Shelia M. Goss

Shelia M. Goss is a Shreveport, Louisiana native and a graduate of Southern University and A&M College in Baton, Rouge, LA. Although Shelia has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, she's always had a passion for writing. She is a screenwriter and national bestselling author of over twenty-one novels, including the Essence Magazine bestselling novel, My Invisible Husband and critically acclaimed novels The Joneses and Delilah. Her young adult series, The Lip Gloss Chronicles was a hit with librarians across the country. Shelia has written several screenplays and is one of the writers, producers and directors of the short film, Black Butterfly. She has received many accolades and awards over the years for her writing. USA Today says, "Goss has an easy, flowing style with her prose..." For more information, visit her website at www.sheliagoss.com

January 25, 2024 Show

Tané McClure

is a lifelong film, television and music professional with over 50-plus Film Festival Awards and 20 nominations as well as earning the coveted LA Press Club - National Journalism Award. She has worked on both sides of the camera and microphone as an actress, producer, writer, director, editor, VFX artist, film sound designer, and a professional singer under the name Tané Cain. Her current feature film is "Séance Games - Metaxu" which she co-wrote, directed, produced, and edited. The film has already won over 36 Film Festival Awards and has been acquired by Gravitas Ventures Distribution (Domestic), and Adler and Associates Entertainment Distribution (Foreign). Domestic VOD Release Date: 2-13-24 Amazon, Apple TV, VUDU and more.  Tané has acted in over 70 films most notably playing Reese Witherspoon's mom in "Legally Blonde" as well as the cult classic "Crawlspace", "Cruel Intentions 2", "Shadow Hours", "Go"; A Woman Scorned II", regular co-starring role on the hit Showtime series "Sherman Oaks", guest spots on "Days of Our Lives", "BayWatch Nights", and many more. As a singer, under the name Tané Cain, she was a RCA Recording artist with the top 40 single "Holding On" and with her band "Tahnee Cain and Tryanglz", she wrote and performed three songs for the original "Terminator" motion picture soundtrack.  As a producer/director/editor, some of Tané's winning and nominated productions include: "Love Betty White: The Betty White Story" (National Journalism Award), "Just Call Me Hef: The Hugh Hefner Story", "Big Shots", "Inside Autism", "Rockstar", "Voyager 2150". These film and television shows have been honored with awards that include Best Film, Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Music, Best Editor, Best Sound Design, Best Women's Short Film, Best Visual FX and more.  Tané McClure is the daughter of actor Doug McClure, who is best known as "Trampas" from the western series "The Virginian" Tané became an actress at an early age playing the part of an orphan in "The Virginian" episode "Small Parades".  She is a believer in being "limitless" and is excited to be developing new and exciting film projects with other like-minded talented producers and professionals.

Nikesha Toussaint

Mississippi Native, Nikesha Toussaint, currently resides in the United States Virgin Islands with her husband and daughter.

Nikesha attended Jackson State University where she graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree with an emphasis on Kinesiology.

Nikesha's healthy living philosophy is built on 3 principles: Fitness, Recovery, and Wellness. On the beautiful island of St. John, her business, Point Wellness, offers: stretch therapy, strength and cardio training, antigravity/ariel yoga, and muscle simulation and cupping.

November 23, 2023 Show

Ashley Jackson, DMA

An avid soloist, chamber musician, and curator, harpist Ashley Jackson is establishing herself as a vital musical voice. A professor at Hunter College, she has performed with the New York Philharmonic, The Knights, and is a regular member of the Harlem Chamber Players. As a producer, she teamed up with curator Roya Sachs and composer Danielle Eva Schwob to present Infoxication (2018) and wrote her first film In Song and Spirit (2020). Ashley has also curated major recording projects featuring Black American composers, including Margaret Bonds: The Ballad of the Brown King and Selected Songs, and her "gemlike" debut album titled Ennanga (Nate Chinen).

Look, learn, and listen at www.ashleyjacksonharp.com.


Ashley Jackson, DMA
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Assistant Professor of Music, Hunter College
 

Shantrice Hurst

Southern, she had the honor of being voted Miss Freshman 97-98 and Miss Southern 00-01. She became a member of the Alpha Tau chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc in the Spring of 2000. As a member of the SGA, she served and volunteered in many capacities of campus life and community events, sharing her time with others. Post graduate, she has given of her time in many organizations, and has made a tremendous impact on the Greater Baton Rouge Community through both her philanthropic efforts, and being a leading woman in business. She was the co-creator of Geaux Health & Fitness Magazine from 2013- 2016, she was the managing partner of Hilton & Company Dress Shop until 2019, which her mother, Shelia Hilton established in 1988 , and is the co-founder of HD Communications of Louisiana, Inc., which is the Top Solution Provider Agency for AT&T focusing on Commercials Sales, the co-founder of Elite Sports of Baton Rouge, Inc., where they focus on Sports, Education, and Community Service touching thousands of kids in our community on an annual basis and currently, the Director of Sound Minds Counseling and Wellness Center, Inc, where the service those who struggle with Substance misuse and offer Addiction Counseling. Through her selfless commitment, she has mentored young kids and helped to shape our community, so that it is a better place to work, live, and play.  While managing the hustle and bustle of day-to-day business, she as many women do, still holds-down the fort. She is the loving wife of Darryl Hurst, who is a Metro Councilman, serving District 5, and is the mother of Darryl Hurst, II, and Hailey Hurst. They are her inspiration to ensure that our community and our economy thrive. Making sure that her kids grow-up in a well-rounded environment, as well as understanding the importance of giving-back and being around other like-minded women, she joined the Baton Rouge Chapter of Jack & Jill of America , and has been a member for the past 13 years, where she has served as Chaplin for two of those years, a member of Junior League of Baton Rouge, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  She and her family are members of Union City Chapel, where they seek to serve those in and out of the walls of the church. As Jesus has called-us to minister to the nations. She understands her calling and will continue to do God's work.

Kinda Andrews Saunders

Kinda Andrews Saunders hails from Baton Rouge, LA, and is the middle of her parents three children. In classic middle child fashion Kinda has always been an extrovert, drawn to the light. She attended Southern University where she was a cast member of BET's College Hill, the first ever all black reality show; making television history. Kinda married her college sweetheart and U.S. Navy veteran, Charles and they now have six children. Her family has appeared in national commercials, advertisements and they occasionally "Go viral." Now a full time content creator and social media specialist, Kinda's work garnered attention from a major cable network as she landed a pilot for her own television docu-series. Now, her ThatKindaLuv, LLC and social channels @ThatKindaLuv feature positive, family content. 

Donna Foster Zahid

was a young mother looking forward to a bright future with her husband and young son. One day, that bright future turned into a dark nightmare when her husband whisked their son off to his native country, Pakistan, and announced that the young boy would remain there. Effectively kidnapped, the boy had no idea where his parents were nor the anguish his mother was going through. We are all led to believe that our government is there for us. Donna immediately went through "the system" of government help and found stone wall after stone wall. With no other choice, she took matters into her own hands. Donna tells a stirring and compelling story of clandestine meetings, tense moments with gun-toting Pakistani officials, and a lot of prayer. The happy ending reunites Donna with her son. Seeing my God part the sea, knowing faith opened every door along the way!

Donna Foster Zahid released "I'm Coming Back" which is a powerful story of a mother's determination to reclaim her beloved son.

July 27, 2023 Show

Dr. Angelica Imani Celestin-Brumfield

is a true woman of science She is passionate at what she does and believes in. Many who know her say she walks and beats to her own drum. She is a newly seasoned practicing dentist in the state of Louisiana. She loves being a dentist and playing a critical role in the field of science. She loves her patients and loves helping them achieve their beautiful smiles. Dr. Celestin is following in the footsteps of her great uncle Dr. Karl Douglas, DDS. He was a practicing black dentist in the 1940's during a times where it was unheard of to be a black doctor especially in the south. Dr. Celestin- Brumfield knows that her passion for being a dentist runs deep and in her bloodline.  Dr. Angelica Celestin-Brumfield was born in Kansas City, Missouri in1988 and moved to Louisiana at age nine. Her parents moved to Kansas in pursuit of advancing their careers once they graduated college. She graduated from Xavier Prep High School in New Orleans in 2006. She lived through hurricane Katrina her senior year in high school. When she was able to return to school to finish out the last leg of her senior year the high school merged into what was once called the MAX. It stood for Xavier Prep, St Mary's, and St. Augustine high school. The schools merged to become one. She vividly remembers how much fun she had performing in the Mardi Gras parades as a cheerleader. She then went on to start college at Xavier University her freshman year and transferred to Southern University A&M her sophomore year. She went on to receive a Bachelor and Master of Science in Biology from Southern University A&M. While at Southern she was a member of the Black 100 National Collegiate Women Association. This is also the time where she met her future husband, Bobby. After she graduated with her masters she moved to New Jersey with her fiance now husband in pursuit of her dreams. She always dreamed of becoming a dentist and she knew the road and journey wouldn't be easy. During her time in New Jersey she attended Rutgers Graduate program where she obtained another masters in biomedical sciences with a concentration in oral biology. During her graduation, President Barack Obama was the Honorary speaker. She gained knowledge, motivation, and determination from his speech. She knew that in order to get into dental school she had to prove she could handle the rigorous content by taking some dental school classes while in her graduate program.  She indeed succeeded and after completion of the program she got accepted into Howard University Dental School. She describes Howard as being the best thing that could have happened to her. Howard is known as the Black Harvard. So many distinguished, highly educated, and well known people have graduated from the university. Dr. Celestin- Brumfield was walking into her dreams. There she learned the craft and skills to be an excellent dentist, while also built a strong bond and sisterhood with her classmates, faculty and staff. Still to this day she remains in contact with her classmates. During her time at Howard she participated in the African American Women Dental Association. She has been involved in numerous community outreach programs with the NDA sponsored by Colgate and RAM in Lynchburg, Virginia. Not to mention, she had her first son named Legend in dental school. He's often referred to as the "Howard baby" in her class. After completion of dental school Dr. Celestin- Brumfield attended residency at LSU for general dentistry. Here she had another life changing event and experienced Covid-19 her senior year in dental school. She learned and adapted to the new normal in the field of dentistry. She is a wife and mother of three beautiful children, Legend, Noah, and Alivia. She enjoys traveling, reading, cooking and spending time with loved ones and family. Dr. Celestin-Brumfield is a member of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, New Orleans Dental Association, and the National Dental Association.

Dr. Nia Jenkins

is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgeon (FPMRS) at University Health in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas. She attended the University Missouri–Columbia for undergrad. She then attended the University of Kansas School of Medicine to obtain a Master in Public Health with an emphasis in epidemiology and health disparities. During her master’s program she spent a significant amount of time with underserved populations. She then went on to obtain her medical degree from the University of Kansas. During her medical school tenure, she was heavily involved in the volunteer medical clinic, mentoring, and President of the SNMA student organization. At graduation she was presented with the distinguished Edward V. Williams award which recognizes outstanding community service, academic achievement, and commitment to enhance diversity in the field of medicine. She completed her residency in OB/GYN and fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at Louisiana State University Health Science Center in New Orleans. She completed residency with numerous teaching and surgical skill awards. Nia and her husband, Edward, relocated back to the Kansas City area in 2021 to be closer to family. She also has strong family ties in Louisiana. She has authored numerous academic book chapters and most recently contributed to ‘Taking Care of You - the empowered woman’s guide to better health.’ Nia remains heavily involved in both mentoring and teaching. Above all, she takes pride in her role as a wife, mother to her two young children, sister, and friend. On the weekends, you can find her working in her yard, shopping, traveling, planning a get-together, or trying a new restaurant.

Krystal Minor

A native of Liberty, Mississippi and a proud graduate of University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. She was privileged to earn the title Miss Southern Miss and was named Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities during her tenure.  Minor is now the Chief Operations Officer at the number one app development company in the Southeast, BFAC.COM. Krystal joined bfac.com in early 2012 after a successful career with 16 WAPT NEWS, where she served as senior producer for the primetime newscast. She received numerous awards for her work and contributions to Hearst Television. In 2014, Minor was named Chief of Operations after boosting the company’s revenue by 200%. She was selected as Top in Tech by the Mississippi Business Journal. Minor believes in servant leadership. Outside of the workplace she is the Philanthropy Chair of the Madison County Young Professionals. She is also a member of the Madison County Business League where she is a Steering Committee Leader, serves on the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Executive Leadership Committee, and the Youth Leadership Committee. She is a proud mentor for Women Lead Leadership Organization at Georgia State University. She enjoys volunteer work with MS Alzheimer's Association and the Salvation Army. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.  Minor is a motivational speaker, youth leader, and life coach who has spoken on many stages across the southeast. She has great passion to ignite others to follow their dreams and to live on purpose. God called her to create a space where girls can be transparent and feel confident about who they are in Christ. In 2022, she founded Girls Ignited. Minor was listed in the Amite County High School’s Distinguished Individual Publication in 2021, named BFAC Employee of the Year in 2017, received Madison County Business League's Exceptional Leadership Award in 2022 and named a 2022 W.I.S.H. Society Honoree. Most recently she was selected as one of Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40. Most importantly, Minor is a dedicated wife and mother. She and her husband of eleven years have three beautiful children, Kaylie, Kassidy and Jeremy Jr. Together they serve as youth ministry leaders at Faith Tabernacle of Jesus Christ Church in Woodville, MS. Minor strongly believes we must glorify God in everything we do. Through Christ ALL things are possible.

Le Angela Richards-Pike

likes to say she is a child of the world as she was born into a military family and spent most of her formative years in Europe. She has been married to her husband, Ryan for seven years and they have two beautiful sons (ages 16 and 5). She is the founder of the start-up non-profit Covered Women’s Empowerment and Outreach which strives to empower women and families through education, community events and resources. She is also a six year Air Force veteran, serving her enlistment at Kessler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

In 2017 LeAngela was diagnosed with a mental health disorder. This has shaped who she is as a wife, mother, and professional. LeAngela wants her mental health journey to be one of inspiration and hope to others who suffer silently.

March 23, 2023 Show

Tamekia Hayes

is a highly accomplished professional and entrepreneur from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She graduated from Southern University with a degree in Computer Science and later went on to obtain her MBA. Tamekia has been employed at Direct Auto for over 7 years, where she currently serves as the call center manager. She is highly dedicated to her team, customers, and agents, and takes great pride in her work. Tamekia is known for her strong leadership skills and ability to drive positive results. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, and is well-respected by her colleagues and peers. Tamekia is also a dedicated wife, mother, and entrepreneur, having been married for 18 years and raising 3 children, ages 18, 15, and 10. In addition, she runs two successful businesses, Kidz-N-Play and Hayes 360 Photobooth. When she is not working, Tamekia enjoys traveling, taking cruises, reading and spending time with her family and friends. With her unique combination of technical, business, and entrepreneurial skills, Tamekia is well-equipped to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the industry, while also balancing her role as a wife, mother, and active member of her community.

Robin Randle

is an impactful member of her community as the owner of First Minds Chicago Home Daycare, a board member of Chicago's North Beverly Civic Association, and an active member of the North Beverly Block Club Association. Robin Randle was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago as the youngest and only girl of four children. Her upbringing is where she developed her perspective on the significance of family, community and economics. As a teenage mother she balanced working various jobs and graduating from the prestigious Whitney M. Young Magnet High School with the support of her family and community. She remained steadfast in her faith as an active church member and her passion for seniors grew with her desire to learn from their wisdom and faith.  Determined not to be handicapped by the challenges of urban life, Robin continued to make the best of every opportunity. As an adult, she began work as a clerk at the United States Postal Service. She soon began an administrative assistant position in the telecommunication industry and eventually applied the employee educational benefits to obtain an Associate of Applied Science, Mortuary Science from Malcolm X College while simultaneously obtaining her Bachelors in Business Administration from Jones International University. She accomplished these milestones while parenting two children, remaining active in community organizations and working full time on the overnight shift. During her tenure she worked as a Dispatcher, Plant Troubleshooting Technician, and Level 1 Network Engineer. These positions allowed her to provide service to a diverse customer base, develop a variety of technical problem-solving skills and interface with multi-levels of management. Her desire to listen to understand and her ability to proactively network while establishing effective team relationships enhanced her internal gifts that garnered the seeds of First Minds Chicago. In 2013 she transitioned from her career in Corporate America and followed her passion to officially open First Minds Chicago Home Daycare. It is in this position she has been able to express her commitment to embracing the uniqueness of every child with her customized curriculum and family community engagement programs. First Minds Chicago created a program that engages the parents also, First Minds Read -which fosters healthy relationships between parents and children through reading. The effectiveness of her programs is validated by her constantly increasing client base with a 98 percent client referral record. This required her to go beyond the childcare sector and add curriculum support to her services. Responding to the needs of the community, she continues to adjust programming to support her clients and is solidifying a system to recreate her platform for other childcare facilities.  Her experience as a young parent helped her to understand the plight of young women to discover the esteem, love, and value of self at any age. In 2016 she founded Committed Chosen Women to create an intimate space to connect women with resources and create a blueprint that allows them to “help themselves” by focusing on entrepreneurship, self-care, family and community building. She partners with other organizations by being an active volunteer with Chicago Public Schools for 22 years, Chicago Park District, Chicago Food Depository, Chicago Girl’s Rehabilitation Group Home and Operation Jesus.  She is passionate about maintaining mental and physical health and recently obtained a Child Nutrition Professional Certification which will empower her to continue teaching the families that she serves how to maintain healthy dietary lifestyles. Robin is an avid traveler, she loves hosting events, provides social entertainment for events and is the annual speaker on Entrepreneurship at Women in Silhouette.

Agnes Smith Andrews

was raised in a large family in rural South Louisiana. The third child of six, she experienced many life lessons early. The Pointe Coupee parish native loss her father before she reached her teens and started high school at the beginning of desegregation. Her mother was left alone to raise and educate 6 young children. The death of her father spawned Andrews' interest in insurance and preparedness. Agnes Andrews entered college at Southern University A&M as an optimistic seventeen-year-old and graduated with a degree in Home Economics and Education. Andrews worked as a Home Economist and taught nutrition and also thought budget and home management skills with the Agriculture Extension Services in Lafayette, La.  She married Dr. Donald R. Andrews in 1975 and moved to Texas while he pursued his doctorate degree at Texas A&M. While living in College Station, Texas she worked as an Interior Decorator. At that time, Mrs. Andrews was the primary bread winner. During the time that her husband studied, Agnes introduced herself to the insurance industry. She found her niche selling insurance at an Allstate Kiosk at Sears. After working with Allstate for 12 months she was offered the opportunity to open her own agency. Filled with drive and ambition to serve her customers, Andrews founded an agency that is now 30 years old.  Agnes Andrews Allstate Agency has been recognized as a premier service agency as well as one of the top agencies in the state of Louisiana. Andrews is licensed to sell personal lines and financial products. She serves her customers by providing Home, Auto, Life, Flood, Renters and Commercial Insurance. She is a certified member of the national association of life underwriters (LUTCF), personal estate and retirement planning, and holds a series 6 and 63 license for selling and servicing financial products. She is also a governor appointed member of the advisory committee on equal opportunity. Along with serving on the Southern University College of Business Advisory Council and the board of the Southern University Laboratory School, Andrews volunteer her time in many areas. Some of the volunteer work that she enjoys is to teach with the Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, and also to volunteer with Urban Restoration. She taught a Principles of Insurance course at Southern University College of Business in 2014.

Adam Crappel

is the founder of AE Touch Technologies, a forty-five year- old company with innovative energy star rated products. He has spent over forty-five years providing exceptional services and partnering with organizations to help combat the effects of poverty in our country.  A&E's mission is to provide customers with the most technologically advanced products and first-class service at cost-effective prices. A&E was ahead of its time in 1977 and continues to be an innovator in its field. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, A&E added square and PI keys to the calculators it sold to engineering firms. In doing so, A&E transformed basic calculators into high level mathematics tools. Today, A&E is a leader in interactive board technology. The A&E Touch—A&E’s own interactive board—is faster, clearer, more responsive, and more user-friendly than any other interactive board on the market. The A&E Touch, as well as other interactive boards, can be enhanced by the A&E App Box, which enables interactive boards to operate with even greater speed and efficiency.

November 24, 2022 Show

George Bell

George Bell joined Capital Area United Way as president and CEO in August of 2016 after working 30 years as a health care executive in Columbus, Ohio and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Under Bell’s leadership, CAUW has become one of the most recognized and respected nonprofit organizations in the Greater Baton Rouge region, having received the 2017 Force For Good Leadership Award from Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations, named one of the area’s Best Places to Work in 2021, and selected as one of 384 recipients of a multi-million dollar grant from MacKenzie Scott in 2020. As a funder, CAUW grants over $4 million in competitive impact and project grant funding annually to local nonprofit organizations. In addition, in 2020 CAUW launched and hosted 225 Gives, a community-wide day of giving event that has raised over $5 million in two years, providing much needed support for over 200 nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining CAUW, Bell worked for General Health System from 1999 until December 2015, where he served in a number of executive level positions, including Administrator, Baton Rouge General – Mid City,  Sr. Vice-President, Physician and Community Relations, which included BRG’s Arts in Medicine Program; Vice-President of Physician Relations; and President of Baton Rouge General Physicians, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Health System which he increased from 14 physicians to 85+ physicians over 12 years. Mr. Bell is a native of Thibodaux, LA, and is a 1981 Hall of Fame graduate of Nicholls State University with a B.A. degree in Political Science. He also attended The Ohio State University, where he pursued graduate level courses in Public Policy and Management, and completed the highly acclaimed Wharton School of Business, Health Care CEO Talent Development Course. He also received Certification as a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma in December 2015 and completed the United Way Worldwide Executive Leadership Development Program in 2021. Mr. Bell has been active in the Baton Rouge community, having been presented the Camelot College Community Award of Excellence in 2015, and the 2016 Medical Professional of the Year Award by Mu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. In addition to his professional calling, Mr. Bell has maintained a lifelong passion for music. Prior to the pandemic in 2020, he served regularly as a member of the music ministry band at his church, Word of Life Christian Center. He also occasionally performs for patients in health facilities and nursing homes, and volunteers in local schools to promote and support music education. Lastly, he has produced and performed over 24 concerts since 2011 at the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge with his George Bell and Friends ensemble. Mr. Bell resides in Baton Rouge, LA, with his wife, Terri. Together, they have one son, Gordon (Dana), and four grandchildren, Talia, Seyan, Grant, and Gianna.

Minister Chevalor Banks aka The Winners Coach

is a passionate transformative speaker, author, entrepreneur, business/life coach, and prayer warrior. She is known for her ability to motivate and capture her audience into action. She empowers you to take up your bed and walk into a winning lifestyle impacting people with practical, God-given principles and strategies that yield a greater harvest. Minister Chevalor is a voice that penetrates the fabric of the one who has been counted out. She is the founder of The Tribe of Wise Women Empowerment Group and The Morning Prayer and Power Call.  She is a graduate of Light Bible Institute and Lift Leadership Institute with degrees in Biblical Theology and Christian Leadership.  She also studied business management and marketing at Southern University and Spencer College.

Simone O. Higginbotham

is a 51 year mother of one daughter, grandmother of Harper Florida-Marie, community activist, AmeriCorps Alumni, Domestic Violence Survivor, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Mentor, Network Connector, Social Cultivation Ambassador and an awesome woman with much ambition to make it to the top! Raised by a single mother in one of Baton Rouge's oldest African American neighborhoods, the Zion City Community. Simone is a pillar in the community andhas volunteered over 2500+ hours to date with organizations across Baton Rouge. Simone is a self-starter, very determined, hard -working, and diligent. A woman who wears a hat of many colors, Simone is the Executive Director of the Scotlandville Community Development Corporation, CEO of Rebirth Magazine and The Weekend of Legends, LLC. She developed the Rebirth Brand and has made many strides and developed great relationships with other companies, a rapport with her community and now has established colleagues that she has partnered with to not only put her company on the map but unselfishly help others also. Simone is definitely moving in the right direction as she presses toward the mark. She has her eye on the prize. She feels giving up is not an option and will not let anything stop her. In 2015 she released her long awaited memoir Caged By Words-Something Like A Memoir about her journey during her abusive marriage. Simone’s greatest accomplishment is the success of Rebirth Brand and the pending launch of her non-profit Rebirth Inc. "Change your thoughts and you change your world" - Norman Vincent Peale

August 25, 2022 Show

Special Guest: Mando Allen

Mando Allen is a film director, producer, and actor from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mando and his brother Dewey Allen own and operate Scotlawood Motion Pictures, a film production company based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mando is most notably known for producing and directing the film My Side Piece and My Side Piece Hit the Lotto. His production company has produced feature films such as King of the Game, Twisted Ambitions, Mississippi Shakedown, Blues for Life, I Love Southern Soul, Telephone Book, Studio Gangster and Mississippi Turn’t Up; he has acted in all of his feature films.  Mando’s production company has featured such entertainers as Hawthorne James who is best known for the film The Five Heartbeats, Tommy Ford from the The Martin Show, Mama Dee from Atlanta Love and Hip Hop, Messier Cee, Mystikal, Funny Mike, Just Brittany, and LaTanga Sherman radio personality on Max 94.1 FM, Karlie Redd of Atlanta Love and Hip Hop and none other than Southern Soul Singer Big Poky. The Allen brothers are the Cinematographer Recipients of the 2022 ZBT Award. Scotlawood Motion Pictures has several projects that are currently in post productions.

July 27, 2022 Show

Robyn Simpson is a Christian counselor, mentor, and visionary. She has counseled women in various areas for over 20 years. As a pastor, she currently oversees the Outreach/Care Ministry at Bethel Family Worship Center, Durham, NC.  Robyn is the founder of Love, Forgiveness and Restoration Ministries which provides Christian based workshops for women and men to help guide them through the healing process after a relationship has ended. Robyn is very passionate about helping women navigate through their relationship challenges. She focuses on being a good listener and allows biblical principles and wisdom to provide the answers to these challenges. Prominent areas of discussion include dating, marriage, divorce, remarriage, marital conflict, being in a toxic relationship, communication, sex, finances, balancing home life and career. Robyn has been married and divorced twice. She believes her own personal journey makes her very relatable. She especially loves to counsel with younger women before and during the dating stage. Robyn plans to expand her ministry work globally as founder of Daughters of Sarah Women's Ministries.

G.L. Henderson is an award-winning author and in his acclaimed work, "The Fantasy Master" he asks the question, "At what price are you willing to pay to have a Fantasy? Are you willing to give up the love in your life for a temporary moment of pleasure?"

G.L. covers a wide range of situations dealing with the human experience. From the mentality of an emotionally battered woman to the sensuous depths she experiences in her imagination and physical being.

G.L. was nominated for top new non-fiction author by the Charlotte’s Literary and Arts Awards. G.L. is coming off a self-titled national book tour, sponsored by the Oakley Corp. He was a finalist for the Ebony Magazine’s Top-Rated Eligible Bachelor. G.L. has a lot to say on the topic of romance and relationships. Covering both the divorced and bachelor standpoint, and the feminine perspective, he gives us the privilege of others' experiences... who dare to share. The emotional depth in his work personifies the accuracy and mystery required of such themes. The experiences of the human spirit are explained so eloquently and tastefully through his mind.

June 23, 2022 Show

Antoinette Bell-Kareem is a Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Doctoral Candidate at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA. Her research in Dr. Robert Garry’s lab focuses on cross-reactivity among Arenaviruses, mainly Lassa virus and related viruses, with utilization of techniques for gene cloning and protein expression. This work addresses interference or false reporting seen in viral diagnostics when seeking to detect Lassa virus. She has worked on SARS-CoV-2 research at the height of the pandemic to increase our knowledge base of the COVID-19 disease and its implications on various communities. Currently, she also has focused her research on discovering the mechanistic links between pregnancy loss and Lassa virus infection. This will aid in understanding the intersectionality of infection and pregnancy to better help our most at-risk population of those infected with Lassa virus.

Beyond her laboratory commitments, Antoinette collaborates with Xavier University of Louisiana to recruit under-represented monitories to her program, and facilitates students interested in STEM careers to work in biomedical labs during the summer. Her summer shadowing program has been conducted for four years and has placed over 40 students in labs across multiple Tulane campuses since its inception.

Antoinette is originally from Lake Charles, LA, and her love for Louisiana led her to attend Xavier University for a B.S. in Biology. Afterward, she enrolled in Drexel University College of Medicine for a Master of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Health. After teaching an Anatomy class in the medical school’s morgue, Antoinette was affirmed in her pursuit of a doctoral degree at Tulane School of Medicine. She is currently finishing up her last year of her doctoral degree and will be defending her thesis in the fall.

She has accepted a job at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia to become a Lecturer and student advisor of undergraduate and graduate students in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences. She is excited to teach the future scientists and STEM-centered students and hopes to support students in their path to STEM terminal degree programs and careers.

May 26, 2022-05-26 Show

Brandi Boyd

was Born in Chicago, and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She comes from a pretty big family and is youngest of five.  She is a first generation two time graduate who holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication. Brandi currently work for Disney Media Entertainment Division and residing in Atlanta. She is involved in the entertainment industry where she attends celebrity events, casting calls, acts in Youtube skits, promo modeling, and podcast directing. She like to call herself the “ Jill of all trades”.  She is the founder of Salacious by B. Nicole

is a native of Baton Rouge, La. She has a degree in Rehabilitation Services and a minor in Marketing. After graduating the Summer of 2020 she decided to start her own small business. As an entrepreneur, she developed Whipped Shea Butter and Essentials and has been in business two years.  The business was innovated to give the community the alternatives to heal their skin. The business is 100 percent holistic and handmade by Ms. Turner herself. Whipped Shea Butter and Essentials is a holistic business that consists of 100% natural Shea butter imported from Ghana, Africa. The essentials of the business are made up of the face, hair, and skin. Products such as “Lipped” is a 3 ingredient lip scrub that exfoliates and moisturizes your lips. This one example and other products from Whipped Shea Butter and Essentials can be found on her website on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/WhippedLLCStore  . In partnership with Blank Canvas Studios, located on Perkins Road in Baton Rouge, Whipped Shea Butter can be found locally for purchase at this location. Jasmine Turner plans to expand her business by stationing products in local stores and having her own local storefront by the end of 2023.

April 28, 2022 Show

Bridgett Johnson

She is a counselor and motivational speaker that embrace restoration for the mind, body, and soul.  BJ is an effective communicator known for her practical and animated style of speaking.  She encourages listeners to apply timeless truths with everyday application. BJ has always had a love for the medical field. Studied Certified Nursing Assistant in 1987 and this was only the beginning of her medical career. With her determination, in 2017, she finished her studies and has become a (CPT) Certified Phlebotomy Technician.  Through her love for people, BJ founded "United Women Ministries," an outreach for the community. Her passion for change led her to host a community radio broadcast, "Heart 2 Heart” and went on to host a TV talk show FOX44, "4M.A.D", 4 Making a Difference, changing and informing lives through innovative discussions and creating a platform for change. In 2015, BJ & Company produced her first CD single and official music video, "The King of Glory”. Currently available on YouTube, CD Baby and all social media platforms.  BJ is the author of the Book "The King of Uz" released in January (2019). Later to become the writer, producer, and director of the inspiring stage play "The King of Uz", which toured and released May (2019).  Pastor Bj recently created and released her first family/youth board game, King of Uz (The Game), November 2020.  Bj (Acting4HopeProduction) along with Rosalind Allen (R.A. Production) Collaborated in writing, producing and directing a phenomenal stage play "Can't Breathe" released October 23, 2021 Follow us on Fb, Instagram! Touring/Booking 225-287-4369.  Laughter is like medicine; it creates a Merry Heart. In 2020 Bj & Rosalind put their humorous side to the test, wrote, produced and directed their first comedy sitcom "2SUSTA'S PRODUCTIONS /w Mildred & Melvenia Comedy Show. Currently airing on YouTube and their website.  Bj is always reminded that God gets the Glory in every and all things. And that we all were created to help bring change and make a difference. Bridgette Johnson (BJ) resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with her husband, Jerome Johnson and three miracle daughters, Jalivia, Jaelyn, and Jahmyia. The two presently pastors, Praise Temple, R.R.M., 6263 Plank Rd. for over twenty years.

Rosalind Allen

Rosalind Allen was raised in Baton Rouge La. After high school she enrolled in Southeastern University majoring in Elementary Education completing 2 years of studies. Soon after, she attended DJ Beauty college which she completed and obtained her license. Rosalind successfully owned and operated a hair salon for many years. Later became a student at Camelot Career College, graduating with high honors as a Nursing Assistant.  At an early age she knew she had a strong passion for writing, singing and creative drama. Church nurtured those gifts inside of her. Singing and directing the church choir for the past 35 years gave her the opportunity to spread her wings with writing plays for the youth department and skits for the puppet Ministry.  The best part of writing is to imagine a story and bring it to fruition. After several years of trying to find her path in life she decided to follow her dreams. In 2018 she wrote and produced a Stage Play entitled LORD WE GOT ISSUES and in 2020 Rosaline and her partner in crime wrote and collaborated on a PHENOMENAL stage play CAN’T BREATHE still in production mood today.  But writing isn’t her only beloved passion. For many years she has owned and operated an in home daycare- Kids Land Learning Center. She has helped to shape and mold countless children futures. Watching them grow from infants to adolescents. This work has inspired her to write children’s books. She launched her first book A Bedtime Story For Jack in 2020 and will release her 2nd inspirational book DREAM BLACK CHILD June 2022. Pouring into children’s future and encouraging them to use their imagination has become one of my greatest accomplishment. Rosalind is a proud new member of Stand for Children; she is there to ensure every child’s educational needs are met. My journey as a Writer, Author, Producer, Director, Educator, Activist is awesome. To God be the glory for all the things he has done and all the things he’s going to do on purpose. Rosaline is married to Charles Allen Jr and between the two have 5 adult children and 4 amazing grandchildren.

March 24, 2022 Show

founded & has served as Executive Director of the Louisiana International Film Festival & Mentorship Program (LIFF) since its inception in 2011. LIFF made its mark as one of the fastest growing young festivals in the country and garnered an international reputation as a place for Louisiana talent to gain direct access to the entertainment industry through an annual festival, year-round industry events, a film society and educational seminars. Prior to LIFF, Chesley worked as a Producer in development, production, post and visual effects - working on projects from indie films to music videos and commercials to box office movies. She also worked as a screenwriter in the United States and Europe. Now, she is currently Co-Directing a documentary called ‘movie about ME’.

The movie’s website is: www.movieaboutme.com

February 24, 2022 Show

is a graphic designer with 20+ years of professional experience. He has a vast knowledge of diverse design skills and graphics art. His knowledge base spans as a professional expert in Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Payne’s experience covers an expanded number of positions, such as Architectural Consultant, Architectural and Civil Drafter (Columbus, OH), a Print Production Manager for The Communicator News and The Columbus Post Newspapers, Urban Trendsetter News Magazine, Purpose Magazine, This Week Newspapers (Columbus, Ohio) and Senior Graphic Designer for Who’s Who in Black Publishing Company (Columbus, Ohio). Payne has accomplished numerous milestones during his career. These accomplishments include Publisher/Founder of the faith-based news magazine the Praise Reporter in tri-cities: Columbus, Ohio, Jacksonville, Florida, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Among various accolades he has received during his career, he is the owner of the four-time nominated Stellar Award internet gospel radio station of the year, 24/7PraiseRadio.com, with a growing listenership of thousands daily. Presently, he is Publisher/CEO of the Baton Rouge Weekly Press, LLC, Baton Rouge oldest African American owned weekly newspaper; now celebrating 45 years of service, and Leaders Publications, a company dedicated to publishing coffee table style directories that celebrates the achievements of African Americans past and present. As a CEO and graphic artist, he serves non-profit organizations, small businesses, and churches. Payne is also the current President of the Louisiana Black Publishers and Media Association.  Mr. Payne is an ordained pastor; and Assistant Pastor of Greater New Birth Full Gospel Fellowship under his remarkable father/mentor, Bishop Ivory J. Payne. Payne is a humble, noteworthy champion for the Black News Media in Louisiana. He is a proud father, an outstanding role model, and an advocate for the preservation of the Black Press.
 

Caleb J. Holmes

was Born in Dallas, and raised in Shreveport Louisiana. He has been described as having energy of action and progress. That comes out in the work he has always been engaged in. Working for the betterment of regular working people. People like his mother and father.


Labor, meaningful, socially important work is reflected in what he does today. That is being an organizer. His moto as an organizer or organizing is made up of one simple principle. It is the act of bringing people together around similar beliefs, ideals or actions, and turning that into raw power to meet our challenges in pursuit of true freedom.


Working with Step Up, and just meeting people all over this state is really a pleasure and brings him so much joy. To work alongside working people, to gain power and togetherness. For a better Louisiana and better community is what his life mission is.

is a film producer, writer, researcher, U.S. African-American Reconstruction historian, and Educator. He's received his education at Grambling State University, Louisiana State University, and Baylor University.

2021-12-23 Show

Alfred W. Evans Jr.

is a graduate of Columbia University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences class of 1973. AL also has a Bachelor of Science degree in labor studies from Indiana University Northwest, class of 2002. AL completed his formal education at Seton Hall School of Law with a Masters of Science in Jurisprudence degree (MSJ), class of 2007. The MSJ concentrated in Health Law and Intellectual Property.  AL used his formal education and over 35 years of experience practicing pharmacy to serve others in roles such as President of the Chicago Pharmacist Association (2003-2005), a member of the Illinois Pharmacist Association Board of Directors (2000-2005). AL was Vice-President of the National Pharmacist Association, a labor union in Naperville, IL (1998-2005). AL was one of the founding members and founding Vice-President of the MSJ student Organization at Seton Hall Law School.  Most notably AL's testimony before the Illinois legislature's committee on healthcare in April 2003 was instrumental in pharmacists in that state being recognized as healthcare professionals and providers in the pharmacy practice Act. AL is a licensed pharmacist in five states (Mississippi, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey and New York).

November 25, 2021 Show

Dr. Gregory Ward

is board certified by the American Academy of Pain Management and board certified by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Ward also has the pleasure of serving as a Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.  As a licensed physician in Louisiana, Georgia and Florida, he has enjoyed practicing medicine in Baton Rouge since 1990 where he is the founder of the Louisiana Institute of Physical Medicine. Most recently, he completed CBD Marijuana Physician certification for the state of Florida and Platelet Rich Plasma and Stem Cell certification. Currently, he serves as Medical Director of Rehabilitation at Lane Regional Medical Center, Nottingham Regional Rehab Center, Carrington Place of Baton Rouge, and a rural health clinic in Plaquemine, Accord Rehab Center. Previously, Dr. Ward served as a Medical Director of Rehabilitation at Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Mid City campus, Medical Director of Rehabilitation at Baton Rouge General Medical Systems, Interim Medical Director of Rehabilitation at Teche Regional Medical Center, Rehabilitation Medical Director at the Baton Rouge Rehab Hospital, and Medical Director of Physical Medicine at River West Medical Center.  He was appointed by Louisiana governors, Buddy Roemer and Edwin Edwards, to serve on the Louisiana State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners during the years of 1992 to 2000.

October 28, 2021 Show

Ava “The Aviator” Johnson, CEO of Her Records, is proving every day that she is no ordinary girl. The talented sensation is a singer, songwriter, and a producer.  Ava is the founder of HER? Records, a production company that they started in 2002. Ava says they named the company HER? With emphasis on the question mark because people would hear Ava’s projects and see her at a mixing board and immediately say, “Her?…She did that!!?” Ava has been in the studio working with L Roc (Usher, Lil Jon, Jennifer Lopez) and No I.D. (Kanye West, Common, Jay-Z, and Nas). She was recently featured in the movie “The Lottery Ticket” starring Ice Cube and Bow Wow, Bet hit series “The Game”, and Big Momma’s: Like Father Like Son starring Martin Lawrence, and Oprah Winfrey new TV Series “Queen Sugar”. Ava also filmed a fantasy football tv show with Jimmy Farris (NFL player and Patriot Super Bowl Winner). Ava “The Aviator” is a revolutionary keynote speaker and author who recently released a new book “The Psychological Effects of Music” teaching students how music affects their behavior and how music affects their money spending habits, drinking habits, etc. Ava recently authored a book entitled “The Psychological Effects of Music” With this ground-breaking knowledge, students can make better choices. With every track she produces and every keynote, the wondrous Ava continues to astonish her audiences.
 

born and raised in Baton Rouge, La. Graduate of Istrouma Sr. High School. Inspirational Speaker, Licensed Practical Nurse, Spiritual Grief Advisor, Certified Mentor, Founder and Executive Director of Healing Hearts Grief Support Group Non-Profit Organization, Author of "It Was Me".  Mother of two children, the late Chad V. Williams Sr. and Andrea N. Zeno. Proud Grandmother of four grandchildren by Chad V. Williams Sr. In 2007, an unexpected tragedy impacted my family. March 24, 2007 took on a different meaning for me as a mother. My only son at the age of 21 years old, Chad V. Williams Sr., , was killed to senseless violence on the streets of Baton Rouge. He was a loving son and father that loved his family dearly. After 4 years of battling depression and grieving for my son, God led me to Deuteronomy 6:1, where God spoke to the children of Israel saying, “Ye have dwelt long enough in the mountains”. It was then that I felt God was telling me to rise up and make a difference, not only for me, but for other mothers and families that have loss love ones to violence or through an unexpected death.  November 2011 Healing Hearts Grief Support Group was formed. Healing Hearts Motto is “I’ve Been There”. Healing Hearts Grief Support Group provides grief sessions, workshops, seminars to individuals and family members all over the world by sharing spiritual knowledge on the importance of making the “CHOICE to LIVE” while going through the grief process. We also educate on the negative effects grief can have on your mental and physical health. Resources are offered in a safe, spiritual and confidential environment where individuals are encouraged to acknowledge they are grieving ,processing to release.  February of 2015 Healing Hearts became a Non-profit 501c3 organization. Feeding and clothing the community is another way we give back. All projects are funded by donations and sponsors. We welcome volunteers, donations and sponsors that have the same love and ambitions as Healing Hearts. Your donations and time assist us in bringing awareness to the senseless violence that is targeting our youth of today.  For speaking engagements, to donate or volunteer, contact Carolyn Williams at:  hhghs90@ yahoo.com,    Cash app: $hhgsg  FB and IG under Healing Hearts Grief Support Group (black heart with turquoise baby feet in the middle)

September 23, 2021 Show

Andrea "Mona" Bowman is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana. She is a 20+ year hairstylist and year Film Hair Designer for Motion Pictures and Television. She now resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

She started doing hair in a Salon called Beauties, for years then relocated to another Salon own by her cousin called BLESSED HANDS SALON, in Shreveport, La.

She started her film career in her hometown Shreveport, La where she met Mr. Ken Walker an icon in the film industry and was a department head; at a church family dinner.  After having a 15-minute conversation she was offered a chance to work on a film.

The first film she worked on as a day player was WELCOME HOME ROSCOE JENKINS, starring Martin Lawrence, Cedric the Entertainer, and Mike Epps.

Being a hard worker allowed her to be hired on the film full time. The first full show was THE GREAT DEBATERS starring and directed by Denzel Washington, as well as Forrest Whittaker, Journee Bell, and Nate Parker. This film was the show that allowed her to earn her days to get into the Makeup and Hairstylist Union in New York (2008).

She has a Resume that's full of fan favorites and amazing television series.

She is a 2018 Makeup and Hairstylist GUILD NOMINATED HAIRSTYLIST  for the film PITCH PERFECT 3, starring Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, and Ester Dean.  Songland, Hailey Steinfeld and had the honor to have done hair on all 3 movie of Pitch Perfect.

She is also a 2019 EMMY NOMINATED HAIRSTYLIST for the HBO TV SHOW TRUE DETECTIVES SEASON 3 starring Mahershala Ali. Her list of credits for film and TV shows are FENCES starring and directed by Denzel Washington, JUST MERCY, starring Micheal B Jordan, Jamie Foxx, and Brie Larson which came out Dec 2019, (they shot a day on the campus of Moorehouse.)    A new HBO TV SERIES...WATCHMEN, starring  Regina King it aired OCT 2019,  NIGHT SCHOOL (starring Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish), and she did both Season of the WGN TV SHOW UNDERGROUND starring Journee Smollett Bell, Aldis Hodge, Amiriah Vann, Allano Miller and Dewonda Wise), just to name a few.

She is now working on another HBO TV SERIES called LOVECRAFT COUNTRY, starring Journee Smollett Bell, Johnathan Majors, and Micheal K. Williams.

Andrea is and Hairstylist that shares her craft and gives it back to the local community thru different children's shelters and she volunteers to help motivate, educate and inspire for excellence.

Her mission is to make BEAUTY INSIDE AND OUT ONE OPPORTUNITY AT A TIME.

Dionne Character was raised in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. She has been holding a microphone since the tender age of 3, as her talents seem to saturate the Entertainment Industry, declaring her the Goddess of Entertainment, as there is nothing this Diva doesn’t have her hands involved in. She played French horn, flute, and trumpet. She marched in bands throughout her school years, while learning how to read music at an early age. She toured Europe performing at the Umbria Jazz Festival and New York City as an opening act for Harry Connick, Jr., and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festivals, as a background singer, which led to her Theatre performances in Smokey Joe’s Café, Songs In The Key Of Life, Your Arm Too Short To Box With God and a host of other musical productions as a singer. She has taken her dreams of becoming an Author to hosting Celebrity Red Carpet Events, becoming an On-Air Personality with 102.9 alongside Big Herc, producing her own Entertainment TV Shows, Hosting Poetry Nights, all, while giving back to the children with her “Writing With Character” Creative Writing Program.

Taking her brand to The Music Capitol of the World in Hollywood, Character is the Hollywood Correspondent for HOTTVSTATION. She has interviewed celebrities like Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thorton, Grammy Award Lifetime Achievement Recipients, The New Orleans Meters, Dumpstafunk, George Porter, Jr., and a host of local artists. She is currently a Female Empowerment Columnist, Queens on Thrones in The Louisiana Data News Weekly and has her own blog on her website called Funkin Red Lipstick, empowering woman to live creative lives.

Character has released her fifth book entitled “You Better Got Your Dreams,” for Women Creatives interested in tapping into their creative powers. She has been featured in SHOUTOUT LA, Voyage LA Magazine, RareMaven Podcast, The New Orleans Tribune and Data News Weekly.

Dionne Character can be reached at: www.characterhollywood.com .

Dionne Character is the Author of You Better Got Your Dream, 7 Pairs of Black Shoes, Twisted Straps and A Sapphire Moon, Street Diva and WildFlower: Growing From The Muck.

July 22, 2021 Show

Marcia Groff

is the founder of Entertainment Enterprises- is a boutique public relations and production company. Established in 1992, the firm specializes in developing publicity campaigns for musical artists, celebrities, film, television and stage productions. It also produces special events and is intrinsically involved with television and music production.  She has worked in many areas of the entertainment industry. Prior affiliations include EMI America Records, as National Coordinator of Artist Development, working with recording industry luminaries such as Kenny Rogers, Kim Carnes, David Bowie and Sir Cliff Richard, among others. Entertainment public relation firms include working with Ward Grant at Hope Enterprises and at other firms on accounts that included Julie Andrews, Eartha Kitt and Barbara Eden, to name a few. While at CCR Video Corporation/Facets Entertainment she worked on Discovery Channel's award-winning television series “Hollywood Chronicles,” hosted by Jackie Cooper and A&E's Cable Ace nominated series “The Edge and Beyond,” narrated by James Coburn. PBS productions include the “Feather Awards,” a ballroom dancing awards show and “Dave Koz: Off the Beaten Path, Live from Trinidad and Tobago.” Additional production credits include the reality based pilot “Rock and Roll Chop Shop” and the documentaries “Emphasis on Art” and “The Real Reel West.” Most recently she associate produced “Music Dreams…An American Story,” about blues musician Henry Turner, Jr.  Janice-Marie (A Taste of Honey), Rosie Flores, Charley Harrison, Flogging Molly and Bill Spoke and are just a few of the award-winning musical artists represented over the years by Entertainment Enterprises. Additional PR clients include Robbie Robertson’s PBS Special “Making A Noise: A Native American Journey,” Star Trek’s original Uhura, Nichelle Nichols and character actor Alan Rich.  Currently the firms’ musical acts include Henry Turner, Jr. & Flavor, as well as Lilli Lewis and Noisewater, on an as needed basis. It has also worked with Bon Bon Vivant. Festivals include the Baton Rouge Mardi Gras and Soul Food Festivals, Henry Turner, Jr. Day and the Ultimate Louisiana Party.  Over the years, Entertainment Enterprises has represented numerous special events and film premieres, some of them include Penton Media's ME Festival (one of the first on-line film festivals); SPIFF (3rd & 4th Annual Short Pictures International Film Festival); Elizabeth Mcdonald's 2002 Tribeca Film Festival entry “As We Sleep”; New York Independent International Film Festival’s ‘Best Fantasy Film Winner’ “Trance,” starring Tane McClure and Martin Kove; “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Rock ’N’ Roll Musical,” a multiple award-winner at national and international festivals; Larry Hankin’s 10 Funny Fables Film Festival; the first, second and third Backlot Film Festivals honoring Daniel Selznick, Budd Schulberg and Carl Reiner, as well as the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s audience favorite “Burial Society.” In addition to debuting the horror film “Neowolf,” other award winning film debuts include “Desperately Seeking Paul McCartney” at the 2008 Mockfest Film Festival and the multiple award winning “One Note At a Time,” a feature documentary about musicians returning to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Other festivals include the 49th to 53rd Annual Lions’ Club Watermelon Festival and the 6th Annual Sri Lanka Day Expo, in Los Angeles.  World premiere stage productions have included “MERMAIDS-the musical comedy,” “Shadow Hour,” Kathleen Freeman's “Are You Somebody?,” “Houdini,” “Fences” and “Wild Mushrooms.” Additional stage production public relations credits include “The Sicilian Bachelor,” “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged,” “Floating Rhoda and the Glue Man,” “Savage In Limbo,” “Closer” and “A Few Good Men.” As corporate publicist for The Stella Adler Theatre, Hollywood (1997-2003), on-going events were Hollywood Speaks At The Adler, The Adler Honors... and the 2002 Stella Adler Awards honoring James Coburn, Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas. Additionally, Ms. Groff has produced “Keep On Singing,” a musical based on the life of jazz legend Myra Taylor. Stage debuts include the West Coast Premiere of musical comedian Stephen Sorrentino’s “Voices in My Head,” at the El Portal in North Hollywood and comedienne Grace Fraga’s “Sleeping Booty: A Modern Fairy Tale.”

June 24, 2021 Show

Danita Tate

Danita Tate is the Owner of Chiquita’s Miracle Hands, Chiquita’s Miracle Works and Chiquita Blessed Scents. Danita is a 53 year old mother and grandmother that lives to keep her sister the late Attorney Chiquita Tate's legacy alive. She is one of seven children of a drug addicted mother, even though she was the second oldest; Danita took on the role of mothering her siblings. She admits that she has done things for her family that were not within the perimeters of the law and may not be what others want her to be, but she is all that she can be and embraces her past by sharing with others today. In February of 2009 her life was forever changed by the brutal murder of her sister Attorney Chiquita Tate.

As a determined, hardworking self-starter and obviously a woman who wears many hats, she could not stop and knew what she had to do to succeed in creating her sister’s legacy so she began to write her vision and made it plain. She immediately began developing the Chiquita Tate brand, with Chiquita’s Blessed Hands a janitorial service. She has made many strides and developed great relationships with other companies, a rapport with her community, and now has established colleagues that she has partnered with to not only put her company on the map, but unselfishly help theirs also.

Danita is definitely moving in the right direction and has her eye on the prize. She feels giving up is not an option and will not let anything stop her. By stepping out on faith, Danita created a line of cleaning products Chiquita’s Miracle Works, a bathroom cleaner and a deodorizer that can be purchased in a 23 ounce spray bottle or by the gallon. The tenth Anniversary of Attorney Chiquita Tate’s death was celebrated this past February with a balloon release at Danita’s Snack Shack. In October of 2020, she launched Blessed Scents a line of candles. As of March of 2021; Chiquitas Miracle Works can be purchased via Amazon. Her latest accomplishment is the release of her memoir Life of a Survivor. She still struggles with the murder of her sister. But the legacy she is building keeps her memory alive.
 

May 27, 2021 Show

Malinda’s most recent fundraising position was as the Director of Corporate Engagement at United Way of NYC where she was responsible for maintaining and growing a multi-million-dollar portfolio of corporate partner relationships; and designing, implementing and leading leadership volunteer committees. Prior to United Way, Malinda led development departments for organizations focused on arts & culture, special needs and elementary education.

Malinda also worked as an Associate Instructor at Columbia University in fundraising fundamentals.

From her time providing faculty practice and gaining experience at smaller and larger non-profits in building infrastructure; implementing strategic fundraising plans; providing board and volunteer management, grant-writing and management, and overall event management, Malinda began to be approached by various professionals seeking her guidance. What began as a “by request” support system for colleagues and acquaintances, turned into a consultative and direct service business. She saw a gap with individuals and organizations that served under-resourced communities who had the passion but not the means. Thus, Coached By MLo was formed.

Malinda is always continuing to pursue her dreams as an actor and artist. Over the years, she produced a festival run short film Open House, produced and starred in a sold out off Broadway play My Sister My Sister, and performed in several theater plays, tv shows, films, commercials and industrials – even garnering her a Best Actress prize at New York City’s 2017 Strawberry One Act Festival. Some credits include FBI, Dispatches from Elsewhere, and Timon of Athens.

Malinda has a BFA Acting degree from Ithaca College and MS Fundraising Management for Non-Profits degree from Columbia University. She is a native to NOLA and 10^th generation descendant of Marie Laveau, and is incredibly proud of her roots. Malinda has a passion for traveling, cooking, the arts, and raising awareness to all of humanity’s needs. 

April 22, 2021 Show

is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She has been working with individuals with disabilities over the past 15 years within the public-school setting in various rolls. She currently helps facilitate the implementation of educational programs for students with autism and works with teachers and staff to increase evidence-based practices in classrooms that include students with autism. She has a passion for inclusive practices, increasing social interaction and solving challenging behavior issues. She has served on the “Educational Opportunities” task force for the Capital Area Autism Network (CAAN) and presented at the Louisiana Autism Spectrum and Related Disabilities (LASARD) Project Conference on increasing positive educational outcomes for students with autism through building the capacity of teachers and school staff. It is her work mission to help teachers succeed in providing students with autism the opportunities they deserve to thrive in the classroom.
 

is a native of Baton Rouge, LA. She is the mother of Brooke K. Williams who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in May 2018. She also serves as an ESS Autism Teacher for East Baton Rouge Parish School System. She often serves on panel discussions and mentor's parents to help cope with accepting the Autism Spectrum Disorder. She promotes observing children as they grow so they may be detected early and receive the services needed. Chrisdyana believes that with the right help and resources, children with Autism can grow up to live a productive life. Chrisdyana has been teaching for 11 years. She received her bachelor's and Master's Degree from Southern University & A&M College. She recently received her certification in Early Interventionist (Birth-5 Years old), Mild/Moderate (Grades 1-5), and Educational Diagnostician in the Special Education area. She enjoys teaching her Autism students and love every minute of this new adventure. She is also committed to creating and maintaining an environment where her students can grow and thrive while exploring the world around them.

March 25, 2021 Show

Brooke Hoover

is a Louisiana native and a New York based actor, writer and artist who has appeared on television (Law and Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, High Maintenance & ABC’s What Would You Do?), film (The Runner, The Girl Who Invented Kissing) and globally in the theater world from the United Solo and New York International Fringe Festivals, Hollywood Fringe (virtual) and Le Festival d’Avignon in France. The work Brooke is most passionate about is the work she has written and performed including Shyft, an award winning indie comedy short, a webseries (Pageant Pom Mom) which raised awareness for rescue pets, two solo stage shows (Phat Girl Costumes and Wayward Souls) as well as her YouTube videos ranging from home design to animals to telling tales with her dad down in Baton Rouge via video chat. As a comedienne, Brooke has written for and performed with various sketch and improv troupes and most currently performs (virtually) with Lunatic Fringe of New Jersey. Brooke is the narrator of a fun cozy mystery series Killer Chardonay and A Pairing to Die For by Kate Lansing which you can listen to now on Audible. Perhaps one of her biggest claims to fame is that she unexpectedly had to perform stand up comedy after Sarah Silverman and Brooke got more laughs (if we’re being technical.) www.brookehoover.com  / Instagram @Br00keH00ver  / youtube.com/BrookeHoover
 

February 25, 2021 Show

Java Harrell Weathersby

is the Owner/ Editor in Chief and Publisher of Beautiful Black Magazine - A Positive Magazine for a Positive People. Enjoying her life passed 50, Java has been gifted to be a daughter, sister, friend, mentor, graphic designer and a "pusher" for Christ. She was educated at McDonogh #35 High School, Southern University at New Orleans and graduated from Louisiana State University Medical Center with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 1994. For over 20 years, Ms. Weathersby has worked in a variety of hospitals and healthcare settings in New Orleans and Baton Rouge as an Occupational Therapist. She rehabilitates those with physical and emotional disabilities with a holistic approach.  She is most honored to be the mother of 2 amazing children. She was married for 15 years to a wonderful and faithful man; the late Byron Weathersby, Sr. (Founder of Beautiful Black Magazine).  After surviving Hurricane Katrina; in March of 2006, Java wrote and Byron provided the graphic design for her autobiography "Crazy Men Can Make You Do Crazy Things." It was initially written to share Java and Byron's miraculous love story, but it was overtaken by her high school and college experiences with Crazy Men. The Weathersby family toured New Orleans, Washington DC, and New York City to promote her book.  Java worked side by side with Byron on his "baby" Beautiful Black Magazine. He taught her many aspects of the business. After Byron went to heaven in 2011, God gave her divine knowledge and strength to continue the magazine and get Beautiful Black trademarked and registered with the United States patent and trademark office.  Java Weathersby realizes that Jesus is her help and lives by Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths! (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  Java's mission in life is to educate, enlighten and empower others to know that God always causes us to triumph through Christ! (2 Corinthians 2:14)  She pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated in Spring of 1990 while attending Southern University.

G.L. Henderson

G.L. Henderson is an award-winning author and in his acclaimed work, "The Fantasy Master" he asks the question, "At what price are you willing to pay to have a Fantasy? Are you willing to give up the love in your life for a temporary moment of pleasure?"

G.L. covers a wide range of situations dealing with the human experience. From the mentality of an emotionally battered woman to the sensuous depths she experiences in her imagination and physical being.

G.L. was nominated for top new non-fiction author by the Charlotte’s Literary and Arts Awards. G.L. is coming off a self-titled national book tour, sponsored by the Oakley Corp. He was a finalist for Ebony Magazine’s Top-Rated Eligible Bachelor. G.L. has a lot to say on the topic of romance and relationships. Covering both the bachelor standpoint and the feminine perspective, he gives us the privilege of others' experiences... who dare to share. The emotional depth in his work personifies the accuracy and mystery required of such themes. The experiences of the human spirit are explained so eloquently and tastefully through his mind. He is the host of a long-standing worldwide radio show the G.L. Henderson Radio Hour.

December 24, 2020 Show

is a graduate of Alcorn State University and Our Lady of the Lake College. She is the owner and operator of Radiant Beauty Bar. It offers cosmetic teeth whitening and tooth gems services.  Radiant Beauty Bar is about making people feel good about themselves all while looking amazing. We love enhancing and accenting smiles through our cosmetic teeth whitening, tooth gems services and our teeth whitening products. We are all about beauty, fashion and self-care/health. Their motto is “radiance starts with you.” At RBB, they value client care, customer service and superior experience.  Trameka is also a nurse by trade and is the owner of Freedom Keepers LLC which provides nonmedical care giving to the elderly and disable children. Their purpose is to give families an opportunity to provide care for their love ones in their homes, hospitals and living facilities.  Some of the services that they offer are assisting with personal care: bathing and grooming, dressing, toileting, and exercise. Basic food preparation: preparing meals, shopping, housekeeping, laundry, and other errands. Back-up care (or respite) services: providing other caregivers a break.  She is the wife of Harvey McNeal, Jr. She is the mother of 2 and stepmother of 3 children.

Musician, vocalist, guitar player, composer, producer and promoter Henry Turner Jr., and his band, & Flavor, are an integral part of the Louisiana Music scene. They are well known for developing an intricate and syncopated style of music that is referred to as – Louisiana Blues, Soul, Funk and Reggae.  As lead singer his rich baritone voice adds warmth and depth to touching and soulful ballads, as well as intense power for upbeat dance songs. Turner’s guitar techniques incorporate blues, soul and funk styles, along with jazz chording to create mesmerizing and toe-tapping melodies. As founder of Hit City Digital records the band has released twenty singles and eleven CD’s. The most current are the singles “I’m Going Down to the Mardi Gras!,” “That’s My Saints” and the long awaited album “Now.” Their songs have also been featured in numerous compilation projects, independent feature films, commercials and top rated television shows.  Henry estimates that he has written more than a hundred songs. With his quick wit and sense of humor radio stations and live audiences gravitate toward his tongue-in-cheek and double entendre lyrics, as well as the unique twists he incorporates into his love songs. For his company he takes the production helm, signing and producing Louisiana artists in the Hit City Digital records’ recording studio. The small, yet diverse roster focuses on local roots music that include Country, Reggae, Neo Soul, Blues and Pop. All the company’s releases are funneled through international digital distribution networks.  In 2011, Henry Turner Jr. came up with the Ultimate Louisiana Party concept to introduce mass audiences to the culture of his home state. On tour these events, at select stops, feature local musicians, spoken word performers, artists and artisans. They also include ‘Taste of Louisiana’ meals featuring jambalaya and red beans and rice. An instant hit with audiences they have expanded into two and three day festivals. Additional local events include the annual Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival, the Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival and Henry Turner, Jr. Day.   Henry Turner Jr’s. Listening Room and Heritage Museum opened Baton Rouge in 2014. The purpose of the venue is to introduce, encourage and support local and regional talent, as well as provide national touring acts an intimate and inviting place to perform. The newly formed Museum Foundation focus is on arts and entertainment business education. Recently it produced a Virtual Blues Camp. The six week series was funded by the Greater Baton Rouge Arts Council and the East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President and Metro Council.  Accomplishments and accolades include being named an official Music Ambassador by the Louisiana Office of Tourism in 2014, for his performance at the 53rd Annual Lions Club Watermelon Festival in Southern California. In 2015, October 28 was proclaimed Henry Turner Jr. Day in Baton Rouge. In 2016, Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor did a month long, weekly music series for the Louisiana State Museums’ Music at the Mint program in New Orleans. October 28, 2017 was once again proclaimed Henry Turner, Jr. Day. In 2018 the Slim Harpo Music Awards honored him with an Ambassador Award and in 2019 the Lieutenant Governor’s Office named him an Honorary Louisiana Ambassador in part for writing “The Baton Rouge Theme Song.”  Last year “Music Dreams…An American Story” debuted at several films festivals and conferences. The half hour documentary focuses on the evolution of his music and band, from funk to Top 40, to reggae and blues. It was screened at various museums and libraries throughout Louisiana and is scheduled to be aired Louisiana Public Broadcasting channels. “We’re Going Down the Mardi Gras,” another documentary about the founding of his festival about to celebrate its eight year, will be screened at festivals and shown on television in 2021.  Henry firmly believes that one of his missions is it to introduce and mentor new talent into the ever changing music industry. As a show business veteran and entrepreneur his vision is and always will be to share the love he has for his home state of Louisiana, his hometown of Baton Rouge and to introduce the cultural diversity of his world to the world in general  For additional information please visit:  www.henryturnerjr.com   www.henryslisteningroom.com

Beth Townsend

has been on her own since 17 years old right out of high school, Beth had no choice but to go to work. Starting as a property manager in Virginia, the climbed the corporate ladder and became a young executive working as VP of Operations for a Real Estate Company in Atlanta. Eventually becoming a trainer for the industry, Beth was asked one question numerous times that changed the course of her life. "How did you know your purpose?" In her twenties she had no clue her purpose! Realizing the depth of the question led her on a spiritual journey that continues today. Since 2001, she has been interviewing "on purpose" people with the goal of learning how to share with others how to live a purpose-full life. From her book "Life on Purpose", she gleaned 9 "Purpose Principles" that she has found can help anyone learn to be led so they can effectively lead others. Whether at work, in ministry or home, we all must set parameters on our life so we can do what God has called us to do with passion, while also realizing we were never called to "do it all." Purpose is a mindset where passion lives, faith thrives, and God's will is accomplished in the life of every Believer! She is a free-lance writer, magazine publisher, and dynamic motivational speaker. Beth hosts the Life on Purpose television series on www.Pureflix.com  Beth is a wife, mother of two, and a grandmother.

 

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks is a graduate of the LSU College of Business. Her public service spirit was born at a young age, leading her to complete an internship at the Center for Progressive Leadership in Washington, DC where she was later a fully funded fellow. During her time there, Tyra worked as Staff Assistant at a national public policy think-tank, Staff Assistant to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky on Capitol Hill, and Account Manager at a progressive political firm. Her procurement and proposal experience began in 2007 during this time. Tyra has since participated in several training courses on supplier diversity, RFP responses, and presentation skills. She is a certified Co.Starters instructor and served as a trainer for BRCC serving small and large corporations across the state. During her years of training small businesses, Tyra has taught classes on proposal writing, doing business with the government and the business model canvas to name a few. Tyra formed her first company, Banks Consulting a decade ago and since has helped hundreds of companies and non-profits through consulting, training, and coaching access more than 9 million dollars in contracts and grants. After completing a fellowship at the Ford Foundation, Tyra studied the racial wealth gap and pursued licenses in financial services to expand the services she offers to non-profits, businesses, and families. She currently holds a Louisiana Insurance Producers License and a Series 6 Investment License.  For her 30th birthday, she published her first book, The Purpose Filled Woman to encourage women to honor their journey and live in their purpose. Through her speaking and financial coaching, Tyra helps women, businesses, and organizations define their greatness and get the money planned out to live in it.  Tyra works hard to balance her work with intentional mothering. She is a certified STEP and Nurturing Parenting Facilitator. She enjoys cooking, reading, and finding new ways to explore the world with her precious son.

August 28, 2020 Show

Maria Harmon

Maria Harmon is from Lake Charles, LA. She has been organizing since the age of 16 with the Junior Daughters of the Knights of Peter Claver. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Southern University A&M College of Baton Rouge, LA. During her time at Southern, Maria built a network of over 2,000 students to become civically engaged while working with the Louisiana Democratic Party. She helped in starting up Democracy Prep Public School of Baton Rouge as a Community Organizer by helping enroll 192 students for their first school year 2015-2016. She has worked for the Micah Project, a federation of the PICO National Network/Faith In Action, in 2016 as a community organizer working in education and civic engagement. Maria is now the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Step Up Louisiana a grassroots membership based organization that advocates for economic and education justice across the state of Louisiana.

July 23, 2020 Show

Stephen Stix Josey A.K.A. "STIX"

is a half Italian and African American Producer/Director/Writer/Author & Actor. Born to an Italian woman in New York. Stephen however grew up in the housing Projects of Boston as a young child. At the age of 6 he met a drummer performing at the Boston Commons, who allowed him to experience playing with the drums himself for the first time. That paved the way for Stephen to become a musician. At the age of only 14 he was a drummer on a Gospel Album. That was his introduction into the Entertainment industry. Stephen also went on to attend Saddleback Film School in California as well as STCC for Business Management. He also taught himself how to play the piano and make his own original music. As a result Stephen has Produced, Recorded and Engineered on over 50 albums. He was also signed to Sony Records as an in-house Music Producer through Prodigy of Mobb Deep. As they say Producers come, Producers go and then there are those Producers that set the trends and stay the distance. Stephen is one of those people. He is a Producer/Actor/Writer and Director that exemplifies the terms of being humble and easy to work with. Stephen knows how to make things easy and effective for the numerous Film/TV Executives, Business Executives and Record Labels that he works with throughout the world. As mentioned Stephen got his professional Start in Music with Sony Records Producing such acts as Mobb Deep, John Legend, Shyheim of Wu-Tang and several others. Stephen has now began creating his own feature films and Producing Albums for his Signed Artist through his Company. The Company is called SPOTLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT. The company specializes in Film & Music and has Produced several Albums and Film Projects.

 June 25, 2020 Show 

Award-Winning Filmmaker Keith A. Beauchamp attended Southern University in Baton Rouge where he studied Criminal Justice with the intention of becoming a Civil Rights Attorney. As a young boy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Beauchamp had his share of run ins with racism but it wasn’t until an incident where he was assaulted by an undercover police officer after dancing with a white classmate at a party that he felt compelled to fight racism and move to New York. It was here he could pursue a dream in becoming filmmaker. And through this feat, he’d attempt to remedy some of the past and present injustices that plague communities abroad. In the fall of 1997, Beauchamp relocated from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to New York. He quickly found work at Big Baby Films, a company founded by childhood friends that focused on music video production. Beauchamp honed his behind-the-camera skills during the day and spent his evenings doing research and reaching out to anyone who might have information on the Emmett Till case, a story told to Beauchamp when he was just 10 years old. It was at this young age that Beauchamp saw a Jet magazine that contained a picture of Emmett Till’s dead body and was told the story behind Till’s murder. In 1999, Beauchamp founded Till Freedom Come Productions, a company devoted to socially significant projects that can both teach and entertain. He has devoted the past twenty-two years of his life telling the story of Emmett Till and has traveled extensively between New York, Chicago and Mississippi to investigate the historic murder. Through his journey he tracked and spoke with witnesses who had never before spoken about the case, befriended Mamie Till Mobley who took Beauchamp under her wing, worked with such influential figures as Muhammad Ali and Reverend Al Sharpton, all the while persistently lobbying both the State of Mississippi and the Federal Government to reopen the Emmett Till murder investigation. On May 10th, 2004, the United States Department of Justice re-opened this 50 year-old murder case citing Beauchamp’s documentary “The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till” as both a major factor in their decision and the starting point for their investigation. In May of 2005, Emmett’s body was exhumed and in 2006, the FBI turned over their evidence to the appropriate District Attorney in Mississippi. Sadly to say, in February 2007, a Mississippi Grand Jury made a decision to not indict the remaining suspects in the case. That same year, Beauchamp begin his collaboration with the FBI’s New Civil Rights “Cold Case” Initiative, producing documentaries on other unsolved civil rights murders in hopes of helping Federal agents with their investigations that could lead to bringing remaining perpetrators to justice. Keith Beauchamp has been featured on '60 Minutes', ABC World News Tonight 'Person of the Week,' Court TV, MSNBC, 'Good Morning America,' CNN, BBC as well as in hundreds of publications around the world including The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Associated Press and the Chicago Sun Times. Beauchamp’s past works included, TV One’s 'Murder in Black and White' hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton and 'Wanted Justice: Johnnie Mae Chappell’ for the History Channel and ‘BET’s Exceptional Black Women.’ Beauchamp is the former Executive Producer and Host of Investigation Discovery’s Award-winning crime reality series, 'The Injustice Files,’ and currently the producer of the upcoming feature film “Till,” which is being co-produced by Fred Zollo, Whoopi Goldberg and Barbara Broccoli. He is also a frequent lecturer at colleges and universities around the country.

Dr. K. Renee Horton

Dr. K. Renee Horton was named a 2019 Louisianan of the year featured in the Louisiana Life magazine. She is honored in a group of nine individuals who stand out in their professions, give back and represent what’s best about Louisiana. She is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and works diligently in the community for STEM education and STEM outreach. Renee believes in changing the face of STEM. She is the founder of Unapologetically Being, Inc., a nonprofit for advocacy and mentoring in STEM. Renee is a compelling and international inspirational speaker who brings her epic personal story, expertise, and incredible personality to each of her award-winning presentations. Renee has spoken all over the world including South Africa, Brazil, South Korea, Canada, Jamaica and Mexico. She has served as an invited speaker for the first International Women and Girls Day at the United Nations, Dow Chemical Black History Speaker, the National Air and Space Museum, Essence Power Stage, LSU Engineering commencement, numerous youth groups, just to name a few. She is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is a graduate of Louisiana State University and with a Ph.D. in Material Science and a concentration in Physics from the University of Alabama, as the first African American to receive this degree. In her day job, she serves as a NASA Space Launch System (SLS) Quality Engineer at Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans. Throughout her academic career, Renee has received numerous accolades and awards including the Black Engineer of the Year Trailblazer Award in 2011. In 2016, Renee was elected President of the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) as the second woman to hold the office. She has served the physics community abroad as a member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) Women in Physics Working Group and currently serves on several advisory boards dedicated to a more diverse inclusion in physics. In 2017, she was elevated to a Fellow in the NSBP, which is the highest honor bestowed upon a member and in 2018 was inducted into Sigma Pi Sigma, the prestige honor society in physics. She is the author of Dr. H Explores the Universe, a children’s series, Dr. H and her Friends, and Dr. H Explores the ABCs. She is a proud member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as well as the proud mother of three and grandmother of two.

April 23, 2020 Show

Virginia Battles

is a Licensee Belief Therapist, Certified Youth Behavior Advisor, Certified Reentry Crisis Counselor, and a graduate from University of Phoenix in Psychology who has worked in the field of domestic violence since June 2004. She is the CEO of Diamonds in the Rough Housing & Learning Center, Inc. where she refers and counsels' women and children living their lives with domestic violence. Virginia is also the President/CEO of Greer DV Consulting Firm located in Beaumont, Texas working “Crisis Intervention” with women and children living their life in domestic violence, adolescents with the “Quit Digging” program, and “Living Free” for men and women released from prison. Virginia brings together many Strength & Awareness Programs to educate the public on different forms of domestic violence, and she has collaborated with many entities/organizations to help women and children with their everyday struggles. Virginia furthered her education and became certified to teach adolescents to “Quit Digging” and become “Men of Honor” and “Women of Grace.” Many adolescents have learned the pathway to behavior change and choice which has given them H.O.P.E. for their future and a positive mental attitude.

Peggy Sweeney-McDonald

is an event planner, actress, producer and writer. She is a native of Baton Rouge and an LSU Graduate.  She has returned home to Baton Rouge from Los Angeles, California where she was the Owner of Superstar Events-LA and produced unique and memorable red carpet, non-profit and corporate events. She is the creator of Meanwhile, Back at Café Du Monde… Life Stories About Food, the hit festive food monologue show and the author of the best-selling coffee table book by Pelican Publishing.  After the premiere; Meanwhile showed in Baton Rouge in 2010, she produced the show across the country with over 150 shows with 400 storytellers sharing their food stories in restaurants, corporate events and non-profit events.  Peggy has been a presenter at The Louisiana Book Festival, The Faulkner Society Words & Music Conference, The California Culinary Historians, The Louisiana Restaurant Association, Women of Infinite Possibilities, Passions of the Palate and the Chili Pepper Extravaganza.  Since being back in Baton Rouge, she has created events for the Louisiana Marathon, Southern Food and Beverage Museum, the East Baton Rouge Library, Preserve Louisiana and the Louisiana International Film Festival.  She recently produced and starred in the Pulitzer Prize winning play, Love Letters at the Old Governor’s Mansion. Peggy was the Event Director at Preserve Louisiana.  She is married to James McDonald, a realtor for Keller Williams.

Blain Grimes has been in Banking and Credit industry for over 25 years and has taught personal finance since 2005. He says financial literacy has honestly become a passion to him. Blaine wears several hats throughout the community and says one of his most rewarding is being Vice Chairman of the Southern University College of Business Advisory Council where he is proud and honored to give back to the institution that has made a difference in his life.

Lucas Fry

Lucas Fry has been in media for 40 years. He has worked for major corporate clients including Ford, Disney, Gulf Power, YMCA, Community Options, American Cyanmid and more. He has designed and built complete broadcast facilities for both networks and local TV stations. He has scripted and produced award winning Television productions including live concerts, sports and political debates. He has expert knowledge in 3D, VR, HD and multicast production techniques and is an expert in sound capture. His specialties is producer of quality TV programming.

December 26, 2019 Show

Willie Samuel King Jr.

the father of 5 children, is currently considered a senior citizen, a philanthropist, a mentor, an owner of three small businesses and sometimes called the silver fox because of his grey hair. He is from Washington, La and a graduate of Washington High School of Washington, La. His business career started at the age of 7 and continues throughout his entire life. He has an associate degree from Saint Martin’s University and a bachelor’s degree from Graduate Theological Seminary. He currently manages King’s Funeral Home and Dream Investments, People First Insurance Agency. He has been published in many magazines and newspaper articles. He was named Small Business Person of the Year for the State of Louisiana. He was featured in the book Turning Dreams into Success by Bunny and Larry Holman. His future plans are to retire and enjoy his wealth, unless amazing opportunities come crashing in.

November 28, 2019 Show

Meet Producer/Comedian/writer/Actor Sebastian "C-Bazz" Fort!! Small town Louisiana native began his entertainment career in 2001. C-Bazz has since starred in numerous national commercials, films, skits etc including touring with Drew Carey from the Price is Right. Most recently C-Bazz has produced his own sitcom pilot titled "Keeping The Peace" and created a show cast called "The C-Bazz Cast"!! This content creator stays on the move and is making major noise in the entertainment world!!

Derrick "DMic Forbes 

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, La studied abroad, then decided to join the military served one term of four years and return home in 2010. A few years later he and his mother started producing a documentary called "4 South" the 1st black nurses of Baton Rouge General Hospital. DMic then join up with a fellow Comedian named C-Bazz The Creator and producer of a video PODCAST named the C-Bazz Cast which is very funny and informative. They completed twelve episodes. DMic and C-Bazz in 2017 filmed a comedy Sitcom in which DMic executive produced and co-stared in. This up and coming producer, actor/comedian is on the rise. He is currently writing two movies.

September 26, 2019 Show

Lorenzo Neff Jr.

Lorenzo is a God fearing man, actor, writer, producer, and talk show host. He has been in local and national commercials, several television shows, and movies. He was born in Clinton Louisiana and spent most of his childhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Channeyville Louisiana. He presently resides in Baton Rouge, La. He has been in several acting classes and studied video editing at Baton Rouge Community College. As an independent film maker Lorenzo is now focusing on faith based films and television. His last show was a talk show called Good News ENT and ran on the CW locally. His current project is a comedy drama television show called, Who Said Marriage Was Easy.

 

August  22, 2019 Show

Benjamin Zucker

Ben is co-director of Step Up Louisiana he is a labor and community organizer who has been working and living in Louisiana since he was 18 years old. Ben worked as a lead regional and local organizer with the Fight for $15 campaign until co-founding Step Up Louisiana in 2017. He held down many critical roles for the Fight for $15 including shop floor fast food worker organizer, community coalition builder, leading organizing staff and coordinating the endless logistics, legal and communications pieces of the comprehensive campaign. He has worked with and for several other organizations and social movements including United Students Against Sweatshops, the Occupy Movement, New York Communities for Change, SEIU, Jobs with Justice and the Alliance for Migration, Leadership and Development. Some victories Ben has been proud to be a part of organizing include the New Orleans Ban the Box ordinance, the $10.10 minimum wage increase in Connecticut, the New York Fast Food Worker Wage Board $15 victory and the Valarie Ervin’s Board of Education and County Council campaign victories in 2004 and 2006. Ben graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a degree in Public Health in 2011 and won the Jim Runsdorf Excellence in Public Service award for his student organizing and service work there. Ben has been featured for his organizing work in the LA Times, Atlantic Magazine, the Washington Post, CNN, the Thom Hartman Show, the Pelican Post, the Huffington Post and many local television stations in Louisiana and Washington D.C.

Mission of Step Up Louisiana
The members of Step Up Louisiana are committed to building political power to win education and economic justice for all. Our members step up and go beyond voting to campaign, organize from a racial justice perspective and hold political and community leaders accountable. We work in our own neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces to disrupt systemic oppression. We build the people-power needed to win in our state

July 25, 2019 Show

Shameka Gray

is an Actress born and raised in New Orleans. She studied theater at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA and later received her BFA in acting and producing at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. Her recent projects include Alienated, Always on My Mind and Murderous Affairs. Shameka is currently the President of the Women in Film and Television Louisiana Chapter and has been on the Board since 2016."
 

June 27, 2019 Show

is the founder and chairman of Zoetic Energy, a leading edge renewable energy developer. Zoetic is the culmination of Mr. Ringo’s life’s long work to promote sustainable development through the use of clean technology solution. He is an internationally recognized thought leader on global environmental issues and has led two of the largest environmental organizations in the world, the 6 million member National Wildlife Federation and the Apollo Alliance, which was a 19 million member organization during his tenure.

After years of advocacy work, Mr. Ringo saw the stark need for direct involvement. The needs in the developing world were so pressing, that he formed Zoetic to directly tackle issues such as energy security. Today, Mr. Ringo draws on an international network to bring best-in-class technology solutions to leaders in the developing world. He has formed a diverse team with broad experience in renewable energy solutions as well as development work in Africa, India, Asia and Latin America.

In addition, Mr. Ringo was featured in Vice President Al Gore’s Academy Award-winning Documentary, An Inconvenient Truth and has co-authored two books: Diversity and the Future of the U.S. Environmental Movement (published 2007) and The Green Festival Reader (published 2008).

May 23, 2019 Show

Katherine Michele Sanders

New Orleans, La  Teacher, Motivational and Educational- Muse Speaker, Mentor.   K. Michele Sanders is a Middle school Science and Math teacher in New Orleans, LA. Michele has taught middle school students for 9 years yet, as anyone who knows her will tell you she has been teaching much longer. She grew up with three incredible female role models and teachers in her life. Her mother “Connie”, a teacher, jack of many trades, if it could be done, Connie can do it; and her infamous grandmother, “Katherine Johnson” a teacher, mathematician, physicist, aerospace technologist and film “Hidden Figures” main character as well as paternal grandmother “Pauline Boykin” a teacher, artist, politician. Teaching, Math and Sciences is in her blood. She has been praised by her mentors and employers for her ability to inspire young people to reach for the stars in learning and setting goals for their future. Whether in the classroom, an auditorium or in the garden talking with them about the world of possibilities, she doesn’t quit. “I wish you could speak every year, again and again, our youth were all ears,” says Susan Issacs Community Engagement Librarian at Crowley Library in Texas.   She has had speaking engagements at; Louisiana State University, (LSU), U.S. Dept. of Energy (Metairie, La.), John C. Stennis Space Center, (NASA), Southern University Honors Award ceremony, numerous AKA and Delta Sororities “Hidden Figures” movie events, Isidore Newman College Preparatory School, Louisiana Children’s Museum day camp , Tidewater Community College, in Va. Beach, Va. Robotics Summer Camp, Black Heritage Trail Annual, Black New England Conference (2017) and Crowley Public Library, (Crowley, Tx.) are some of the notable events. WBOK 1630 AM Radio Show and featured in “Who Said You Can’t, African American Women in Science” a documentary due to premier late 2019. #WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T. Most recently NYC Dept. of Education, Computer Science for All Teacher CON, panel speaker.  Contact info: tothemoonkmbs@gmail.com  or direct at (504)439-4857.