
Nelson. God blessed
him my birthing him to
two musically inclined
parents in the quartet
arena. He is honestly
gifted in music and grateful to our Heavenly Father for
the consumption of his much purposed life. MJ knows
that remaining an honor student at Sandhills Elementary
School where he is a proud Tiger Cub can be challenging
and rewarding at the same time. Though it gets hard
sometimes; he says through Christ all things are possible.
He humbly embraces the position of church percussionist
at The Living Water Christian Center that is located in
Columbia South Carolina where the Pastor is Reverend
De’Angelo Cokley. MJ is co-founder of his mother’s
puppet ministry entitled: “ CHOSEN YOUTH PUPPET
MINISTRY “. Mr Nelson’s hidden talent as a photographer
was revealed this year 2015. Sister Karen Alexander place
her camera in his hands to capture the most precious
moments to remember the Brooklyn Baptist Church
women’s ministry hat event. And awesome mission was
accomplished for his hidden for graphic talent and he is
now looking forward to adding this as a hobby in his future.
This successful young man is a four-time MVP soccer
award winner, most talented in his class, West Columbia
South Carolina soccer championship winner, and highest
scored soccer goalie.
Photographer
Star-Lite Creations, Accessories
She started her own business, Star-Lite Creations, after
receiving the Rainbow Loom as a Christmas gift. StarLite Creations features custom-made accessories made
with colored rubber bands, hand-made jewelry and retail
accessories. Her motivation is making people happy. She
believes in being a blessing to others. This belief is evident
in her sponsorship of Ja’miyah McKnight, a six-year-old
little girl diagnosed with a brain tumor called astrocytoma
and battling brain cancer. A portion of her profit goes
towards Ja’miyah’s medical expenses. Her slogan for her
business is “Have Fun. Be Creative. Be You.”
Tasia Phillips
Vocalist
Tasia Angelica Ja’Ola Phillips is an 18 year old College Freshman at
Francis Marion University. Her major of study is Music Industry. She
participates in my school’s gospel choir, Young Gifted and Blessed
as well as sing on the Teen and Praise Choir and Mass Choir at her
church, Trinity Baptist Church. I hope to one day be a performer and an
actress.
2015 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Acting Out With Tiffany
Actors
Ahzandria Destiny
Bodden is known by her
friends and family call me
“Dessie”. She was born to
Allison Bodden in the great
state of South Carolina 8
3/4 years ago. She is in the
3rd grade and her favorite
subject is ART! Her favorite things to do are playing
video games, drawing, playing with my little brother and
big sisters and of course
DRAMA! If you want to get
on her good side just give
me bread or candy.
Damia Ellis, 9 years old
Damia loves drawing, sewing, dancing, gymnastics, and
reading! She’s passionate about creating things and figuring
out how to make things work. Her favorite subjects in school
are Math, Art, and Science. She likes to be challenged and
loves learning new things. Damia aspires to be an entrepreneur and would love to own a designer dress making
boutique. She is not only smart, but also athletic and loves
volleyball and roller skating! Her favorite color is blue. Her
favorite books are “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” Thea and Geronimo Stilton’s books, and Judy Moody. Damia is a great friend
and she loves spending time with her family and friends.
Jordan Lewis, 11 years old
Jordan is an energetic and intelligent young lady! She’s a bit
of a social butterfly who loves the Art of Music and Dance. If
she had her way, she’d be a gymnast and cheerleader. She
enjoys learning to cook and she aspires to be the best at
everything she does.
Maricellyn "Rissy" McDonald has a fierce passion for the
arts and the power of connection through expression. She's
a 5th grader at Killian Elementary School and has starred
in her school's adaptation of Annie. Additionally, she has
performed in the Columbia Children's Theatre's Winnie the
Pooh.
In addition to being a member of Acting Up with Tiffany,
Maricellyn is a girl scout. She also enjoys learning to play the
violin and volunteering in her community.
Rissy's favorite quote is from Dr. Seuss: "Unless someone
like you cares a whole awful lot,Nothing is going to get better.
Reagan Richardson is excited
about her first appearance with
Acting Up With Tiffany! Reagan was in the Drama Club at
Lonnie B. Nelson and played
a witch in Wizard of Oz at
Richland District Two Auditorium. As of today she takes
dance with Shaw's Model and
Talent. In addition to acting and
dancing, Reagan loves to read
and have interest in learning
to read hieroglyphics. Reagan
would like to thank her famil
for their love and support!
Janeigh Aiyana
Nazim-Ebanks is
10 years old. She
was born to Allison
Bodden in the beautiful Cayman Islands
but has lived in this
great state of South
Carolina for as long
as she can remember. She has 2 sisters
and 1 adorable baby
brother. As a 5th
grader, she is soooo
excited about middle school. She loves learning about
Science and Social Studies and hopes to be a Chef when
she grows up. Her favorite things to do are bible quizzing,
pretend vlogging, helping her Mommy cook, making up
dances and plays with her sisters and drawing.
2015 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Amyra Tisdale
Artist
Hola, me llamo
(Hello, my name
is…) Amiya Tisdale. I am 15
years old. I attend
W.J. Keenan High
School and I am a
10th grader. I like
school. I use to
play tennis for W.J.
Keenan, but now
I am a swimmer
for W.J. Keenan.
I am a B average
student. My favorite class is Digital
Electron. My favorite hobbies are drawing, listening to music and reading. My number one hobby is drawing though.
I enjoy drawing because I like to show my imagination.
When I draw, I mostly draw people, but I a cartoon way. I
rarely draw animals, buildings, cars, flowers, etc. I am nice,
creative, fun/funny person and I can be a quiet person
sometimes. I’m easy to get along with. When I graduate
from high school, I plan to attend Florida State University or
Georgia State University. I would like to get my Bachelor’s
Degree in Animation and Digital Arts. I would like to work
for Pixar Animation Studios, Blue Sky Studios, DreamWorks
Animation, or Walt Disney Pictures.
Frankie Brown
Dancer
a
is
where he likes to go a lot of places.
Frankie Brown was
born on January 6,
2004 in Indiana, IN.
He currently lives
in Columbia, SC.
Frankie Brown has
passion to dance
wherever he goes
to perform. Frankie
Brown also likes to
go dance in varies
communities and
dance in church
and also one more
thing about Frankie
that he loves his
entire whole family
John Daniel is a 9 year
old boy. He has high
functioning autism.
At 5 years old he spent
the day at USC Bio
Chemistry lab with two
professors and DHEC
doing chemistry experiments. He plays piano
and is an A honor roll
student at Ballentine
elementary.
He is always talking
about starting a business.
This summer he decided now is the time. He
decided to start selling
his and his brothers art.
They have sold about $400. His grandmother has published
a book about the 2 brothers and he also sells the books.
He puts their money back into the business for frames and
art supplies and book printing. He says that is what you have
to do to grow the business.
Anisha “Princess Green”
Singer
Anisha Princess
Green goes by
“Neet, is the daughter of Donnie and
Paula Wise. She
was born in Charlotte, NC on November 4, 1997.
She has a deep passion for singing and
has been singing
since the age of 2.
Anisha is currently a
senior at Hartsville
High School where she is in the Arts/Magnet Program. She
is a Leader of the HHS school choir, Captain of the HHS
Orchestra, where she plays the viola by note and by air.
Anisha attends Coker College participating in the Pulse
Program and second year in the music program.
After high school Anisha plans to attend college and major
in vocal studies and performing arts.
2015 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Lee Central Media Literacy
Videographers (Don Patterson)
The Lee Central Middle School and the Bishopville Primary School Media Literacy Programs were developed in 2014
by the Lee County School District Office of Instruction and Professional Development. The purpose of the program is to
show students how to utilize multimedia to enhance their education while exposing them to different career opportunities in the multimedia field. The program gives students a chance to develop and use their media skills to document
events occurring at their schools, the district and their community. This past year the media students were introduce to
Governor Nikki Haley, conducted a forum with congressman Clyburn and Lee County School District Superintendent,
Dr. Wanda Andrews and interviewed Lanie Hudson, 2014-2015 Miss South Carolina. The media teams also developed
promotional items for nursing homes, churches, and group homes. Effective teaching of a challenging and relevant curriculum are giving the Lee Central Middle School and the Bishopville Primary School students the skill to be successful
members of an ever - changing society.
Garielle Richards
Trill Vibes
Garielle Richards has been the proud owner of Trill Vibes Company since
2012. Trill Vibes is a clothing company that strives to create quality clothing
that is also affordable. The goal of the company is to allow customers to individualize their clothing, so every item they have is special to them.
Garielle has been interested in being a business owner since she was in
elementary school. One day she stumbled across an idea that allowed her to
create clothing she liked that was also not as pricey as clothing in other stores.
At that moment, her business was born.
Along with keeping up with her business, Garielle is a part of her school’s
dance team. She enjoys writing and poetry, but shares an interest in engineering. She is very involved in her school. She participates in extracurricular activities including BETA Club, National
Honors Society, DECA, Mock Trial, and Junior Civitans. She also has a passion for music and theatre.
She aims to always strive towards success and happiness. She continues to push towards these large ideals with God
in front of her and her friends and family at her side.
2015 SPEAKERS / PRESENTERS
Ramone Dickerson &
Corey Simmmons
Emcee
2 Fat 2 Fly owners, Ramone
Dickerson and Corey
Simmons, have been serving
a twist on a culinary classic:
stuffed chicken wings. Their
vision of saving the world
from boring, plain chicken
wings, by stuffing 100%
bone-in wings with the
most glorious combinations
of treats, has propelled a
“stuffed wing revolution” not
only throughout the city of
Columbia, but across the nation and globe. Both graduates
of School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties,
Ramone (Irmo High School/Francis Marion University)
and Corey (Dutch Fork High School/Charleston Southern
University), neither one of them imagined that they would
spearhead a “food truck craze” that would create such
long lines of community interest and the eyes of major
television networks. They have navigated their food truck
business, of the same name, in Columbia since 2007,
serving primarily in the Five Points district and parking
lots of local businesses within City of Columbia limits. Due
to high volume and demand, in August of 2015, Ramone
and Corey, opened the doors of 2 Fat 2 Fly’s Wing City
storefront on Bluff Road.
Since their inception, 2 Fat 2 Fly has been giving back to
their community. They have developed partnerships with
schools within Richland District One, Richland District Two
and Lexington/Richland 5 through speaking engagements,
mentoring, culinary arts classes, and fundraising initiatives.
Their dedication to their craft and community has led
them to have their own eight episode docuseries, 2 Fat 2
Fly, featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network in early 2015
and appearances on radio and television talk shows, to
include, The View, The Steve Harvey Show, The Chew,
and Cooking Channel’s Eat Street. This dedicated
entrepreneurial duo will not rest until they have reached “a
billion served.”
Tim Bowers
Financial Account Executive
Tim Bowers is a native of Allendale,
South Carolina. He’s a graduate of
Benedict College where he received
his degree in Business Administration
with a concentration in Marketing.
During his college matriculation, Tim
was Senior Vice President of his class,
involved in various community service
projects through his fraternity, Alpha
Phi Alpha and awarded the David H.
Swinton Presidential Service Award,
which recognized his willingness to go above and beyond in
service to the commu¬nity.
Tim has worked for Wells Fargo Company in sales and was
recognized as a Top Performer on his team. Currently, he is an
Account Executive for Thomas Media Group, LLC publisher
of the South Carolina Black Pages. In addition, Mr. Bowers is
a business owner, Co-Founder and partner of Andrew Martin
Commercial Cleaning Service. He loves all kind of music and
enjoys watching movies. Tim, as he would like to be called,
is a mentor with Concern Black Men and very passionate
about helping young people take their life’s from average to
AWESOME! Tim lives by this mantra, failure is not an option!
Roy Smith
CEO-Advanced Global Marketing,LLC
Roy Smith is the author of Profit
Power Marketing and The National
Pharmaceutical Sales Training
Program. He has 26 years of
experience in pharmaceutical sales
and 17 years experience as an
independent pharmaceutical sales
trainer.
He was 1997 Vice President of
Columbia Medical Representatives
Association and 1989 Vice President of The Pee Dee
Pharmaceutical Representatives Association. He received
several awards as a result of Top Sales in Pharmaceutical
Sales and completed the Roche Institutional Sales
Training Course. He also completed Advanced Territory
Management Program and the Dale Carnegie Course in
Effective Speaking and Human Relations.
Awards received while attending the Dales Carnegie
course include: Impromptu Speaking Champion , The
Human Relations Award , Special Award for Personal
Achievement. Mr. Smith also has 11 years experience as a
local Marketing Consultant helping local business owners.
2015 SPEAKERS / PRESENTERS
Chandra Cleveland-Jennings Doris Gladney
Cleveland Productions
Chandra Cleveland-Jennings
is the Executive Officer (CEO)
of Columbia Protection Agency,
Palmetto Youth Connection
and Cleveland Productions.
Columbia Protection Agency
is a provider of professional,
highly trained security officers
rendering safety and protection
services to businesses,
corporation and large event
planners such as the
Democratic Presidential Debate
in Myrtle Beach, SC, World Trade Center Memorial in SC and
NC just to name a few.
Chandra was the investigator that was hire by the mother of
the missing cheerleader, when law enforcement labeled a
runaway, and got them to see it was an abduction. Chandra
has been seen on Nancy Grace, Michael Baisden Show,
Yolanda Adams Show, and Black and Missing. She is also an
Investigator “Cheaters” for the South Carolina area.
A native of Columbia, SC, Cleveland began her career in law
enforcement in 1989-2006 with the Richland County Sheriff’s
Department, burglary division. In 2002, she was assigned as
the first black female Internal Affairs Investigator, she earned
top honors as the first female to be Deputy of The Year for The
State of SC. During her tenure she developed an incredible
reputation for being tough and highly informed on juvenile
crimes, gang activities in our communities.
A staunch proponent of ridding our communities of juvenile
crime, Chandra founded Palmetto Youth Connection, a gender
base mentoring organization program that encourages young
people to live, act and dress in accordance with a positive selfimage. PYC focuses on guiding young people ages 12-18 to
be confident, have a mentor, live a fit and healthy life style and
be involved in their schools and communities.
Cleveland Productions is the one-stop source for all of your
entertainment and production needs. Cleveland Productions
has provided high quality entertainment and production
services, and is striving to be one of the biggest names in the
industry, we continue our dedication to excellence. Cleveland
is a graduate of Benedict College, where she earned a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education and
Teaching children with Special Needs. She is a graduate of
the SC Criminal Justice Academy. Chandra continues to be a
speaker her expertise in gang violence, crime prevention and
motivation to groups, organizations and the news media. She
is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
Teaching Assistant
Doris Gladney is a Teaching
Assistant in Fairfield County. She
loves Arts and Crafts. She has
been creating works of art out of
everything from yarn to cardboard.
Her motto is anything can be made
into something else. She has
currently worked with the Auntie
Karen Foundation and Lee County
School District with the Project L. E. A. D program where
she taught the students how to make scrapbooks out of
cardboard. Doris loves working with children. She loves
encouraging them to strive to be the best that they can be.
Doris is currently working on her very first children’s short
story so stay tuned!!!!
Dee Robinson
Librarian
Dee Robinson, a native of
Orangeburg, SC is employed
by Richland Library. She has
worked at several locations and
in different capacities during
her 14 year tenure with the
library. Dee currently is the
Richland Library North Main
Manager. The North Main
Library is currently undergoing a renovation and expansion
project as part of the 2013 Library Bond Referendum.
Dee received her undergraduate degree from Winthrop
University and post graduate Masters of Library and
Information Science degree from the University of South
Carolina.
2015 SPEAKERS / PRESENTERS
Erica McGee
Entrepreneur
Erica Lennell McGee,
was born October 5th
1984 in Springfield, IL to a
Linda McGee and Lonnie
Davis. Erica also known
as “Precious” per her
father’s request grew up
in Fayetteville, NC. After
graduating high school in
2003, she knew she had the
entrepreneur spirit but wanted
to be her mother’s first child to attend college so after a visit
to several college’s she chose Benedict College to study
business and marketing which is located in Columbia, SC
where she currently resides. In August of 2009 she opened
“Beautiful Me Hair Salon”, while also becoming a certified
phlebotomist at Midlands Tech.In 2012 she then opened
BME Screen Printing and has had much success in both
businesses.
At the young age of 31 years old, ”Ms. Precious”, as the
kids call her is also embarking on her weight loss journey.
After struggling with her weight for years, she has decided
to put the motto for the mentorship programs to use,
“Change your mind, change your life” and she is down 50
lbs.
Rodney Jones
Restaurant Owner
Rodney Jones - Rodney is
a native of Sumter, South
Carolina and the founder/
CEO of Jonez of Columbia,
a restaurant offering social
dining and entertainment.
He earned a BS in finance
and Army ROTC commission from Benedict College
and USC in 1997, a MBA in
Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix in 2010. As a Retired
Military Officer, Rodney has traveled internationally to over
11 different countries worldwide over his 20 year military
career. He is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Inc. and First Nazareth Baptist Church of Columbia, South
Carolina. Rodney Jones is married to LTC Evalena Jones
with kids and currently resides in Columbia, South Carolina.
Kristopher Jones
The Bow Tie Club, Inc.
A native of Columbia, South
Carolina Kristopher attended
Full Sail (Winter Park, Florida)
in pursuit of an Associates
of Arts Degree in Audio
Engineering. Kristopher
later returned to Columbia
and is now in pursuit of
a Bachelors Degree in
Business Administration with
a concentration in Legal Studies from Strayer University
in Columbia, SC. In addition to pursuing his educational
goals, Kristopher works as the owner of Hatten Jones
Custom Clothiers, where he provides private wardrobe
consultation and custom tailoring for professional
gentleman.
In 2007, Kristopher saw that the need for positive
influence in the lives of today’s young men is ever
growing. In response, Kristopher founded The Bow Tie
Club Inc. a community based organization dedicated
to positively affect the direction of the lives of young
men in schools across the midlands area. This new
and exciting program serves as a firm counter to the
negative influences that cripple the advancement
and empowerment of young men in the Columbia
area. The implementation of manhood training and
life skills coaching are key strategies in curbing these
issues. Kristopher mentors young men in the areas of
Entrepreneurship, Civic Engagement, with a focus on
“Dress for Success” The ideal product The Bow Tie Club
aims to create is a group of young leaders with high
2015 SPEAKERS / PRESENTERS
Sheneka Jackson-Kinsey
Visual Artist
Sheneka Latrell Jackson-Kinsey
was born January 30, 1989 to
awesome parents and a family
who encouraged her creativity at
a young age. Her talents were
revealed at the age of three
and her talents have blossomed
over the years and have been
cultivated by the wonderful Fine
Arts Department of Benedict
College under the curriculum
leadership of Ms. Gina Moore.
Since graduating college in 2013, Ms. Jackson-Kinsey has
illustrated two books; one children’s book, “A Hug While
I’m Away” written by Ms. Karen Alexander, and a book of
poetry, “Memoirs of Alabama” written by Ninamarie.
She credits her ability to be creative to her Creator. Her
motto which she lives by daily is to produce art that glorifies
God and uplifts and edifies the people of God. She worked
with the Auntie Karen Foundation this summer to bring
the Arts back to the Lee County School District in which
she found her calling. She enjoyed teaching the students
of Lee County how to be professional artists and how to
appreciate art.
Ms. Jackson-Kinsey is currently employed in Lee County
as the Art Teacher of Lee Central High School and Lee
Central Middle School. Whenever she isn’t too busy
creating lesson plans and setting up demonstrations for her
students, she enjoys sitting by a window and allowing her
creative thoughts to flow through her onto as many durable
surfaces with as many mediums that she possibly can.
Sherrie Belton
Liz Portee
Liz Portee State Farm Insurance Agency
Liz Portee is a native of
Gadsden, South Carolina where
she attended public schools
in Richland School District
One. She is a graduate of
Lower Richland High School
and went on to continue her
higher education at Benedict
College, Columbia SC earning a
Bachelor’s of Science degree in
business administration.
Liz spent nearly a decade as a successful Project Manager
with IBM work with top tier insurance carriers around the
world. There she was able to gain a wealth of business
practices and hone her leadership skills to propel and
prepare her for her next chapter of life.
After working fifteen years in corporate America, Liz
decided to forge ahead to fulfill another goal and life long
dream to become an independent small business owner. In
December 2012 she embarked on her new career journey
launching the grand opening of the Liz Portee State Farm
Insurance Agency. Liz knew that the Portee State Farm
Agency was a way for her to be able to use all of the skills
and talents that she acquired over the years as well as to
give something back to the community.
Liz has a passion for helping people and specializes in
helping clients build their insurance portfolio with emphasis
on life and retirement planning all while assisting her
clients’ with managing everyday risks. She is ecstatic to be
a new agent in the Greater Columbia Area and would love
to be your State Farm Agent. Liz’s office is located at 1907
Sunset Blvd West Columbia, SC 29169.
Liz believes, “If you don’t go for your dreams you will end
up working for someone who will”.
Know Money, Inc.
Sherrie Belton serves as the Vice President of Know Money, Inc. Getting her start in the
nonprofit sector as a student at the University of South Carolina Upstate, Belton now
has nearly a decade of real world experience in program development, fundraising, and
coordinating education initiatives. Above all, she is most passionate about youth development.
She is deeply committed to using her experiences and talents to cultivate the good in the
Midlands, especially harnessing the potential that lies in the next generation. Through her work
with Know Money’s youth entrepreneurial scholarship program, she knows the return on her
investment is a bright financial future for youth across the state of South Carolina.
2015 SPEAKERS / PRESENTERS
Vince Ford
John Dozier
Hospital Administration
Educator
Mr. Vince Ford was born in
Columbia, South Carolina and
attended Richland County Public
Schools. He received a Bachelor
of Science degree from Benedict
College and Masters Degree
from South Carolina State
University.
Mr. Ford is Sr. Vice President for
Community Services at Palmetto
Health.
Mr. Ford formerly served as Executive Director for the Boys
and Girls Clubs of the Midlands and the James R. Clark
Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation.
Mr. Ford has served on Richland School District One
School Board since 1992. As a member of this board he
has served in a variety of positions, including chairman.
He was named Outstanding School Board Member for the
Sixth Congressional District and All-State School Board
Member by the South Carolina School Boards Association.
He serves on the Benedict College Board and USC African
American Community Advisory Board.
Mr. Ford has been named as one of South Carolina
Business Vision’s Top 25 Influencers. Persons are selected
for this honor based upon outstanding performance and
service in their business fields and use of their influence
and talents to improve quality of life in their community. He
was recognized by the Columbia Housing Authority’s Wall
of Fame.
Mr. Ford has served on numerous boards and committees
and has received numerous awards and recognition for his
distinguished service. He is married to the former Patricia
Davis and they are the proud parents of two children,
Marques and Robyn and grandparents to a grandson,
Marques and a granddaughter Amani.
Dr. John H. Dozier serves the
students, faculty and staff of the
University of South Carolina as
its first chief diversity officer. In
addition to his work as chief
diversity officer, he is also
director of the Coordinating Office
of Community Engaged Service.
Dr. Dozier has a fourteen-year
career in higher education. His
commitment to access, high
quality programming and student support services, and
student success has provided him the opportunity to lead
in many capacities to include: vice president of academic
affairs and student services, chief information officer, and
president of Kennedy-King College in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Dozier’s involvement in education extends beyond his
employment. In Chicago, he served on the Local School
Council (LSC) of Murray Language Academy as vice
chairman and was a board member for Black Ensemble
Theater and Teamwork Englewood. He was appointed by
the mayor of Chicago to serve on the Mayor’s Council of
Technology Advisors and the Mayor’s Digital Excellence
Committee.
In the four years since his family’s return home to
Columbia, he has served on the School Improvement
Council for Dutch Fork Elementary, the City of Columbia’s
Citizens Citizen’s Advisory Committee for Community
Development, the City of Columbia’s Hospitality Tax
Advisory Committee and the School Improvement Council
at A.C. Moore Elementary. He currently serves on the
Bull Street Commission, the Board of Trustees for Historic
Columbia Foundation, The Board of Trustees for EdVenture
Children’s Museum, and the School Improvement Council
at Hand Middle School.
Dr. Dozier is a graduate of South Carolina State University
with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. He also
holds Master of Business Administration and Doctor of
Education degrees from DePaul University (Chicago,
Illinois). He is married to Victoria Paul-Dozier (a 1991
graduate from the College of Engineering and Computing
Science at The University of South Carolina) and they have
three children (ages eight, ten and thirteen).
2015 SPEAKERS / PRESENTERS
Vanessa Cills-Harper
Loving Me Inc.
Vanessa Cills-Harper is a veteran
stylist, instructor, and business
owner in the Columbia area. A 1988
graduate of WJ Keenan High School,
Mrs. Harper continued her education
at South Carolina State University.
Identifying a need for college students
and local residents to stay abreast of
the latest hair trends and styles, Mrs.
Harper opened her first salon in the
Orangeburg area in the early 1990s.
A licensed cosmetologist for 25 years, Mrs. Harper has served
on the board at Virginia College and Heyward Career Center.
She understands and appreciates that continuing education
and life-long learning are essential to the success of any
business, including cosmetology. During her career, Mrs.
Harper has been an instructor for Affirm Products, an examiner
for the South Carolina Labor and Licensing Board and has
owned 4 successful beauty salons in the Orangeburg and
Columbia areas.
Mrs. Harper is founder and CEO of Loving Me Inc., a non-profit
organization that lends aid to those dealing with life alternating
events such as medical diagnoses, traumatic events and
housing displacements. As a cosmetologist and personal
stylist, Mrs. Harper also mentors young women dealing with
self-esteem issues teaching them to love who they are while
providing them with the inspiration and encouragement needed
to achieve their goals. She is also a member of Millennium
Toastmasters in Blythewood, SC.
For the past 10 years, Mrs. Harper has owned and operated
Studio V, a full service salon in the Forest Acres area. Mrs.
Harper is a devoted wife, dedicated mother and adoring
grandmother. Mrs. Harper’s life and actions are guided by
her favorite scripture Philippians 4:13-“For I can do all things
through Christ that strengthens me.”
Rosalyn W. Frierson, Esq.
S.C. State Court Administrator
Rosalyn W. Frierson was appointed
Director of South Carolina Court
Administration by the South
Carolina Supreme Court in 1998.
Mrs. Frierson is a graduate of
the University of South Carolina,
School of Law and holds a Bachelor
of Science degree in Business
Administration from the University
of South Carolina. She previously
served as a S.C. Supreme Court Staff Attorney, Law Clerk to
former Chief Justice Ernest Finney, Jr. and Research/Budget
Analyst for the Ways and Means Committee of the S.C. House
of Representatives. She currently serves as a substitute
Municipal Court Judge for the City of Columbia.
Ms. Frierson participated in the three year Executive Session
for State Court Leaders in the 21st Century at the Harvard
Kennedy School of Government. She is a graduate of the
Furman Diversity Leadership Institute and the S.C. Executive
Institute.
Ms. Frierson is a member of the S.C. Bar Association, S.C.
Bar House of Delegates, American Bar Association and
Richland County Bar Association. She served as President
of the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA)
and Vice-Chair of the National Center for State Courts in
2011. She is Past President of the S.C. Women Lawyer’s
Association (2007). She is also a member of the S. C. Access
to Justice Commission, Commission on Alternative Dispute
Resolution and Editor of the S.C. Lawyer Magazine. She
currently serves on the Palmetto Health Board of Directors
and Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital Board of
Trustees. She received the Richland County Bar Association
Civic Star Award in 2002. In 2014 she was inducted into the
National Center for State Courts Warren E. Burger Society and
received a 2015 South Carolina Lawyers Weekly Leadership
in Law award.
Lasenta Lewis-Ellis
CEO/President, LLE Construction Group, LLC
Lasenta Lewis-Ellis, an experienced entrepreneur and licensed General Contractor and Construction
Manager, who has been building and scaling businesses for more than 10 years. She is the President/
CEO of LLE Construction Group, LLC, which she started in 2011, and a member of the prestigious
Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), a highly selective international organization for women
presidents of privately held multi-million dollar companies. In 2003, she started her first company,
Quality Facility Services, a janitorial and facilities maintenance firm. She started a second company in
2007, Need-A-Lift Transportation Services, LLC, a transportation service for children-on-the-go. Her
next venture is a family entertainment center, Metro Rollerway Skating Rink, LLC, scheduled to open
in 2014. As a mentor to entrepreneurs, it is her passion to assist women business owners and start-ups with developing
strategies that move them from concept to market in powerful ways. She has degrees from Midlands Technical College,
the University of South Carolina, and a Masters degree from Webster University.
For your Graphic Design needs, call
Betty Graphix, LLC
Betty A. Etheredge
Allstate Insurance Company - Christine Bowman
10603 Two Notch Road, Elgin, SC 29045
http://www.allstate.com
(803) 699-4480
Owner
Programs • Brochures • Business Cards
Resumes • Calligraphy • Photography
Logo Design
Phone 803-414-0972
[email protected]
2015 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS TEAM
2015 Conference Planning Committee
Karen Alexander President
Brenda Peterson, Co-Chair
Joan C. Mobley, Co-Chair
Barbara Bowman
Diann Selph, Recruitment & Registration
Austin Ward, Successville & YE Showcase
Jodecie Rollinson, Successville & YE Showcase
Barbara Bowman, Sponsorship
Sarah WatsonExecutive Director
Betty Etheredge, Graphics
Tiffany James, Social Media
Toshia Addison, Volunteers
Auntie Karen Board
Karen Alexander
Gwen Jordan
Janet Johnson-Whipple
Linda Wilson
Dr. Phyllis Sanders
Dr. Norma Jackson
Melzina Cannon
Volunteers con’t
USC NAACP
Morgan Lewis, Coordinator
Jaquon Irby
Joseph Sewell
Tevin Jenkins
Rehema Thomas
Megan Taylor
Kiana Matthews
Brandon Byrd
Prineet Lamba
Haley Hughes
Karli Wells
Jada Parker
Morgan Lewis
DDCP Communications & Lee Central Media
Literacy Program
Don Patterson, Coordinator
Debbie Cherry
Yvonne Brown
Curtis York
Gwendolyn Fredetick
Toyna Porter
Taylor Mitchell
Jada Johnson
Azariah Fullard
AshleeDarby
Joniyah Herny
John Kelly
Volunteers
Larry Alston
Spencer Bowman
Eboni Perkins
Barbara Cheeseboro
Donna Riley
Ashley Riley
Kim Hicks
Brenda Gibson
Benedict International Students:
William Copete, Coordinator
Juan Pablo Medina
Andres Sinisterra
Sara Hoyos
Maria Y. Palacios
Jeanette Amponsah
Columbia College:
Rebecca French
Ellen Dinh
Kristin Wilson
Additional Young Entrepreneurs featured
today include:
Shamar Harrison
Darienne Jackson
2015 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS SUPPORTERS
Auntie Karen says....
THANK YOU!!!!
Special Thanks!
Dr. David H. Swinton, Benedict College President
Mr. Gerald H. Smalls, Benedict College Dean for
School of Business & Economics
Dr. Janeen P. Witty, Benedict College Vice President
for Academic Affairs
Mary Davis, Benedict College
Marion Wright, Benedict College
Melvin Miller, Benedict College
Keia Askins, Benedict College
Al Graham, GCA Services Group
Don Patterson, DDCP Communications & Lee Central
Media Literacy Team
Byron Counts
Dante Lewis
Langley Management
Big T’s Barbecue
DDCP Communications
Betty Graphix, LLC, Betty Etheredge
Lisa Macon, Macon Photography
Suzette Byrd
Mecca Byrd
Jarvis “Flash” Byrd
Kendra Nelson
Frederick Kennedy
FOOD
BIG T’s Barbecue
Langley Management, McDonalds
(Elmwood Ave.)
Groucho’s
CONFERENCE BAGS & BOTTLES
Chapin Furniture
T-Shirts
Erica McGee, BME Screenprinting
Student Sponsors
LLE Construction Group, LLC
Solicitor Dan Johnson
Shandra Childs Thomas
Gladys & Joe Grimaud (Chapin Furniture)
Dazzle Events by Andrea. LLC
Woodley’s Gardening
Publix - Gervais Street
Attorney Jake Moore
Marlin Bodison
Barbara Cheeseboro
Mary Koon
Media Sponsors
Betty Etheredge
Lisa Macon
Ricky Taylor
Deborah Woodard Memorial
Danny & Dayna Woodard
Operation Connection