.jpeg)
Mentoring | Personal & Professional Development | Networking | Career & Leadership Development Programs and Events
Signature Event Planning Cohort
Nyalah Amani
The Nyalah Amani is a remarkable woman whose life has been marked by resilience, courage, and an unwavering belief in her destiny for greatness. Despite being plagued by chronic illnesses that bring a constant list of symptoms too long to list, she has never lost sight of her dreams. Her journey, however, has been anything but easy, filled with profound personal losses and challenges that tested her spirit. Once a collegiate athlete, Nyalah Amani was a rising star on the tennis courts, earning a full scholarship through her hard work. She trained rigorously for 16 years, hoping to see how far her talent and determination could take her. But just as she was on the cusp of greatness, her world was turned upside down by the onset of chronic illnesses she never anticipated. The emotional toll of these health struggles was later compounded by a series of heartbreaking losses. In a span of three recent years (2021- 2023), Nyalah Amani lost her father, grandmother, and grandfather, one after the other. The grief and sorrow from these losses, combined with her own invisible “ailments”, have created a perfect storm of pain and despair. Once a vibrant athlete with limitless potential, she found herself needing to be cared for by her mother, who bathed and tended to her as the pain left her bedridden, so she thought. Despite these challenges, Nyalah Amani has refused to let her “illnesses” define her. Her experiences have ignited a passion within her to advocate for others who suffer from similar conditions. She aims to build a speaking career that raises awareness, providing support for chronic illness warriors. Her vision extends beyond speaking engagements; she dreams of founding a nonprofit organization called A.M.P.S., which stands for "Acknowledge My Personal Strengths." This organization will not only bring awareness to conditions like Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome and severe Fibromyalgia but will also create a supportive community where all chronic warriors can share their stories and find solace in shared experiences. Through A.M.P.S., Nyalah Amani hopes to break the silence/isolation that often accompanies chronic illness. She wants to create a space where pain is acknowledged and understood, where no one feels they must pretend they're okay when they're not. By sharing her story and building a community of support, she aspires to be a beacon of hope and a source of strength for those navigating the challenges of chronic illness.
Leris G. Bernard
Fueled by a need to bring life affirming messages to underserved communities, Leris G. Bernard developed LERIS Media, a Marketing and Public Relations Firm, of strategic communications, digital marketing, and public relations services that catapult corporations, public institutions and non-profits to fulfilling their goals and missions. LERIS Media uses an integrated communications strategy of digital marketing and media relations services to create public messaging that impacts lives and distribute it through national media platforms. We increase market acquisition for our corporate clients by designing multicultural communications in dual languages campaigns using traditional and digital media in international markets to create cultural connections with the targeted markets. This agency has created campaigns for all races and creeds: Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, Asian American, Pacific Islander American, and Native American. LERIS Media has been named to the 2022 PR News Agency Elite Top 100 and awarded the 2021 CSR & Diversity Award for Best Campaign by a Black-Owned Firm. Leris Media wrote and distributed press releases that made tens of millions of impressions across media outlets. Some of the press coverage LERIS Media has garnered include: Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise, Washington Post, MSM Noticias, Washington Informer, Afro Newspaper, Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Caucus, Pittsburgh Gazette, Charleston Chronicle, Chinese World Journal, Korea Times, El Diario NY, Cherokee Phoenix, Native Voice Radio, WUSA Channel 9, and NBC Channel 4. LERIS Media’s clients have been delighted by increased sales as a result of successful direct marketing campaigns. They have experienced how heightened press coverage increases public awareness and generates event revenue. Past and current clients include non-profits, corporations, government agencies and management associations such as US Health Resources & Services Administration, National Institute of Health, CDC Dept of Reproductive Health, Lupus Education Awareness Program, Epilepsy Foundation, National Arican American Child & Family Research Center, Black Women’s Health Imperative, Smithsonian Institution, East River Jazz Festival, Rhythm & Blues Foundation, Branding4Change, Hager Sharp and US Airways Magazine.
Ardena Brooks
Ardena Brooks is the founder and CEO of Designs by Ardena, LLC for over 18 years helping individuals and businesses to preserve their history, heritage and legacy through art. She is a co-author, speaker and master photographic artist, who’s helped hundreds of customers, by bringing life to damaged and even well-kept photos through art. This process allows their history of untold and told stories to continue to be passed on for years and generations to come. Her services include, photo restoration, portrait fine art, custom art, wall art designing, and print services, while offering medium options such as acrylic, aluminum metal and canvas for all art products. Ardena holds a degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Los Angeles. Straight out of school she began designing for the American-Japanese newspaper, John Wayne Cancer & Research Society, then fulltime for eleven years as head designer with Ever Increasing Faith Television ministry, Charles Drew University, the Los Angeles South Chamber of Commerce, and the very well-known Dulan’s Soul Food restaurant, to name a few of her business customers. Photo restoration is a major part of the services requested, which began after a co-worker commissioned Ardena to salvage, repair and restore a very precious photo that was extremely damaged. These restoration services help people to preserve their valuable photos, documents and even newspaper articles. She finds that encouraging her clients to not only value their photos but to embrace the stories that capture the timeless moments of life and precious memories, a passion dear to Ardena’s heart. “We have to pass on our stories”, she would say, “and help our future generations connect the dots of their own history.” Ardena also believes that knowing one’s own history, especially if captured in photos and then created into art, only enhances the magical experience of storytelling, which is just an added value to preserving legacy for future generations to enjoy, embrace, and pass on for years to come…because if we don’t, then who will? www.DesignsbyArdena.com ardena@designnsbyardena.com 310-713-9203
Barbara BaSeemah Calhoun-Hasan
Obtained degrees from Cuyahoga Community College, the prestigious Cleveland State University, and University of Al Islam. Exceptional organizational and management skills, and have been in multiple positions of leadership as a business consultant on different advisory boards. Community involvement in nonprofit organizations as well as outreach programs. Worked in Government as a former Executive Assistant to the Mayor, a Human Resource Director, and a Civil Service Secretary. Former Steering Committee Chair, Organizer and Administrator of Operations across United States and in West Africa. The objective was joining Muslims and Non- Muslims members in every location for purpose of connecting businesses. Currently, is the NMBC Executive Director and the Director of International Business Center. In 2021, was invited to join the delegation to meet His Excellency, President of Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio. In 2015 at the NMBC Business Conference and Expo in Houston, Texas, I was instrumental in directing hosting and presenting the Ambassador of Senegal, His Excellency Fode Seck, as the NMBC Awards Banquet Keynote Speaker. I established communications with President Julius Maada Bio, Honorable Cabinet Members: Mohamed Lansana, Solomon; Jamiru, Deputy Minister of Information & Communications, and Spokesman, Fyeston Bockary. In 2022, I was instrumental in directing hosting presenting NMBC jointly with the first USA appointed Ambassador, Special Envoy Import & Export, by President Sierra Leone. Mr. Waleed Shamsid Deen. Jointly I was instrumental in directing NMBC and in accommodating over 50 delegates to Senegal, Dakkar jointly with African Diaspora’s group, to attend the first NMBC Conference and establishing the NMBC first office in Senegal West Africa. BaSeemah, widow of David K. Hasan, founder/President of NMBC experienced educator and entrepreneur with over 45 years of combined experience in Government, Health and Beauty Aid Corporations. Participated with nonprofits such as: Board Member for: Board Member for the Mary S. Harper Geriatric- Psychiatry Center, Tuscaloosa, AL; Advisory Board of the Cleveland Heights Vocational Center, OH; Advisory Board, Remington College, Garfield Heights, OH. Entrepreneur/Owner: Van Aken Consulting, New International Products, LLC; BaSeemah Connections; Former President, Bilal Business Interest Group, LLC (BBIG) Investment group in Ohio.
MeLisa Collins
I am MeLisa Samia Collins, a devoted professional with over 25 years of experience in social services, specializing in the personal development of young girls. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master's in Human Resources, I took the initiative to establish the AS I AM Girls Club in 2004—a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls aged 11-18. Additionally, I am passionate about sharing my expertise through speaking engagements at schools and organizations, where I strive to inspire and empower audiences with my insights and experiences.
Donnetta Davis
Donnetta “Dheemarie” Davis is a speaker, life coach, content creator, author, real estate investor and founder of a nonprofit organization. She founded the Shirley Mae Lowery Foundation (2023) in honor of her late grandmother who was killed inside the courthouse in downtown Milwaukee while obtaining a restraining order. As a SURVIVOR of emotional, financial and social abuse, Dheemarie hopes to empower other survivors of emotional abuse to heal, grow and thrive through dreaming bigger than ever before. Though horrible situations can hinder and throw us off the path of destiny, life is still amazingly beautiful and worth living to the fullest; sometimes we just need a push to remind us we are worthy of following our dreams. She is a world traveler, foodie, and an avid reader. Her latest book: Vision: What Your Dreams Are Trying To Tell You is now available on AMAZON.COM. Instagram: @dheemarie.inc YouTube: @Dheemarieinc
Sharyn Faison
Sharyn Faison-Williams is the founder and CEO of the Anointed Grace Sixty Enterprise, CEO of Grace Sixty Marketing Agency, Team Leader in the Federal Government and founder of Enlarging Your Circle of Love Ministry. She is a member of Seeds of Greatness Bible Church and a covenant partner with Bill Winston Ministries. She is compassionate and committed person who enjoys blessing others. At the age of 60 she stepped out on faith to pursue her calling. She believes that on the other side of her obedience there is someone in need waiting. She states that daily she ask the Lord, to let His spirit guide her. And that fulfilling her assignment is her pleasure. One of her assignments is to help small and medium sizes businesses scale to unbelievable heights. She is a wife, mother of five adult children and grandmother of one (Kaliyah). When she is not hard at work she enjoys spending time with family, planning special eating events with them, reading and baking.
Bernice Feaster
Bernice Feaster is the founder and owner of The Scholar Mom, LLC. The Scholar Mom, LLC is a consulting business that offers services and assistance to advise college-bound high school students and parents on specific preparation strategies on marketing a student for success in college preparation and scholarships. High school students and parents are advised on the college application process and are coached in the strategic planning and preparation for college admissions, and they are consulted in the strategic marketing process for achieving scholarship awards. The Scholar Mom, LLC is established to helping make attending college a reality. Over the last 13 years, The Scholar Mom, LLC has helped hundreds of families in their dreams of getting into the college of their choice and has helped students to amass millions of dollars in scholarship awards. With these achievements, we offer encouragement to students to pursue their goals for a better life. Bernice has been married to Tyrone Feaster for over 38 years, they have two wonderful sons, Dr. Jeremy Feaster, Jalen Feaster. We never wrote a check for college. I know God put this business in mind to help students and parents to avoid paying for college. The Scholar Mom has been an expert for over 20 years, after coaching their two sons, who were accepted into 16 universities and offered over 2 million dollars in scholarships offers. 2012 Launched the business in 2012 and never looked back. Has helped over 500 plus families and my students have been offered over 20 million dollars in scholarships offers. Some of the Scholar Mom Team accomplishments are: - Over 20 million dollars in scholarships offers to her student. - 100% college admittance - 95% of students received 1st choice in their college or university - Prestigious Scholarships offers from top universities The purpose of “The Scholar Mom” is to consult, advise, and coach high school students and their parents in preparation and marketing strategies for success in obtaining achieving academic scholarships. The overall mission of “The Scholar Mom” is to help students design a road map for high school success, college planning, and maximum scholarship awards. Bernice is a LEO!
Elizabeth Franks
As a Stress Management Coach specializing in HeartMath techniques, I help individuals transform fear, worry, and stress into peace, power, and perseverance. By using scientifically validated methods, I teach practical tools for emotional balance and self-regulation. My clients experience reduced stress, enhanced well-being, and improved quality of life, enabling them to navigate challenges with confidence and ease.
Mia-Michelle Henry
Mia-Michelle Henry understands how life can sometimes obstruct the pursuit of your dreams. As a transformational therapist, coach, educator, and motivational speaker, Mia-Michelle empowers her clients to live authentically, filled with passion and purpose. She blends powerful insights with years of training to help others achieve positive change through simple, laser-focused actions. Her genuine approach ensures that clients remain accountable and continue to progress on their unique journeys. Mia-Michelle is a dynamic speaker, transformational life coach, trainer, and author. Her life embodies a commitment to educating, empowering, and inspiring others to discover their authentic selves and live their greatness. As a Les Brown Platinum Speaker, Mia-Michelle is a gifted coach who connects with and inspires diverse audiences. She speaks to individuals, schools, companies, and non-profit organizations, using her personal philosophy on success to educate and motivate them toward higher levels of achievement. Her passion, poise, and practical approach will captivate and challenge you to rethink your mindset and dare to live from the heart. She holds a Bachelor’s in Family Consumer Resources from the University of Arizona, a Post-Baccalaureate in Elementary Education, and a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Phoenix.
Lia James-Stone
Lia James-Stone is an experienced Entrepreneur, Life & Wellness Coach, Author, Speaker and Minister. Driven by her compassion for others and their well-being, she takes pride in providing the best services possible to help women grow. Her passion for women can be tracked back as young as 16-years-old when she would dream of operating a group home for teen moms, and women battling depression, anxiety and identity crisis. This passion led her to make her goal to create a platform dedicated to encouraging women to discover their true selves, so they can live the life they desire. Always one to give back, Lia published her book, “It's Ok Not to Be Ok: 7 Keys to Happy Through the Storms of Life.” This was written to help women defeat depression and heal. After years of being hurt by people she loved and trusted, Lia lost herself and struggled to find her life's purpose. This led her to begin the self-development work needed to heal through the storms of life. She implemented strategies all of which are outlined in her book, and realized it's ok, not to be ok. Lia didn't want her years of sacrifice, tears, hard work, trials and tribulations to go in vain, so she started her coaching program, Unleash Your Vision™, to help others live life to the fullest and walk in their power and purpose. Through conferences, luncheon, retreats, workshops and other platforms, her organization motivates and educates women around the world to build their business, communities, and families. Most Requested Speaking Topics: Unleasing the Vision: How to Reach Your Goal as an Entrepreneur So You Want to Live Your Best Life: 3 Important Strategies to Bring Your Ideas to Fruition It's Not You, It's Me: How to Deal With Social Anxiety Confessions: The Power of the Tongue and How to Speak Life to Your Vision You're Not Crazy: How to Defeat Depression for Good Visit Lia online at LiaJamesStone.Life Follow on Social Media: @IAmLiaJamesStone
Pamela Lue-Hing
Pamela “Coach P” Lue-Hing The Coach for Women Coaches |Transformational Speaker |10 x Author Pamela “Coach P” Lue-Hing is the Founder & CEO of Powerhouse Unlimited, LLC, a company that specializes in training women coaches to package their brilliance and take it to the marketplace. With a BA degree in Communications/Public Relationships, 13 years of coaching and over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, personal, and program development, Coach P is your go-to source for transformative coaching and business development. Her company empowers women coaches to clarify their brands, identify their niche & ideal clients, and to market and sell their products and services. Her mission is crystal clear: to help coaches build confidence by providing the tools they need in a one-stop-shop to effortlessly attract their dream clients. However, Coach P's journey did not start in the coaching arena. After facing downsizing not once, but three times, she embarked on a remarkable transformation, becoming a certified Christian Life Coach and a certified DISC trainer. Beyond coaching, she's also a 10 x author and transformational speaker. Coach P has published the acclaimed four-book series, Pink Slip to POWERHOUSE: 12 Steps to Next, five annual editions of the Powerhouse Woman In Motion Ultimate Planning System for Life and Business and her latest gem, Powerhouse Coach in Motion: The Ultimate Playbook for New Coaches. She is a visionary, and a champion for coaches who are ready to embrace their God-given assignment, become astute CEOs, and live by design and not by default. Coaches come for coaching, but they leave with so much more. When she’s not coaching, Coach P enjoys life with her son, Allonte’ Valentino who owns and operates a commercial cleaning business; her daughter, Carrington Marie, a professional dancer & entertainer and is honored to care for her 87-year young mom. Connect with me: www.powerhouseinmotion.com Phone: 877-826-2247 Email: info@powerhouseinmotion.com IG: @pluehing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelaluehing/
Demetra Moore
Demetra Moore specializes in coaching and facilitation, focusing on leadership development at all levels. With over two decades of experience at LPL Financial, she excels in coaching, public speaking, and professional development. Demetra's commitment to empowering individuals shines through her work, utilizing workshops and coaching to foster self-reflection and confidence. She holds a Professional Certified Coach credential from the International Coach Federation and serves as an international coach trainer with several training programs. Demetra has coached leaders from prestigious organizations like Google, Starbucks, Duke CE, and MARS. A published author and respected authority, Demetra is renowned for igniting transformation in individuals and teams. Her passion for making a difference drives her to continually empower excellence in leadership development. Through her unique approach, she helps clients shift their focus from obstacles to opportunities, nurturing personal growth and transformation. Demetra's impact extends far beyond her coaching practice, with her work featured in esteemed publications such as Connected Woman Magazine and The Huffington Post. As the dynamic force behind Moore Out of Life, Demetra remains dedicated to unlocking leadership potential and fostering high-performing teams. Based in Atlanta, GA, Demetra enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, and traveling.
Linda Morgan
Linda Morgan Sam, Co-Founder of JazzZone JazZabration, Inc. In fifteen years, Jazz & Blues Legacy Preservationist, Linda Morgan Sam has carved a niche in Los Angeles among Jazz & Blues fans by lauding more than two hundred plus Jazz & Blues Artists, Programmers, and Artisans at many different Living Legends Jazz series, now titled “Living Legend JazZabrations®. Ms. Morgan Sam founded the Living Legend Foundation in 2012 while working with her current Partner, Roscoe Lee Owens, and the Jammin Foundation with the purpose of honoring Jazz & Blues Legends and educating them about the importance of legacy protection and preservation. Linda has partnered with various organizations to bring forth her vision, among them are the Jammin’ Foundation, We-Can Foundation, Sweet & Hot Music Foundation, the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP, Leimert Park Jazz & Blues Society, and The JazzZone. Many Jazz and Blues artists have since received adoring words from colleagues and commendations from city officials. From vocalists to guitarists, violinists, and trumpeters, a full spectrum of Jazz & Blues excellence has been included in the Living Legends events. Among the honorees are Barbara Morrison, Billy Mitchell, Clora Bryant, Rose Gales, Marla Gibbs, Donald Dean, Jody Jaress, Phil Upchurch, Ernie Andrews, and Gerald Wilson, just to name a few. “We must celebrate the present, while they are alive to receive it and give them their flowers while they can appreciate them. “We must celebrate the future, encouraging young aspiring artists so that they will continue the Legacy of Jazz and Blues and carry it into the future." I have now been tasked with celebrating the past, keeping the Legacies of our beloved Legends alive for future generations. The qualifying factor for the Legends is that they have all dedicated at least twenty-five years to the Jazz & Blues industry and be at least 60 years young. Young people are also encouraged to attend the JazZabrations® and have previously been invited to perform. Before the transition of her long-time friend and mentor Barbara Morrison, she along with her Partner Roscoe Lee Owens, started a series every 3rd Thursday, celebrating LIFE with a Legacy Birthday Jam at Barbara's Center. In January of 2022, Barbara urged Linda and Roscoe to start another non-profit, thus birthed JazzZone JazZabration, Inc. on January 25th, 2022, to continue the work of honoring and celebrating Jazz & Blues Legends. We have completed our mission every month, on the 3rd Thursday of the month, at the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center working with Timothy Morganfield and Karen A. Clark as they continue Barbara' Legacy. Linda is now living bi-coastal, between Long Beach and Leimert Park and is a Board Member of the Long Beach Blues Society with Bill Grisolia (Griz-O-Leah). She will continue enjoying her Live music escapades as she works and plan events in both areas.
Carol Muleta
Carol Muleta is a distinguished Parenting Consultant and Founder of The Parenting 411®, a trusted resource hub providing vital information for parents. She equips parents with tools and strategies to courageously connect with their children, confidently teach them skills for life, and consciously tap into the joy in parenting. Carol engages parents through keynotes, webinars, coaching, and The Parenting 411® Podcast. In 2019, she was honored as the District of Columbia Mother of the Year® by American Mothers, Inc. and named Radio Personality of the Year at SpeakerCon for her Parenting 411 radio show. A seven-time best-selling author, her latest book was a finalist at the 2022 International Book Awards. Her signature talk, “Show Up As You Glow Up: Creating Harmony Between Your Hustle and Your Home” has inspired many working moms. Carol, a former corporate marketing manager responsible for a $1 billion portfolio, is also the proud mother of thriving twin sons and the recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to serving parents and families.
Joyce B. Nyairo
Born in the vibrant village of Kisii, Kenya, Joyce B. Nyairo is a Multilingual global explorer, infusing her cultural richness into a journey that spans the globe. Her experiences shape a unique perspective, enriching the world of nutrition with a soul-nourishing essence. She has traveled to over 40 countries. Joyce is more than a professional; she's a dedicated beacon in health, lifestyle coaching, etiquette and protocol consulting, and international speaking engagements. As the visionary Founder and President of Amazing Balance International Group, she champions holistic well-being, empowering individuals to achieve harmony in life, love, and language. AMAZE is at the heart of her transformative approach, a groundbreaking 5-pillar program designed to bring equilibrium to life, love, and language. Through a proprietary system of Accountability, Self-Management, and Attraction via mirroring behaviors, Joyce guides individuals to cultivate a Zest for life that propels them to love themselves and their lives. It's about speaking a new language harmoniously supporting every facet of one's being—a truly amazing balance. She speaks 4 languages (English, French, Swahili, and Kisii – Working on her Spanish). As a Certified Health & Lifestyle Coach and Organic Nourishment Chef, Joyce brings over 40 years of profound experience in nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Her understanding of the intricate communication between the body and spirit positions nutrition as a language, fluently spoken by Joyce—an Evangelist for your health and soul, guiding you towards holistic transformation beyond the ordinary. That is an Amazing Balance. •Formerly worked at the International Monetary Fund - Washington, DC, USA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer – Lyon France. •Passionate about making a difference in people's lives through holistic wellness. •Certified Health and Lifestyle Coach: Graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, specializing in Nutrition, Exercise, and Stress Management. •Protocol and Etiquette Consultant: A graduate of The Protocol School of Washington. •International Speaker: Provided health programs in Kenya, Tunisia, Guyana, Jamaica, and South Africa, influencing positive change on a global scale. •Seasoned Office Administrator and Manager: Extensive experience in executive administrative roles, demonstrating a keen ability to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. •Business Health Strategist: Leveraging a unique blend of health advocacy and business acumen to drive organizational success.
