RYSE - Fall 2016

Recognizing The Young Successful & Empowered

Fall 2016 $4.99 US

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RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW YOUR BUSINESS

OntheRYSE.com

ATHENA’S WAREHOUSE A SAFE HAVEN FOR YOUNG GIRLS ATLANTA HAWKS CMO MELISSA PROCTOR

BOOK CLUB

HOW EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN LEAD

WOMEN

ON THE RYSE RYSE Celebrates Women Who Are RYSING Personally and Professionally

WHO WE ARE

YBE

YOUNG BUSINESS E XECUTIVES

The readers of RYSE Magazine are Young Business Executives (YBE). YBEs are welleducated, ambitious go-getters, who strive to be the best in both their personal and professional lives. They excel at climbing the ladder in the corporate world, or at navigating unchartered paths as innovative and creative entrepreneurs.

YBEs are confident, cultured and know where they are going. They are community activists who promote building wealth through social change. They are not afraid to express their opinions, but are always open to new ideas.

Always keeping up with the current trends, YBEs earn a moderate to high disposable income and can be extravagant when it comes to enjoying the finer things in life. A sufficient amount of YBEs income is spent on maintaining their homes with trendy furnishings, accessories, clothing, activities and events with those closest to them.

They work smart, but play hard, making the transition appear seamless and effortless. Young Business Executives stand at the crossroads of change as a generation of ambitious, conscientious leaders and powerful voices within the communities they live.

Name: Kimberly Hogg Company: PepsiCo Title: Brand Manager for South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia

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YBEs like to retain a sense of individuality within their groups, while understanding that true power lies in unity and collectivism. They live by mottos such as Quality rather than quantity and Each one, must reach one. Well-travelled, YBEs are likely to try exotic destinations, while not forgetting their normal native destinations.

Contents FALL 2016

F E AT U R E S

Women on the RYSE From inspiring entrepreneurs to powerful corporate executives, RYSE takes a moment to spotlight a few women who are rising in their respective professions.

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POWER MOVES ATLANTA OFFERS A WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN LOOKING TO GROW THEIR BUSINESS P28 Cover Photo PHOTO BY QUEÅš WILLIAMS OF M.T.C.G.

C O N TR IB U T O R S

Bryanna Briley is a sophomore at a quirky institution called St. John’s College. In between reading the great books of dead old white guys and attempting to build a racial dialogue on her campus, she always finds time to write potentially awful poetry.

Jenny O’Donnell is Multimedia creator, dream-follower, and cat-whisperer with one goal: to effect positive change through powerful stories.

Sydnee Brashears is a writer with a passion for science, art, and storytelling in any form. Proudly Autistic, not so proudly still passes for the 12 and under discount.

Leah R. is the CEO of J’adore Monroe a vintage boutique and she’s a well-known wardrobe stylist in Atlanta. You can find Leah prepping her clients in impeccable style as they socialize they way from one sizzling event to the next. www.

LeahRWardrobeStylist.com.

Taylor Carlington is a Journalism and Marketing Communications student at Emerson College who enjoys writing about social issues and pop culture.

Jamillah Rahmaad is a Public Relations Consultant located in Atlanta, GA; her hometown is Flint, MI. Check out her weekly podcast, E Is For Eff It! and learn more about her at BefriendYourBrand.com. Connect her on social media at @Jai_Soapbox.

Lauren Everett is 21 year-old pro-black feminist from Atlanta, GA. Studying to be a citizen of the world, all while trying to find the perfect place to eat.

Lori Robinson is a Certified Corporate Etiquette & Career Consultant and the President of Corporate Moxie. Corporate Moxie was born to share the wisdom gleaned from experiences – good and bad while exploring a love of career climbing, etiquette and impeccable style rarely encouraged in the corporate marketplace. www.CorporateMoxie.com

Rachel George is a published writer with a passion for success and a zest for life. In addition to being the creator of OpinionatedRay.com, she’s working to become a lasting influence in society while becoming a phenomenal woman.

Bridgette Simmonds, known as Bridgette the Go Coach, is a Certified Professional Coach who specializes in helping her clients live the life they deserve! To gain clarity, motivation and success from your work, visit her at http:// www.bridgettethegocoach.com/

Danielle V. Jackson is a seasoned journalist and entrepreneur based in Atlanta. Thorough her company The Squared Suite, a DJ MJ Consulting company, she brings people together and empowers them to overcome their success barriers.

Andre Spivey has over 10 years of experience in Tech and Start-ups ranging from the advanced tech in the US Air Force to building his own educational software company Live 2 Learn Differently. His is a proud graduate of Morris Brown College and Cornell University.

Dr. Janie Lacy, LMHC, NCC, CSAT is a licensed psychotherapist who owns and operates a private practice in Maitland, Florida where she facilities individual & intensive group therapy.

Erica Strong is a celebrity stylist, motivational speaker and author. Known as the “Hair Therapist”, Erica has over twenty years of experience and has worked with celebrities, on movie sets and travels with clients. She’s the author of “Love Strong, Stand Strong, Finish Strong”. www.EricaStrong.com

Dr. Roshawnna Novellus, known as the Wealthy Yogi, is a mindful wealth multiplier, business strategist, and author of Budgeting is More Liberation than Limitation.

She has developed a 5 step blueprint for mindful money management to show any entrepreneur how to create a stress free wealthy lifestyle. TheWealthyYogi.com

Reann Vanriel is a student at Georgia State University, majoring in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations, with a minor in Entertainment Media Management.

For a full bio on each contributing writer, please visit ontheRYSE.com

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D E P A R T M E N T S FALL 2016

14 26 10 Editor’s Letter IN STYLE 10 Power Your Wardrobe with Style Prowess ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 14 Ernestine Johnson: ‘Digital Lives Matter’ Lead Actress Spreads Truth About Living Your Passion AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT 16 A Conversation with Dr. Avis Jones DeWeever ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 18 Women to Watch Behind the Lens

16 45 LOVE & HAPPINESS 22 Ways to Recognize Domestic Abuse in a Woman of “Means” KEYS TO SUCCESS 23 The 5 Most Powerful Tips To Be Successfully Happy MONEY TALKS 24 How Yoga Can Help You Be Healthier, Wealthier, and Wise TECH SAVVY 25 Funding Female Founders Makes Dollars And Sense

18 48 THE RYSE RUNDOWN 45 RYSE Events YOUTH ON THE RYSE 47 From Atlanta to LA with Teen Star Kyla Drew IT TAKES A VILLAGE 48 A Safe Haven and Refuge For Young Girls TRAILBLAZERS 50 Op-Ed: What Hillary Clinton’s Nomination Means For Us

LAW & ORDER 26 Super Mom to Super Lawyer Cherese Clark dominates the justice system in #Powerheels

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Recognizing The Young Successful & Empowered WWW.ONTHERYSE.COM FALL 2016

Editorial Director Tamika Morrison Associate Editor Rachel George Copy Editor Jenny O’Donnell Creative Director Jason Jones, StudioJones Design

Visit the All New OntheRyse.com The digital magazine, the articles, the events, the experience, right at your fingertips. Share stories with your friends, comment on your favorite articles, and find out the latest events in our community.

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President/ Editor in Chief Jay Jackson

A Word from the Publisher

Women are Truly on the RYSE

I B JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY ©

I MUST SAY THAT I AM EXTREMELY EXCITED

and pleased with this current issue of RYSE! I have to admit, when I launched the publication I never imagined the inspiring journey that it would take me on, as I cross paths with individuals who have shared their incredible stories of triumph and success.

As I have listened to the stories, they have provided me with confirmation of the need for RYSE. They have caused me to challenge myself to do more. It has also brought to my attention the significant impact women have made in the area of business.

I am amazed with the enterprising women I meet who successfully balance the undunting task of managing a demanding career and family while making it all appear effortless (which we all know it is not).

It caused me to reflect on my own mother who managed a 30 year professional career, yet made every band recital, school performance, Easter Sunday speech, and athletic event. Her example instilled in me the values of commitment and responsibility; values that without a doubt have played a significant role in my own professional career.

It was James Brown who sang, “This is a Man’s World.” In this day and time, one has to question whether this statement is true. Women have changed the way company’s market, sell, educate, train, communicate, collaborate and innovate. They have outpaced men earning college degrees, equaled their numbers in the workplace, and have snatched the family purse to make 85% of consumer purchases. They have made strides in the business world as trailblazing entrepreneurs and inroads in corporate America climbing the ladder to success.

For that reason, we dedicate this entire issue to Women who are on the RYSE! To all of the strong, confident women who strive to have it all: The career, the family, and the financial freedom, yet still find time to give back and make a significant contribution to the communities in which

they live. To the women who are satisfied with nothing less than the best.

Because while the first part of the chorus for James Brown’s hit song is certainly questionable today, there is one part that is an undeniable fact, “It wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without a women or a girl.”

“Action” J. Jackson Sr. Publisher/Editor in Chief RYSE Magazine

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From the Editor’s Desk THE POWER OF DARING TO DREAM BIG Dreams are exhilarating, scary, intimidating and exciting - at the same dang on time! I am filled with gratitude as I step into realizing my own dream as the Editorial Director of RYSE Magazine. My personal journey along with that of the women featured in the pages of our Fall issue was a reminder that everyone has dreams and that we all have the power inside to make them come true with faith and unwavering belief.

This issue will take you on an incredible journey with very accomplished women who dared to dream big and faced their fears and uncertainties with spirit and courage to actually see their dreams come to pass.

With Atlanta having the third largest entertainment industry in the U.S. eclipsed only by California and New York, it’s no surprise that our Women on the RYSE are living out lives that only dreams are made of. And to have this issue being rolled out as we are experiencing a first in our nation’s history - the first woman to be on the ballot as a presidential candidate is serendipitous.

These women are going against the grain and taking the road less traveled.

In many ways, they are blazing pathways for others to follow because none existed for them.

Devyne Johnson and Nakia Stephens are making waves in the burgeoning film and entertainment industry. Melissa Proctor, Nicole Jones, and Christie Sithiphone are daring to live bold dreams within the corporate sector, and you have individual self-made women like author and ‘soul coach’, Latisha Robb and tech powerhouse, Kathryn Finney stunning by overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.

And that’s not all; we’ve got a story

from nearly every sector of life, ensuring that no matter their beginnings whether small or silver-plattered, you will find yourself somewhere within these pages inspired, hopeful and ready to stay the course of making all of your dreams come true.

We hope you enjoy this issue and please make sure to pass along these words of wisdom to another woman or man in need of a reminder that they already have what it takes to succeed.

Until next time!

Tamika Tamika L. Morrison Editorial Director RYSE Magazine

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IN S TYL E

Power Your Wardrobe with Style Prowess LIFESTYLE EXPERTS SHARE TIPS ON HOW TO ACHIEVE PERSONAL STYLE PROWESS LORI ROBINSON, ERICA STRONG & LEAH R.

There’s nothing more beautiful than a woman in fine linen but she takes it to a whole other level when she owns her personal style unapologetically.

RYSE caught up with fashion experts to get their secrets to success. Lori Robinson, a professional career etiquette and image expert of Corporate Moxie, gave us her power-word for women she coaches to go from entrylevel to C-suite. Lori shares, “There are three essential pieces I feel are necessary for a professional wardrobe.

There’s nothing more Moxie than tailor-made. The tailoring is what’s important for every woman.” She continues, “No matter your size, cinching of the sides provides definition to the waist.

You will always have meetings to go to and people to impress.”

Those three top staples are: 1. The Tailored Black Blazer 2. The Crisp White Blouse 3. The Pencil Skirt 10 RY SE | FALL 2 01 6

IN S TYL E

Above are five stylish looks that can help you transform and distinguish your business day look to business chic After Hours.

The CEO of J’adore Monroe based in Atlanta, Leah R. wants to help women be truly confident. “I want to help every woman find their most confident self and to help them find fashions that only look expensive and learn the best ways to wear what you already own to feel your most stylish self that you have ever felt.”

To top off this feature, we must address the crowning glory of a woman — her hair.

Celebrity Hairstylist author, Erica Strong of Be Strong Salon in Atlanta who’s known as the ‘Hair Therapist’ has over 20 years of experience and has stroked the crowns of celebrities such as Gabrielle Union, Lisa Raye and RHOA’s Sheree Whitfield and Kim Fields, just to name a few.

Erica sheds light on the secret to achieving the ultimate “crowning glory”. She explains, “Women have been told for centuries that our hair is our ‘crown and glory.’ This is true, but in the business world, it has also been found to be our subtle detriment. I’ve spoken with several clients who know this dilemma all too well, a corporate executive, human resource director, and an entrepreneur. We discovered one common thread to their success - their hair remained consistently the same.”

According to studies, it has been shown that when a woman changes her hair, often it is perceived as unstable and distrusting. For men, stability for them is acknowledged in marriage, and for women, it is their appearance. So how do you achieve this? Strong says, “There’s good news! You have many options to maintain a power look to match your power performance. These options are available for natural hair, relaxed hair, colored or the woman that wears extensions.”

Erica says, Whether you are natural or relaxed, the shape is the secret.”

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Short, Straight and Colored hairstyle

Short, natural hair curled hairstye

Short tapered natural hairstyle

Our Stories. Our Voice. Our Time.

ONTHERYSE.TV

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Artist

Spotlight Ernestine Johnson:

‘Digital Lives Matter’ Lead Actress Spreads Truth About Living Your Passion “I’M A 100% BELIEVER IN TAKING RISKS AND FOLLOWING YOUR PASSIONS. I DON’T SAY DREAMS. I SAY PASSIONS BECAUSE THAT’S SOMETHING THAT’S INNATE IN YOU.” Ernestine Johnson is a promising new actress who is excited to make a positive impact through her passion.

In addition to her acting career, she also performs poetry. She attended an arts high school and majored in theater once she went on to college. Earlier this year, she shared a riveting piece combing her own words with the lyrics to Beyoncé’s hit single, Formation.

In an interview with RYSE, Johnson expressed that she loves acting and performing poetry an equal amount.

In fact, she says that the two are interrelated, though

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she notes that “when I’m performing my poetry, that’s me, that’s my passion and it’s a different energy.”

Having most recently appeared in Think Like a Man Too, Johnson is the lead actress in new film Digital Lives Matter. The film, produced by Terri J. Vaughn and Nina Holiday Entertainment is groundbreaking, Not only will it ask viewers to question their digital lives, but it is produced and primarily written by black women.

Johnson is very excited about Digital Lives Matter and her role in it. Fellow cast members like comedians DC

Young Fly and Emmanuel Hudson provided her with many positive vibes. “It was very cool because outside of acting we all have our own individual things that we’re great at. It was cool to bring all of these different art forms together and get us all on one set.

“It was so fun coming to work every day. We all worked very well together.

We’ve done shows and worked together before so we all had a natural chemistry.”

Digital Lives Matter is classified as a comedy, and seems to promise many laughs. That said, we usually find things funny because there is a kernel of something more meaningful underlying the humor. As Johnson explained, “Yes this is a comedy, but there is definitely a huge, huge deeper meaning. “[The film questions] social media and the ways that social media affects our society. It’s going to make you laugh, but it’s also going to make you think. People who have a lot of followers and all of this social media influence . . . it is kind of like a mind control on people.”

Johnson feels very strongly that in addition to raising questions about how we develop a persona through social media, the film can even provoke discussion about cyber bullying.

Consider this: if you walked into your place of work right now and harassed someone, you would more than likely be fired. Why then, Johnson wonders, do we think harass-

ment behind a screen is any more acceptable or appropriate? Bullying – in all its forms – demands accountability.

Digital lives really do matter. The film addresses the injustices faced by millions in the digital community in a fashion similar to that of the Black Lives Matter movement, which puts a spotlight on the injustices faced by the black community. For that reason, this film really is for all viewers and all audiences.

This phenomenal young actress took many risks to have accrued her accomplishments. Because of this, she is very excited about the accomplishments this film has already made. “So many people want to paper chase, but I think we all need to purpose chase. When you follow your purpose, so many doors are opened that you never even would have imagined.

I traveled over a thousand miles from home to chase my passion.”

“What I really want people to know about this film is that it was directed by black women, it was written by black women, both production teams involved featured black people. It was financed by black people. Black people often want opportunities that we don’t get and we have to create them. What this director has done is create our own opportunity. We are making the change that we want to see.”

Ernestine Johnson is without a doubt a powerful woman making positive changes in the world through her amazing artistic skills.

BOOK CLUB

How Exceptional Black Women Lead

A Conversation with Dr. Avis Jones DeWeever

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DR. DEWEEVER’S NEW BOOK AIMS TO HELP BLACK WOMEN REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever’s latest book, How Exceptional Black Women Lead: Unlocking the Secrets to Phenomenal Success in Career and in Life acts as a guide for black women to take charge and defy the obstacles that often get in their way.

Dr. DeWeever is no novice to issues facing minority women. In April 2015, she founded Exceptional Leadership Institute for Women, a firm with a mission of helping entrepreneurs and career executives find further success in their careers and overall lives. Three years ago, she also became president of Incite Unlimited in 2013, a DC-based consulting firm that helps women

with communications strategies and research. She’s also the youngest person to serve as the Executive Director for the National Council of Negro Women from 2010 to 2013.

Dr. DeWeever explained a major point in How Exceptional Women Lead is helping black women to develop a ‘sistah mind-group,’ meaning a mindset of power, strength, and encouragement of other women. Some main topics of advice include how to become power communicators and avoiding the ‘angry black woman’ stigma. She also lays out tools women can use to fight the unfairness and bias they face for just being themselves.

Are you an author who would like your book featured in our Book Club? Visit ontheRYSE.com to submit the required information. Due to space limitations, not all submissions will be selected.

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“I, like countless others, read Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In, and knew immediately that it was not my story. As Black women, we’ve always ‘leaned in,’” Dr. DeWeever said. She went on to say black women have the highest labor force participation rate out of all American women and they the highest career ambitions out of any demographic, including white men. “But when it comes to obtaining leadership positions, we find ourselves rarely at the top.”

In the words of Dr. Weever, “Action moves mountains.” That theme echoes throughout her book as a means for black women to take control of their success.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DR. AVIS JONES DEWEEVER

BRYANNA BRILEY

Despite all the systemic problems going against women of color, conquering fear is the most challenging step — but it can also be the most uplifting. Several instrumental tips in her book include: 1. Developing a vision 2. Having a specific goal for future success 3. Embracing risk with a courageous mindset 4. Putting in more hours than anyone else will keep track of.

Throughout history, black women have played a dual role the role of matriarch in the home and organizer in the community. Dr. DeWeever believes these historic roots equip black women to be leaders. It just takes a change in mindset, a paradigm shift to one of self-empowerment.

The book emphasizes that perceptions of the norm have to be thrown out the window to effect real change. Dr. Deweever writes that the modern black woman must embrace the pain while finding new beginnings with each opportunity. This extra push allows her to fight for success, particularly in the workplace.

Gains in the corporate arena tend to have a blanket approach, demanding that black women take more of a stake demanding their fair share and attaining success. But many of the obstacles women face have to be overcome within themselves.

Dr. DeWeever reminds black women that in accepting the reality of cultural victimization, they can then overcome it. She only hopes her book will be an inspiration for Black women to pass on the sistah mind-group down to the next generation.

Following these steps will enable the black woman to present herself as a strong and viable candidate for leadership in any field, in any career.

Through networking, self-promotion, and hustling to achieve goals, a woman of color can forge success in her career. At the same time, she must face the inevitable challenges of racism and sexism, learning how to work around them instead of being defeated by them.

Dr. DeWeever argues that the path to leadership is difficult, but achievable. And it’s up to women of color not only to push themselves as individuals, but to lift each other up.

“As Black women, we need to face and correct those harms we perpetuate against one another,” she said. “We can’t ultimately achieve all that we are capable of becoming unless we vanquish those internal challenges that hold us back.”

This book is a testament to the infinite potential of the strong black female: we are exceptional, we are worthy, we are ambitious, and we are on the rise.

“Recognized or not, Black women have been leading for centuries,” Dr. DeWeever concluded. “It’s time for us to finally receive our due. It’s time to take our rightful spaces at the top.”

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A R TS & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Women to Watch Behind the Lens ARTEFAEKTS ENTERTAINMENT FOUNDER DEYVNE JOHNSON REFUSES TO LET STORYTELLING REMAIN A LOST ART

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Devyne Johnson is changing the game as an indie filmmaker. In 2010 she launched Artefaekts Entertainment, a production company that creates original content including short films, feature films, and live entertainment. Johnson self-financed and self-distributed her first feature film, “Mosaic”.

In an interview with RYSE, Johnson revealed that her drive to start Artefaekts came from a desire to bring her stories to life. “My passion has always been in film, television and music. I am firstly a writer and a content creator, so it was a natural progression to want to see the things that I write play out visually.

Johnson describes her interest in writing as a natural talent. “I’m a storyteller. I love stories. I love delving 18 RY SE | FALL 2 01 6

into the imaginative. When I was little, my parents used to say I would always come up with things to tell them and embellish stories. I guess you could say that I was a liar. (Laughs) “In my mind, the things I talked about doing were real. When I wrote it, I saw it. They encouraged it, but within confines of the fact that I didn’t really do the things I was drawing, writing, and describing. It became an ambition to accomplish these things that I wanted to see.

“I got into filming because I wanted to ensure the things I wrote became tangible and real.”

When you’re a writer – particularly a creator of stories – the characters you create become like family members to

COURTESY PHOTOS OF COURTESY DR. KLNEWHOUSE OF DEYVNE JOHNSON

BRYANNA BRILEY

you. At some point, they cease to be things you thought up and become people you know intimately as if they were your best friends. This transformation is one Johnson is quite familiar with.

She explains, “Mosaic was my first script. It came from my relationships with so many people and how I viewed myself in the grand scheme of my preferences for people. It’s all about motivations and tolerances. When I started thinking about it, I realized that there are so many facets to each of us individually and how we relate to people.

“One of the most important questions we can ask anybody as you’re stepping out to accomplish something is not ‘What can you do for me?’ but really, ‘How can I help you?’ It’s the

‘thank you’ and ‘you’re welcome’ exchange that helps to make something translate from an obscure concept to a tangible reality.

Almost more remarkable than the brilliant work she’s doing is her passion. Her joy is evident. “I love it. I can’t stop smiling when I think about it. It reminds me of my parents: being young and telling them what I wanted to when I grew up. It got to the point where they actually had to listen to what I was saying. They stopped fighting it and started to encourage it.”

Johnson worked in silence for a while before anyone knew about her company. “For six years, Artefaekts was kind of dormant; nobody knew anything about it. I was working on it behind the scenes,” she says. “I was building the infrastructure of it and setting the foundations, and I was watching people as they worked. When it was time to shoot, there were people I’d watched who’d demonstrated excellence in their craft that I wanted and needed.

There is no specific audience for Mosaic. The film has the potential to reach every viewer because every audience can relate it’s overall concept. “One of the overarching themes is unity and tolerance and acceptance. Secondary to that is letting people be who they are.

Mosaic releases in select theaters September - November 2016. Visit www.MosaicMovie.com for more info.

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A R TS & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

FILMMAKER NAKIA STEPHENS IS ON A MISSION TO ELEVATE MINORITY WOMEN IN FILM.

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With both an award-winning film and an award-winning web-series under her belt, Screenwriter and Producer Nakia Stephens is rapidly making a name for herself on Atlanta’s rising film scene.

Stephen’s production company, Damn Write Originals, was founded in 2014 after graduating from Savannah State University and already has catalogue of shorts, features and web series.

Her latest project Cream X Coffee contributes to the new era of streaming by winning Best Webisode at the Bronze Lens Film Festival in August.

“We have these contradictions about how we feel about interracial dating and I wanted to touch on them. People are multi-dimensional, whether they want to admit it or not,” Stephens said about society’s view of interracial dating.

In such a male-dominated industry, Stephens believes women are thriving even though they face many obstacles 20 RY SE | FALL 2 01 6

in more technical roles of filmmaking, such as editing and directing. “Our stories are usually being told from the perspective of someone else...not us, she said. “Us (women) in the independent film industry, we’re finally taking off.”

While the filmmaking industry has certainly demonstrated its bias against women producers, Stephens’ greatest obstacle to date has been more so her age. She clearly notices a shift in attitude when her colleagues and industry peers find out she is only 24. Yes, you read that right, and she’s the latest form of #blackgirlmagic, creating content with a cause greater than herself. “I combat the age bias by working harder than others are willing to, creatively staying one step ahead and being and infinite student of the craft; that way my work (not my age) will speak for itself.”

Stephens is passionate about independent filmmakers and hopes in the

future people will realize indies take the biggest risk in filmmaking, often times speaking truth and being unapologetic in their content.

Most independent filmmakers with great ideas and great concepts run into obstacles such as funding and opportunity, leading many to crowd-funding.

She hopes the world will soon understand the importance of independent films and embrace them. “I just want to make sure my content and the content of my peers is seen and that we can benefit from it to make more content.”

She credits her movie-buff grandmother and a screenwriting class at alma-mater, Savannah State University, as her inspirations for stepping into filmmaking.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NAKIA STEPHENS

RACHEL GEORGE

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications in 2013, she dove head first into the film industry. A year later her feature film debut “MUSE” sold out the Plaza theaters in Atlanta. “It’s a rarity for filmmakers to do a feature for their first film,” Stephens said. The film tells the tale of a recent college graduate struggling to deal with the real world; money v. passion, ex-beau v. new beau, friends v. family.

The origin of her stories come from her everyday conversations and constant travels around the world to Ghana, Beijing, Paris and other. “It’s my duty to connect people through stories,” she said.

Stephens is inspired by her “fairy God-mothers,” Mara Brock Akil (Being Mary Jane), Shonda Rimes (Scandal), Gina Prince-Blythewood (Love & Basketball), and Kasi Lemmons

(Eve’s Bayou). Her grandmother also serves as an inspiration to her works, similar to her short film “Sugar Water.”

Inspired by Spike Lee’s “Crooklyn,” the film was a personal memoir of a young girl and the life lessons of love, happiness, and wisdom taught by her grandmother “Peach,” similar to Stephens and her grandmother.

The film received Best of Festival recognition during the Black Women Film Network Film Festival in March. “It means a lot and it lets me know what I’m doing is important and means something,” she said.

She is currently working on a crime drama called Catt House about a journalist who goes undercover at a suspicious all girls school. “I’m excited about this project. Structure-wise, it’s a mix between ‘Orange is the New Black’ and ‘How To Get Away With Murder.”

From what we hear, her best work is yet to come. “She has a way of talking about great black social issues and giving them a great plot funky twist; from Suga Water and LUC to Cream X Coffee. I really think she is growing and expanding her horizon every day,” said Cream x Coffee Cinematographer, Jairus Burks.

Despite the success she has experienced thus far, she is focused forward towards future opportunities.

“I want to create content that elevates women and minorities in film. I want to give a true new authentic side to our stories.”

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L O V E & HA P P I N E S S

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Ways to Recognize Domestic Abuse in a Woman of “Means”

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HIGHER INCOME WOMEN ARE AT RISK OF HAVING ABUSIVE PARTNERS JANIE LACY, LMHC, NCC, CSAT

Did you know that most women remain with a partner who has been physically abusive to them in a relationship? If you have never been physically abused in a romantic relationship, you may wonder why women would stay in a relationship where abuse occurs. The statistics bring the hard truth, one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

This statistic includes higher income women. They also face the same torturous decision over whether to leave their partners and if so, how to do it. Women from upper incomes may feel they have a lot to lose - money, power, respect, along with feelings of deep shame and embarrassment. Their colleagues may not know it since there aren’t always tell-tale signs like bruises.

If you are concerned that someone you know may be a victim of domestic abuse, there are some signs that you may want to consider. They may exhibit the following signs. However, these signs don’t necessarily mean they are in an abusive relationship.

SIX SIGNS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

1. Unusually Anxious — It is a regular part of life for people to experience anxiety occasionally. However, this kind of stress appears very restless or wound-up or on-edge. You may also notice a difficulty concentrating and it may seem that her mind goes blank.

2. Strange Bruises – or signs of old injuries that are usually healing on the arms.

3. Limited Access to friends, family, transportation or finances – they appear to not be close to their family or seem to have little friends. They also insinuate having limited funds despite their high level of income earning. They also at times can get dropped off at work despite having their own personal transportation.

4. Excessive clothing or accessories — to hide signs of physical abuse. They cover up even when it is not consistent with weather conditions.

5. Inconsistent attendance at work or social activities — they make repetitive excuses to not participate in social outings or work functions scheduled outside of the regular working hours.

6. Checking in with partner frequently – to outline daily activities or conflict prior plans. They will keep their personal phones near them at all times even during otherwise inappropriate times such as work meetings.

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied when it is a successful and smart woman who is in a leadership position. Many people hesitate because you may be telling yourself that it’s none of your business, but you might be wrong, or that the person might not want to talk about it. Therefore, if you recognize any or all of the above signs, you want to address it by letting them know you are concerned.

This will let them know that you care, and it may even save her life.

Resource: National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). A crisis intervention and referral phone line for domestic violence. (National Domestic Violence Hotline)

About the Author: Janie Lacy, LMHC, NCC, CSAT is a licensed psychotherapist who owns and operates a private practice in Maitland, Florida where she facilities individual & intensive group therapy. She has appeared as a psychological expert on hundreds of radio and television shows. She hosts local events and is a popular professional speaker on topics such as toxic love relationships, how to make relationships work and taming the monster within. She facilitates an intensive therapy group called Women Redeemed, which is for women who want to address core wounds driving self-sabotaging behaviors and who have a history of toxic romantic relationships.

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KE YS TO S U C C E S S

The 5 Most Powerful Tips To Be

Successfully Happy

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BRIDGETTE SIMMONDS

What came first: success or happiness?

It’s like the great chicken-or-egg debate. For decades, the accepted idea was that happiness is attained by first achieving success.

It’s so easy to tell ourselves, “As soon as I do X, Y, and Z, then I can be happy.” We chase dreams with the hope of finding a sense of fulfillment at the end of it all.

Despite this long-held belief, many studies are challenging the notion that success comes before happiness. A study cited in the article “Does Happiness Promote Success” found that happy people earn more money, display superior performance and take advantage of more opportunities. And another study published in Investment News Magazine concluded that negative emotions narrow our ability to effectively solve problems, while positive emotions help solve problems in more creative ways.

In my profession as an Executive Coach, my clients exhibit 5 key ingredients in the formula for finding success while being happy in the present moment.

have adopted people’s definition of success without realizing this approach leads to misery for themselves. Measure yourself by your own standard of success, never by anyone else’s.

4. Actively serve others – There is great joy that can only be found in helping others. When we make it a priority to serve other people, it has a powerful effect on the people around us and ourselves.

5. Clarity. Focus. Action – Now that you have defined clearly what it means to be happy and successful (and you’ve paid it forward to others), you can achieve both happiness and success simultaneously.

Being mindful, present, and content will allow you to enjoy the moment while empowering you to reach your dreams. So don’t put your happiness on the backburner — let it fuel your goals for the future.

1. Define what being happy really means to you.

Get very detailed here. Everyone holds a different definition of what it means to be happy.

It’s like driving to a new destination: you need visual landmarks to guide you. Think of times when you’ve felt joy and hold on to those moments--usually, it’s the simplest things that bring us the deepest feelings of contentment.

2. Get clear on what being happy feels like to you. You have to ask yourself: what emotions do I associate with achieving my goal?

Often, it’s the feelings we’re searching for, and maybe not even the goal itself.

3. Find your definition of success. Keyword: YOUR. You may challenge what you were taught in school, what your parents instilled in you, and even what your friends tell you what it means to be successful. Many people Bridgette Simmonds enjoys working as an Executive coach to powerful executives and innovative business owners who are ready to eliminate anything standing in the way of their ultimate success. She believes in the “whole person” approach to coaching – not just working with one part of your life. She can be found at www.bridgettethegocoach.com.

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MO N EY TA L K S

How Yoga Can Help You Be Healthier, Wealthier, and Wise 4 REASONS WHY YOGA ISN’T JUST FOR THE GURUS. IT’S FOR BUSINESS-SAVVY ENTREPRENEURS.

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DR. ROSHAWNNA NOVELLUS – THE WEALTHY YOGI

In my yoga practice, I’m always aware of my breath and the movements of my body. I turn my intentions into actions and bend my body to my will.

The same is true of my wealth: I turn my visions into reality by being active, awake, and present in my career.

For the people who claim not to have the time or money to do yoga, I have news for you: simple practices can help you manage your money and time more effectively and efficiently.

Here are four ways yoga can help on your path to a richer, more authentic life: 1. REDUCING STRESS, GAINING HEALTH Google “health benefits of yoga” and thousands of links will show up in a matter of seconds. Yoga is well-known for being super effective at reducing stress, anxiety and blood pressure.

Making long-term healthy habits like yoga means fewer sick days and fewer trips to the hospital, which means more money in your pocket.

Yes, fancy yoga studios can be expensive, but to get started you just need space and access to the Internet. There are free articles and videos that can teach you the basics in a short amount of time if you’re willing to start practicing healthy habits.

Finally, if you’ve read The Power of Habit, you’ll know that establishing 24 RY SE | FALL 2 01 6

healthy habits in one area will lead to mindfulness in others. These benefits could mean saving massive amounts of money and adding happy, productive years to your life.

2. YOGA MINDFULNESS = WISER SPENDING HABITS This brings up the second point: if you’re more mindful, you’ll be way more careful with money. You’ll reduce chances of making impulse buys for things you don’t need.

Yoga can provide the invaluable time for you to connect with your mind and body. It can give you the space to see your true self and check impulses that don’t connect with your goals.

And being aware of what causes these impulses in the first place will help you get past fleeting feelings that lead to regrettable decisions.

I attribute my success to my mindful pursuit of the manifestation of my dreams. Remember: wealth and mindfulness are connected—and you deserve both. This isn’t an act of penny-pinching or greed — it’s an act of self-love. It’s about appreciating yourself and being aware of the desires and goals that will lead you to a life of fulfillment.

3. BECOMING MORE ACTIVE OVERALL Think about it like this: if you’ve just

done yoga and checked in with yourself about your visions for your future, are you really going to want to sit in front of the TV for hours, space out on the internet or eat a bunch of snacks? No way.

If you feel fitter and sharper mentally, are you more likely to be up for adventures, quit bad habits and take more calculated risks? Yes. If one good habit leads to another, you’ll be much more likely to pursue productive activities that keep you moving and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

4. BUILDING A SOCIAL NETWORK Group yoga classes can lead to friendships, support, and maybe even business opportunities. At the very least, you’ll be happier and friendlier for interacting with people who share a common interest.

Sure, happy hour can be a fun and easy way to socialize. But at the end of the day, too much alcohol can disconnect you from yourself and make you sluggish, keeping you in a haze.

Set a focus, make goals and take charge of your life. Yoga can help.

Spiritual connectivity and wealth can go hand-in-hand by being mindful, present, and connected with simple acts of self-care. And once you get in touch with your mind, body, and spirit, nothing will stand in the way of your dreams.

TEC H S AV V Y

Funding Female Founders Makes Dollars And Sense ANDRE SPIVEY Getting a startup off the ground is hard. You have to secure investors, raise capital and build a business with obstacles at every turn. More than 50 percent of startups don’t survive past the first five years for a reason.

How can it get even harder? Be a woman in a field dominated by men.

But women are killing the game.

Despite an uphill battle in a historically male-dominated industry, women are taking the startup world by storm (see female-founded companies TheSkimm, Wanelo and Chloe + Isabel to name a few). Investors are just starting to catch wind of the real value of entrepreneurial women. But there’s still a long way to go.

What The Numbers Show Recently, the Female Founders Fund released a surprising report: the overall number of Series A rounds in the U.S. went up, but Silicon Valley saw a decrease.

What does this mean? Startup investors are branching out to other cities.

A diversity of cities means a diversity in the people behind these companies.

And that’s a good thing, especially since Silicon Valley and tech industries are infamous for gender imbalance.

In 2013-2014, female-founded companies led about 13% of all Series A-funded startups. And that percentage jumped to 20% just last year.

But why doesn’t the amount of female co-founders even come close to the consumer-base?

Nielsen Holdings PLC estimates that women account for over 70% of

retail spending, make up the largest viewers of online-streamed videos, and comprise a bigger chunk of the video game industry than teenage boys.

From an investor’s perspective, one thing is clear: female consumers and female-backed companies can no longer be ignored.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY Despite being underfunded and underestimated, female founders are proving to be top performers in the startup world time and time again. Although most investors continue to fund allmale teams, companies with at least one female founder tend to outperform their less diverse counterparts.

Funding is low across the board — White and Asian men are funded first, and everyone else is funded last, if at all. But by recognizing the problems and working toward real solutions, women can take charge of this rapidly growing market--and investors can see the payoffs.

CONCLUSIONS: REASONS FOR LACK OF FUNDING IN WOMEN-LED STARTUPS • Lack of investors’ faith in femalefounded companies • Low percentage of female venture capitalists • Low numbers of women pursuing STEM fields, resulting in low numbers of female tech teams • Female venture capitalists aren’t investing in the next generation of women entrepreneurs.

WHY FEMALE FOUNDERS ARE WORTH OUR INVESTMENT: Real Results- First Round Capital took data from 300 companies over the course of a decade and discovered that startups with at least one female founder outperformed allmale teams by 63% • Better Fundraisers- When gathering crowdfunding, female founders perform better and raise more money than males on every crowdfunding platform.

• Greater Potential- Businesses with a female founder typically have 64% higher valuations during the early stages of funding.

• More Bang For Your BuckWomen-owned companies are generating higher revenue with less capital than their male counterparts.

• An Eye on The Future- Women in executive roles recognize emerging markets and make the most of their potential.

Smart investors do their research to fund companies they believe will succeed. My advice to investors: put your money where your mouth is. Even with the odds stacked against them, femalefronted companies are becoming the biggest success stories. And if you’re not a part of that movement, it’s not just a loss for women—it’s a loss for your wallet.

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L AW & O R D E R

Super Mom to Super Lawyer

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CHERESE CLARK DOMINATES THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN #POWERHEELS Family law attorney Cherese C. Clark epitomizes a superwoman in power heels advocating for individuals, who wish to have a voice in the metro Atlanta area.

She is a National “Super Lawyer, and a “Rising Star” of Georgia, a ‘National Top 100 Black Lawyer’ for Matrimonial and Family Law for the State of Georgia 2016 and recently selected as a Top 10 Attorney for Client Satisfaction.

I had a vision to be an amazing criminal lawyer like ‘How to Get Away With Murder’s Annalise Keating; sharp suits, with clients in sexy scenarios storybook plots holding prosecutors feet to the fire,” Clark said.

She never imagined being a family lawyer until her personal life experience her in that direction.

Clark first gained exposure into the justice system being a young girl basking in the theatrics of the courtroom-from the 26 RY SE | FALL 2 01 6

judge holding the gavel to the silence of the room, to commanding the attention of the room with one word- “objection.”

Playing school and hairdresser with her dolls did not tickle her fancy the same way being in a courtroom did. She remembers watching the O.J. Simpson trial growing up and admiring Marcia Clark, being that they had the same last name.

She was mesmerized by the pomp and circumstance of legal proceedings and learning how to be a persuasive, yet zealous advocate.

She graduated cum laude from Spelman College in 2005 with a B.S. in Political Science (Pre-Law). Although far away from home, she found solace in the support she received from her hometown Pastor, Rev. Raynarldo Maurice Henderson, family friends, Chris Phillips and his late wife. Vanessa Phillips and most importantly, her mother, Colita Mayes.

During her time at Spelman, she quickly became engulfed in the culture shock she received compared to her hometown of Paducah, Kentucky.

“Coming from majority to minority; it was an adjustment to no longer being that top Black girl on the totem pole at school. Now, I’m at a HBCU with all top ranked African American women giving me a run for my money,” Clark said.

Some of her college accolades included pageant titles such as Miss.

Black Georgia, Miss Black Atlanta, and Miss Black Western Kentucky, where she received the ‘Miss Congeniality award. Pageantry money and playing the flute funded her freshman year at Spelman College.

Clark’s initial orientation to law was as a Paralegal Advocate for the Georgia Law Center for the Homeless. She conducted intake at various homeless shelters, interviewed clients and gave representation in administrative hear-

PHOTO BY QUEŚ WILLIAMS OF M.T.C.G.

RACHEL GEORGE

ings across the Metro-Atlanta area.

Under the very difficult conditions, she enjoyed her time there and her many contributions to the impoverished community.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for indigent clients, who can’t afford representation yet need a voice and a passionate conduit to justice,” Clark said.

She later transitioned to the Georgia Capital Defender’s Office as a mitigation specialist investigating death penalty for the State of Georgia. It was an eye opening experience for her into the criminal justice system, the structure of police investigations and the need for early mental health resources and treatment.

Laying all of her eggs in one basket, Clark only applied to one law school, Georgia State University College of Law. At the time, she insisted if she did not get in, she would not go to law school. Upon receiving her acceptance, she learned that she was expecting her daughter, Londyn. She was born two months early and two months before her first day of law school.

A premature baby, breast feedings, and Londyn’s one-month stint in the NICU did not slow her down.

Clark wondered how in the world she would work, attend law school, and be a mother in the same capacity. Even with her daughter’s early arrival, she started law school despite the reservations of others, including her mother.

She continued working as felony investigator for the Clayton County Public Defender’s office during the day, attended law school in evenings. She spent late nights and early mornings preparing for class by reading contract and property law to her newborn daughter. “Those were her bedtime stories, and I believe she may understand the Rules Against Perpetuities between than I did at the time.” Clark said.

“To my fellow super moms, don’t be afraid to hang up the cap and take time for yourself. Find that one thing that gives you solace,” and for her that was her daughter.

The law program at Georgia State is a part-time law program, anticipated to be completed in four to five years. Clark made it through the program in three and a half years, “I was on autopilot.”

She was voted Top Student in her Litigation course in Spring 2011 and earned the GSU College of Law

Clark shares a moment with her daughter Londyn.

Michelle Ferguson Priestly Award in 2012. She also lead her Student Trial Lawyer Association team to a Regional Championship, while being on the GSU Moot Court team.

Clark’s distinctive approach to family law connects her to her clients professionally and personally. In the midst of her graduation from GSU and studying for the state bar exam, she found herself in the middle of her own divorce.

“I realized that while I was bent, I was not broken,” she said.

Thanks to what many would think is a horrible ordeal, Clark found her niche and decided to practice family law. Why family law? “To ensure no one experiences what I went through by force and not by choice.”

As a family law attorney, she believes it’s important to remain rational and to think methodically and strategically during any divorce or family law matter. “My whole goal is to help get people to the think clearly and rationally,” she said.

However, understanding her clients through her personal experience, gives Clark an edge as a family law attorney in the Atlanta Metro area.

Clark always had dreams of starting her own firm. In July 2015, through patience and prayer, she resigned from her former law firm. Unbeknownst to her, the stars would align and her law partners were on the same track.

A friendly gathering turned into a business meeting, which led to the formation of Clark, Lowery and Lumpkin just a month later. “It’s great to have three different cultural melting pots and perspectives,” Clark said speaking of firm, “this definitely distinguishes CL&L from other law practices.

“We’re lawyers, but also businesswomen and ‘Boss Moms” now.” The firm practices domestic and international family law and criminal law litigation.

Clark’s main source of motivation is

her daughter, Londyn, with pictures of her strategically placed all around her office. She keeps one specific picture on her desk of Londyn hugging her tightly as she was sworn in as an attorney.

Hoping to raise her daughter to be a true renaissance girl, the eight-yearold is currently constructing a business plan to make hair bows and accessories for girls her age.

In a means to give back to her community, she hosts a free legal clinic twice a year at her daughter’s KIPP school for their staff, families, and administrators for a free 15 minute consultations.

Clark is also a member of the Atlanta Bar Association, Executive Board Member of The National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (NAFLA) and member of Delta Sigma Theta where she is the Step Master.

Through her journey, Clark found her voice and began her #PowerHeels movement. Power Heels is based around empowering women with a message to “not getting your heels scuffed because you are a woman, you wear your heels with pride.”

Clark attributes her success and dedication to her ‘board of directors,’ her daughter, Londyn, her mother, her fiancée, Chris, her best friend Millicent, and her “mommy crew” Natalie, LaToya, and Crystal. “Find your ‘board of directors’ to share your dreams with and to hold you accountable for achieving them.”

Cherese Clark reminds us that woman can maintain a successful business, motherhood and fulfill your dreams in the most fashionable and highest heels. She is currently working on a book, building her Power Heels brand, and expanding Clark Lowery and Lumpkin firm into other states.

Cherese C. Clark, continue to RYSE rocking those #PowerHeels.

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P O WER M O V E S

My Sister’s Keeper ATLANTA OFFERS A WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN LOOKING TO GROW THEIR BUSINESS

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100 FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS PUSHING EACH OTHER FURTHER JAMILLAH RAHMAAD AND DANIELLE V. JACKSON “I was born to be an entrepreneur.”

These are the words Nicole Garner Scott, Founder of 100 Female Entrepreneurs and The Garner Circle PR. And she’s not alone—this sentiment reflects the growing number of women who are taking the reins in the business world.

“As a young girl coming from humble beginnings, I had a passion for making my own money,” she said. “I knew that entrepreneurship would allow me to control my destiny.”

Scott said that the road was never easy, but she forged ahead anyway. That’s why she founded 100 Female Entrepreneurs, a global organization of businesswomen and companies aimed to support business-minded women.

According to Fortune, Georgia has one of the highest concentrations of female entrepreneurs, making Atlanta the perfect home for the organization.

100 Female Entrepreneurs provides women with accountability partners, actionable advice, virtual trainings, international meetups and diverse live seminars. It’s

PHOTO BY THE GARNER CIRCLE PR

This morning, one thousand American women launched their startup. Tomorrow, another thousand women will wake up and start companies. The growing army of women entrepreneurs is outpacing any other single large demographic category.

Women-led businesses in Atlanta lead the nation in revenue growth--65% in the last ten years. Atlanta is also in the top 5 cities nationally for new companies started by women, with 65% growth, clearly positioning itself as one of the best cities for a woman owned business.

If you are a women thinking of starting a business in the Peachtree state, here are a few resources that are sure to maximize your opportunity for success.

a digital community that blends sisterhood with success.

Launched in 2015, 100 Female Entrepreneurs was introduced with a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol with hundreds in attendance. “When we hosted the press conference, our hope was to not only let the world know that we are here, but to connect with the very women with whom we are here for,” said Shawntel Asemota White, 100 Female Entrepreneurs National Programming & Events Director and The Soa Brand Chief Storyteller. “We are confident that through our content and curated experiences, our members will meaningfully connect, collaborate and carry our mission forward.”

According to the U.S. Census, women own almost 40 percent of all businesses in the United States. And the number of minority female business owners has more than tripled since 2007. And Women now account for some 9.4 million firms. So Beyonce was right — girls do run the world.

“I noticed a void for genuine entrepreneurial wisdom beyond motivational social media memes and inspirational quotes,” Garner Scott said. “I thought it was time women tackled the ugly side of running a business and discover work that gives them meaningful purpose, fulfillment and freedom.”

“Women have more to offer than just a pretty face, and the statistics on business growth prove it,” said Danielle V. Jackson Chief Strategy Officer of 100 Female Entrepreneurs and CEO of DJ MJ Consulting. “We have made tremendous financial and leadership progress in a male-dominated business environment, but most would agree there is still more work to be done and we are here to keep moving that needle.”

“Membership is valuable,” Jackson noted. “When one makes the investment in themselves and their business, they are truly taking their business success seriously - it’s at the core of what this business league is about.”

Through an online, content-rich membership portal, 100 Female Entrepreneurs offers the tools to support both female entrepreneurs at all levels. “For every dream that lives in you, it must be accompanied by a plan of action,” says 100 Female Entrepreneur Direc-

”

“I thought it was time women tackled the ugly side of running a business and discover work that gives them meaningful purpose, fulfillment and freedom.”

—Nicole Garner Scott, Founder of 100 Female Entrepreneurs and The Garner Circle PR. tor of Memberships and Founder of YES! Women on the Rise Arlean Timmons. “No matter where you are in the world, there are moments as an entrepreneur when you feel alone. Maybe you are scared and you don’t have a clue what’s coming next,” Garner Scott said. “So what you don’t quite have it all figured out, the community of 100 Female Entrepreneurs will challenge you to execute at your highest level.”

“Being an entrepreneur is a scary choice to make,” explains 100 Female Entrepreneurs Public Relations Chair Jamillah Rahmaad and Principal of JR|PR Public Relations Consultancy.

“One of the greatest resources I’ve found has been a network of trusted advisors - advisors are a goldmine for entrepreneurs!”

You’ve got the dreams, now it’s time to get the tools! For more information on how to become a member of 100 Female Entrepreneurs, visit 100FemaleEntrepreneurs.com.

THE CITY OFATLANTA INVESTS IN ITS ECONOMIC ENGINE WITH THE WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE REANN VANRIEL The Atlanta Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative is the only governmentfunded program completely backed by the City of Atlanta. The program aims to help women entrepreneurs not only start their business, but how to keep them successful in the long run.

Theia Washington leads the initiative, who has a passion for helping small, minority-and women-led companies. Washington is no novice to the field, working with many Fortune 500 companies throughout the course of her career.

The program was founded by Mayor Kasim Reed, who announced in his 2010 campaign that he had a vision to develop an innovative space for women entrepreneurs. Reed was inspired after meeting two women who ran their businesses out of their own homes. According to Washington, this is all-too common: many women never had a proper space to conduct business, which creates problems. Problems can range from a lack of perceived legitimacy all the way to robbery. After meeting with several business owners in Atlanta, Mayor Reed fought to create the incubator that exists today, Apart from the safety concerns, lack of capital was a big hindrance for these women. But the WEI incubator works successfully because these they no longer have to focus on the collateral they’d need to fund their business. This incubator space serves 15 carefully-selected women to live rent-free for 15 months, giving them access to everything they need. WEI doesn’t just provide a space for these women — it provides a peace of mind.

The process of selecting the entrepreneurs was a lengthy one. Before the launch of WEI last year, the city initiated a campaign to invite the women of Atlanta to apply, with a focus on the city’s small businesses. 35 out of 108 applicants were chosen to pitch their business plans in front of a group of diverse business owners. After the

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The Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative aims to help women entrepreneurs not only start their business, but how to keep them successful in the long run.

pitch competition, the 15 women with the most potential were selected for the program. These fifteen women came from a variety of industries and backgrounds, all with one shared goal: to make a name for themselves through their businesses.

The WEI incubator wasn’t created to simply benefit these female entrepreneurs. In fall of 2016, the WEI incubator will be opening their doors to the public for seminars, workshops, training, speaker series and pitch events to help aspiring entrepreneurs. These resource-driven opportunities will benefit entrepreneurs in Atlanta who are wanting to start their own business, but are unsure of where to start. For now, if you’re in the city, you can take a public tour to see what these inspiring women are up to.

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Initiatives like this are just the start of women making headways in our own backyard. With more support, women can make a difference for themselves, their companies, and entire communities. Programs like the WEI give a foundation for women to build something great — and when given a chance to nurture their potential, the possibilities are endless.

THE BIG INNOVATION CENTER BRIDGES THE GAP BETWEEN MINORITY WOMEN AND STEM RACHEL GEORGE Women have been underrepresented in the STEM field for decades. Even though they make up 47% of the total U.S. workforce, women are still less represented in science and engineering occupations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women encompass 39 percent of chemists and material scientists, 28 percent of environmental scientists and geoscientists, 16 percent of chemical engineers and just 12 percent of civil engineers. digitalundivided (DID) Founder and Managing Director Kathryn Finney created a program to diversify the STEM field for minority women, Black and Latina women in particular. As one of the first profitable, lifestyle bloggers on the web, Finney has become a strong advocate for building racial and gender equity in technology. “STEM is a field that is defined by innovation, but there can be NO innovation without diversity,” Finney said.

Foregoing a career in entertainment, Finney sought after making her dreams

PHOTOS BY

Theia Washington

”

STEM is a field that is defined by innovation, but there can be NO innovation without diversity.

—Kathryn Finney, digitalundivided (DID) Founder and Managing Director

a reality. She joined a tech incubator after seeking expansion for her lifestyle blog—Budget Fashionista, which she later sold. In 2013, she founded digitalundivided (DID).

Her father, the late Robert Finney’s career change heavily influenced much of her work ethic. She said he went from a brewery worker to a Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft, in a short span of 10 years. Finney expressed his fundamental impact in her life and teaching her not to seek permission to enter the tech industry.

“As people of color we often want people to ‘invite’ us into spaces, but bear in mind that this won’t always come. (If DID waited for permission, we might never have gotten our plan off the ground!).” digitalundivided (DID) aims to find, support and develop women of color entrepreneurs and foster economic growth within their own communities.

They have built 48 companies, raised $13 million in investments and reached over 2,000 founders. The company encourages its founders to embrace their vulnerability and reveal their needs, opposed to women being socially conditioned not to inquire assistance.

Their services include coaching and support in every aspect via the BIG accelerator program, which provides mentoring, “training, office space, network and funding exclusively to women of color founders,” Finney said.

Kathryn Finney

She believes mentors offer a valuable, objective standpoint. They are vital and help broaden the scope of knowledge, experience and connections beyond certain capacities. Mentees seek guidance and support from others who have gone through similar experiences, leaving a lasting impact.

However, minority women struggle to find mentors due to the lack of minority women in leadership positions, especially in STEM. It reaches all the way back to high school students. More female students are taking mathematical and engineering courses during high school than male students, according to the National Girls Collaborative Project. However, many don’t pursue careers due to lack of leaders.

Black and Latina women seeking to become tech entrepreneurs often face what Finney calls a “catch-22.” For example, Black women alone are leading, especially in the realm of entrepreneurship as the fastest-growing group, owning 1.5 million businesses and generating $44 billion dollars a year. Yet, Black women are still being excluded from funding opportunities by investors. Finney believes this is due to lack of diversity when it comes to investors.

“Diverse founders don’t receive crucial seed funding to grow into viable businesses that can lead to an exit. Yet, having the ability to exit (people selling their companies) is necessary to create diverse investors who have the capital

to invest in the next crop of diverse start-up entrepreneurs,” Finney said.

The #ProjectDiane report released

by DID earlier this year revealed that Black women startup founders raise on average $36,000, while average failed startups raises $1.3 million.

Finney launches the first innovation center for Black and Latina women in technology in the Black Mecca later this month. “We specifically chose to launch the center in downtown Atlanta (near HBCUs like Spelman and Clark Atlanta) because it provides access to today’s brightest, creative, and driven minds.

Atlanta also placed second in America’s Most Tech-Friendly Cities,” Finney said.

The BIG Innovation Center will be the first innovation center focusing mainly on the success of Black and Latina women founders in tech. It will also be the new home to the BIG Accelerator program.

The first class begins Sept. 25, sponsored by Echoing Green, the SBA Growth Accelerator Fund, Surdna Foundation and Wells Fargo. Seed funding will be provided by Maya Ventures syndicate Harriet Angels.

Kathryn Finney proves that through authenticity, awareness, and advisement, minority women can succeed not only in the STEM industry, but in everyday life.

“If we don’t aspire to greater heights, how can we thrive in an industry that lives and dies by innovation?”

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Women on the RYSE From inspiring entrepreneurs to powerful corporate executives, RYSE takes a moment to spotlight a few women who are rising in their respective professions.

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“I thank God every day for the opportunity. I am a firm believer that you must have faith to move you but it is through your own internal motivation that you will rise beyond any given challenge.”

KIMBERLY HOGG KEEPS HER EYES ON THE PRIZE PEPSICO’S BRAND MANAGER FOR SOUTH CAROLINA, NORTH CAROLINA, AND GEORGIA Kimberly Hogg on When to Change — Kimberly Hogg went to Spelman College in Atlanta and majored in Economics.

She graduated in 2008, the beginning of the financial crisis. She acknowledges she was fortunate to have a job on Wall Street, but said, “People were unhappy. I was doing the same thing every day. It wasn’t dynamic, I couldn’t make it interesting as hard as I tried.” Unsatisfied, she began looking for something that would satisfy her need for an ever-changing workplace. “I remembered what I liked back in college. What classes interested me. There was also a NHL Marketing competition my senior year. My team was made up of Econ majors (none of us knew marketing well), we had a lot of fun and learned so much over the six month long competition. We actually won the competition, surprising even ourselves as all of the teams from other institutions in Atlanta were made up of marketing majors. That experience really stuck with me.”

Kimberly Hogg on Landing the Interview — Once she found what she thought was her passion (marketing), Kimberly Hogg had to find the branch that her skills transferred to. She found that Brand Management was most suited to her skills due to the creative and analytical aspect of the job, and then the real work began. ”I started by asking what brands are respectable,” Kimberly said, “Then I was strategic. I did a lot of research on what Brand Management entails, and how my skills would be a fit. I talked with my mentors from college to confirm my logic actually made sense. I applied for a role with PepsiCo and landed an interview, and the rest is history. Luckily I was junior enough to make that kind of transition.” She started out working on the innovation team focused on Mountain Dew, Pepsi, and Mist TWST at the time but considers AMP Energy her “first true brand marketing experience.” “I fell in love.” Kimberly adds.

When asked about what advice she would give for others looking into a marketing-related position, Kimberly said, “Be clear on why you want to pursue a specific area of marketing. It’s such a diverse field—there’s agency, management, PR... several different routes. Research why it makes sense for you, and know

how your skills will help the company. A strong story and pitch is very important. Tell an employer in an interview what you expect from the job in addition to why you will be an asset. This is your time to decide if you’re a fit for each other.”

Kimberly Hogg on What Keeps her Motivated — “What keeps me going is the opportunity to make a positive impact on our consumers and customers in addition to the local markets in which I manage through our brands alongside some of the smartest people in the industry” Kimberly said. “Everything is about teamwork at PepsiCo — I typically collaborate with 10-15 colleagues any given day which is fun and challenging as we push each other. I thank God every day for the opportunity. I am a firm believer that you must have faith to move you but it is through your own internal motivation that you will rise beyond any given challenge.” Kimberly said. And when asked about her goals for the future, she said she’s found her dream career.

“I want the opportunity to work on another new challenge. The next role I take with PepsiCo that will allow me to develop new skills and continue to sharpen the ones I have gained. I’m pretty open at this point to what that might be.”

Kimberly Hogg started out as an Analyst on the Innovation team for carbonated beverages (Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Mist TWST), then was promoted to an Assistant Manager on AMP Energy. There, she relaunched the brand with new positioning, packaging, and flavors. After her success on AMP Energy, she was promoted to Associate Manager on Brisk Iced Tea, one of PepsiCo’s 22 billion dollar brands. After re-positioning Brisk and launching innovative Half and Half (tea and lemonade) products, Kimberly was promoted to the position that she holds todayMarketing Manager for all PepsiCo Beverages in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. In her spare time she enjoys cooking Blue Apron meals, trying out new restaurants with her boyfriend, spending time with her family and friends, mentoring her little sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and spending quality time with her Boston Terrier, Bean.

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“I think that discovering your purpose is a journey. I know that I have the potential to make a positive impact, no matter how big or small.”

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CHRISTIE SITHIPHONE WAS BORN TO L.E.A.D A FIRST-GENERATION LAOTIAN-AMERICAN Christie Sithiphone is the Director of Programs for LEAD Atlanta, a nonprofit organization for young professionals in the Atlanta area, where she “plans programs for LEAD, facilitates the selections process and grows the LEAD Atlanta alumni association.”

On her Big ‘Bounce Back’ — Christie became involved with community-based nonprofits through her own “personal failures.” In 2012, she had difficulty pursuing her MBA and decided to take a break, while focusing on her community. Shortly after her break from her degree, Sithiphone was nominated to be the Personal & Professional Development Chair for the Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals (ULGA-YP), serving in the role from 2014-2016. It was that experience and exposure that helped her land her current role as the Director of Programs for LEAD Atlanta, which is the young professionals program of Leadership Atlanta.

On Having ‘like-minded’ Friends — With her accomplishments, there were some drawbacks. She explains, “It makes me anxious to be so visible [in my career], and it makes me more conscious of my personal brand.”

Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is a major part of success and motivation for Christie as she discussed sharing the same beliefs as her friends. “For me, success is when I have been able to pay it forward and when friends and community people around me find success,” Sithiphone said.

Her heavy involvement with her community has also helped to find her purpose. “I think that discovering your purpose is a journey.

I know that I have the potential to make a positive impact, no matter how big or small. At this moment, I believe I have the power of connecting people through strengths.”

The Work/Life Balance Myth — Even in her personal life, Sithiphone has faced some harsh realities that some do not always recognize and respect the strength and success in a woman of her stature. “Even with dating, it’s hard to be a young, confident, strong woman. As humans you want companionship, but you don’t want to compromise who you are. As a strong woman, it’s hard to find that balance.”

On being a First-Generation Laotian-American — Sithiphone, the first born in the first generation of a Laotian-American family, had to overcome personal struggles that helped her to become who she is today. “I was fulfilling what my parents wanted me to do so I’d be a doctor or lawyer. It was very stressful having Asian parents,” Sithiphone said of her uncertainty about what to study in college or as a career.

She later cited her parents as her biggest source of motivation.

“I am an Asian-American; my parents were immigrants from Laos in the 1980s. After the Vietnam War and the effects of communism had its affect they came here with nothing; [my parents] didn’t speak English, and had to pick up a new life. That always keeps me grounded. A lot of what I do is for them to keep them happy and proud. ” Believing in the power of community, being a woman of color and an advocate for communities of color, she also believes we all have the power to make a change while leaving a positive impact on others.

On Being a Woman On-The-RYSE — “I feel like I am a woman on the RYSE because I’m constantly learning, and I want to bring people up with me and create leaders. It’s all about paying it forward and creating legacies,” she later added.

As the next era of her life begins, Christie Sithiphone can’t help but be proud of what she’s accomplished thus far.

CHASTITY STEVENSON WESTRY: REACHING BACK AS SHE CLIMBS FRITO-LAY’S CHASTITY DOES IT ALL FOR HER FAMILY As a Senior Director of Sales for the Frito-Lay division of PepsiCo, Chastity Stevenson Westry has worked incredibly hard to set the example for women today. Overcoming her life struggles, Westry credits her relationships, education, sense of community, and spirituality to her success.

At Frito-Lay, Westry is responsible for leading customer strategy across Alabama, Mississippi, and portions of Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Florida. She has worked for PepsiCo for eight years and lived in 4 cities.

Overcoming the stigma of Teenage Pregnancy — As the child of a teenage mother and growing up in poverty in Alabama she was taught to focus on her relationships with the people around her both personally and professionally. She believes her drive comes from her past. She shares, “I’m driven by having the opportunity to change the trajectory of my family.”

On Defining Her Success — When it comes to defining her success, the Auburn University graduate believes that professionally it comes down to the positive movements and moments of people and partnerships. “You have to have the confidence, competence, compassion, and will to navigate,” Westry said.

Happy Life/Happy Wife — In her personal life, Chastity believes it comes down to maintaining peace and happiness for her household. She beams when talking about her husband Gerry and son Gabriel.

“I don’t need the success for myself; I need it for my family, for my community.”

Overcoming Bad Times — Years ago while at another organization, Westry was almost broken personally and professionally.

She endured both a bad relationship and a bad manager at the same time. “I crumbled and had to regroup; I forgot who I was. I got it together by leaning on God’s grace,” she explained.

“My pastor once said, ‘Don’t be an eagle in a canary cage.’ A canary might not want you to know that you are an eagle. They might not want you to soar” Westry said it is imperative to be aware of the draft you create for others. Her achievements have made her more conscious of that.

“Hopefully, people see what you’re doing and become a part of the draft, and you grow together” Westry stated. “Hopefully, you become a part of someone else’s draft as well.”

On Being a Woman On-The-RYSE — “I think I’m on the way there. My true purpose is to be a giver and a teacher. I’ve had so many people take the time to teach me, and I’ve been supported by so many. I’ve only touched the surface.

Last year Westry, with the support of the PepsiCo Foundation, established an endowment at Auburn University. Each year she will give away a scholarship for perpetuity. “It’s exhilarating,” Westry said.

Chastity Stevenson Westry hopes to keep soaring with her marriage, motherhood, and a successful career.

“I don’t need the success for myself; I need it for my family, for my community.”

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AN EIGHT COUNT TO SUCCESS WITH JAI MCCLENDON JONES CEO & FOUNDER OF AREA, JAI JONES MCCLENDON DANCES HER WAY TO SUCCESS AREA, which is an acronym for Atlanta’s Resource for Entertainment and Arts is not only a dance studio but an environment for growth, learning, and expression in the performing arts.

Jai Jones using her Talent to Cultivate Others- An idea that stemmed from the marriage of the Arts and business at its best, Jai cultivated AREA as a means for giving back and creating a space for artists to cultivate and grow in their craft, and where the community of Atlanta as a whole can be apart of the process. A native of Atlanta, becoming an entrepreneur and incorporating her love of the Arts into a career was a no-brainer for Jones who majored in Business/Marketing at Clark Atlanta University, and raised by entrepreneurial parents. Working for herself, indulging in her passion of the Arts, and giving back to her community have made her business a success thus far.

Jones on Unapologetically Embracing Success- Jones has always had a strong grasp on reality. Throughout college having a solidified career was always the plan. Jones has trained and performing in dance most of her life but knew her dream to only remain a professional dancer would be hard so having a backup plan made sense. When asked if she considered herself successful there was no hesitation “Yes I do, I own a business doing what I love to do and am able to help and inspire others to chase their dreams and perfect their craft.” Not only does Jones wear the hat of being a business woman, but that of a mother and wife as well.

On Being Generous With ‘Insider’ Information- Jones knew her purpose early on in life. Helping others and creating that environment that fosters creativity sparked the idea of AREA. Going through the entertainment industry Jones has worked with renowned artists and organizations, and has traveled far and wide doing what she loves. Whilst in the presence of legends, there were few mentors and role models that voluntarily lent a helping hand. Jai knew that withholding helpful information and insiders wasn’t the way to move up in the industry but rather sharing these gems allowed for expansive upward mobility. Her philanthropic endeavors only aid in her life purpose and AREA is an incubator for her positivity and evolution.

Being A Woman On The RYSE- “I had a male student who did not have the financial means to study at AREA but for me it’s not about the money, instead about his development holistically, and fostering his talent. He is now traveling the world as an Ensemble member of the touring cast of The Lion King! He would have never had that opportunity unless we were able to provide him with the space and education he needed in order to develop his artistic skills, and selfpurpose.” Although being a black woman was identified as one of Jones’ barrier in her career, being just that gives her the constant inspiration to push others, push herself, and create more opportunities for others to be as successful if not more than she is. Jones found her niche early on but being a position to foster the development of others and always trying to attain new heights in her field show that she is a woman that will always be on the RYSE! 36 RY SE | FALL 2 01 6

PITCH FORWARD WITH SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT, ADRIENNE BROWN DIGITAL MARKETING MAVEN & SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT ADRIENNE J. MEDIA In February Atlanta’s Mayor Kasim Reed announced the inaugural class of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI). It’s a 15-month business incubator offering 15 new women entrepreneurs an opportunity to operate their businesses without the financial burden of start-up costs such as workspace, access to technology and best of all, access other business mentors.

Adrienne Brown, Founder & Chief Digital Strategist of Adrienne J. Media, a digital marketing communications company, is one of the 15 entrepreneurs taking advantage of this opportunity.

On Being Chosen for Atlanta’s Inaugural WEI program — There was an extensive application process. From there a select number of entrepreneurs were invited to pitch their business before a panel of WEI Advisory Board members and seasoned executives.

On Pitching Yourself to Potential Clients & Investors — If you are truly passionate about your business, a “pitch” is simply a more formalized conversation detailing the inner workings of your brand.

Pitches are rooted in passion and are a creative way to share your thoughts and vision.

On Defining Success by her Own Terms — Success is truly defined by one’s ability to reach their desired goal. It isn’t about money or fame. To me it’s about being disciplined enough to execute, making your dreams a reality.

On The Importance of Empowering Women Entrepreneurs — I’m a firm supporter of Mayor Reed’s belief that when you empower a woman entrepreneur, you’re empowering a community. That in itself creates the possibility for a cycle of success. As a woman entrepreneur, it’s my duty to reach back and lift up fellow entrepreneurs who look like me, in race and gender.

On Setting Social Media Goals — Adrienne J Media provides S.M.A.R.T digital marketing solutions such as email marketing, social media marketing, and digital advertising. I find that some businesses take a complicated approach to digital marketing. At the end of the day, a business should simply be smart with their tactics and goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. It’s not necessary to use every digital marketing tactic or social media platform for your business. What’s most important is to identify the channels and tactics that are right for your brand.

On Being a Woman On-The-RYSE — It’s a rewarding feeling to be recognized for my achievements. However, there is nothing I have done that isn’t in the realm of possibility for another woman. With hard work, perseverance and discipline we can all be On-The-RYSE. For more information about the WEI initiative, please visit http://www.weiatlanta.com/. For more information about Adrienne J. Media, please visit www.AdrienneJMedia.com.

“Success is truly defined by one’s ability to reach their desired goal. It isn’t about money or fame.”

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SPIRIT RYSING WITH SOUL COACH LATISHA ROBB AN ACTIVIST, AUTHOR & SELF-MADE BUSINESS SUCCESS

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On Being A Woman of Many Titles — I’m a Realtor, Author, Speaker, Activist and “Soul Coach” but the job I love the most is Mother. I’m a pretty dynamic woman if I say so myself. I’ve never fit into one box, and I love it! As a ‘Soul Coach’, I help people get through the dogma of past pain and setbacks and chart a new path with a clear understanding of Who they really are.

God has provided me with this career which allows me to meet many people from all walks. When I am led, I speak to them, and it has been an incredible response. I see now how all my experiences help me with my overall purpose and can be so helpful to many, and that is my purpose — to be a help to others.

On Calling Herself a “Rebel” — Having grown up in San Jose, California, I was raised in an atmosphere that challenged the status quo. It was the birthplace of the Black Panther Party. I used to try to be what other people wanted me to be, but that made me miserable.

I’m a rebellious soul all about being a change agent for good! I call myself an Organic Phenomenon.

On Defining Success by her Own Terms — I define success as happiness — I mean like real joy. There isn’t any amount of money that can give you that. Happiness comes from within, so doing what you love and being with who you love, is success to me. Finding true joy has been a journey! My children are my legacy, and they are what drive me. Our future is nestled in my “carrot” that I refer to in my book “Turn On The Lights”. That “carrot” is the legacy I know I’m leaving behind when I’m finished with this chapter. It is my get up and go. I know I will be a great-grandmother, so I keep that in my mind every day, and I keep it moving — no matter what.

On Overcoming Adversity — Wow, there was so much adversary I had to overcome in my life. Many people say my story sounds like I’ve lived several lifetimes. One memorable moment in my life was when I was shot and having my life flash before my very eyes. I was married by the age of 20, to an undercover drug addict who didn’t care about the welfare of his family. I didn’t really have role models growing up. That situation almost took me out. But GOD! On Being a Woman On-The-RYSE — Last year, I published my second book, What You Don’t Know About Your Soul. I intend to RYSE up as an International Ambassador, and an international Soul Coach. The beauty of Soul Coaching is that it is not limited to culture.

We are one. This summer I was spreading my message in Puerto Rico and Spain, and now I’m a host mom to a foreign exchange student from Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. There is no doubt in my mind; I Am Black Girl Magic. I have made a way out of no way. I am a role model and example for minority women and children. I am a representative of God. I am just getting started so being a woman on the RYSE is a perfect fit.

Latisha Robb is a Real Estate Professional managing over 12 employees for her firm. In addition to this, she’s a “Momager”, has raised 5 daughters, two of them are still at home and now she has a “bonus” daughter, Patricia, which is her Foreign Exchange Student.

She can be found coaching people into their greatness and can be reached at www.LatishaRobb.com

CALCULATED & CREATIVE, MELISSA PROCTOR ALWAYS STAYS AHEAD OF THE GAME

“I was an artist that never played basketball.

I got knocked down my first time being on the court, but I didn’t let that stop me. I used my creativity and persistence to get my foot in the door.”

ATLANTA HAWKS CMO MELISSA PROCTOR SUCCESSFULLY MERGES HER GIFT OF ARTISTRY WITH HER LOVE OF THE GAME Hailing from Miami, Melissa discovered her love for sports early. She told her mother, while in high school, she would be the first female coach in the NBA. Proctor made history by becoming Miami Heat’s first “ball girl”, a role that is now referred to as team attendant.

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop — Melissa majored in Art and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Wake Forest University and a Master’s Degree in Design studies/branding from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design at The London Institute. Melissa shares, “I was an artist that never played basketball. I got knocked down my first time being on the court, but I didn’t let that stop me. I used my creativity and persistence to get my foot in the door.”

Melissa interned every summer for the Heat while in college.

When she was about to graduate, she applied for an internship program with the NBA. She had basketball star, Alonzo Mourning, write a letter of recommendation, but didn’t get the position with the league because she was ‘too creative’. Melissa didn’t let her stop her.

On Not allowing “labels” to Label Her — Proctor was disappointed when she didn’t get the internship with the NBA; she applied for the T3 Program Internship with Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta. Although she was too creative for the NBA, she wanted to be unique in appealing to Turner Broadcasting’s opportunity. Being true to her artistry, she won them over with her creative display of their flagship brands in a TV guide magazine format, which she turned into a personal portfolio. Melissa landed the internship with TNT Marketing. But it didn’t offer much money.

She called up her old boss from the Miami Heat to give her a reference at the Atlanta Hawks. She was hired to keep the court cleaned of sweat and wash and fold towels. That was also the year the NBA All-Star game come to Atlanta. It turned out to be one of her best career moves.

Trusting the Universe — Every move she’s made in her personal and professional life came with the utmost trust and faith in God. “I trust the Universe wholeheartedly,” Melissa proclaims.

Proctor had memorable wins at Turner Broadcasting. She created Upwave, a digital health and wellness brand from scratch; a few months after launching the entire department got cut, and she was laid off at eight months pregnant.

Before Melissa could panic, she reached out to her mentor, Steve Koonin, and he asked her to consult on brand development for him. That eventually led to her current role at the Hawks. Before leaving Turner, she was instrumental in leading the rebranding strategy of CourtTV to TruTV. She also worked in Turner’s London office while in grad-school which was also a faith move.

On The ‘Best of Both Worlds — Working for Steve Koonin, Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Hawks, has been amazing.

Proctor says he serves as an exemplary leader. “Sometimes you have to say no to some things. That’s hard but necessary. As our CEO says, ‘The “F word” is Focus. It’s better than trying to do 500 things at once and not doing them well.”

On non-game days Melissa tries to get in balance by spending quality time with her family; watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with her 2-year old daughter and being a loving wife.

She’s also keen on keeping in touch with friends and mentors who’ve become friends.

On RYSE-ing to the Next Level — Melissa is hopeful when she looks out into her future and says if she could give her 20-year-old self advice, it would be not to worry so much. Relying on the principle that has proven itself over time, she says, “I will go where the Universe takes me and stay focused on my guiding principles.”

Melissa Proctor holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree in design studies/branding from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design at The London Institute.

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CREATIVE UNLEASHED WITH M320’S MONICA COLEMAN BEING YOUR OWN WORST ENEMY CAN BE YOUR BIGGEST ENEMY Monica Coleman is the President of M320 Consulting, an Atlanta-based full-service brand strategy firm that works with several companies including Pepsi, Home Depot, and Funk Fest Concerts.

On Success Being a Team Effort — When it comes to success, one would believe that Monica would be proud of her growth and the development of her company. However, She states, “I really care about my staff and the opportunities that I can create for them. My hope is that those are the opportunities that are allowing them to grow professionally.”

Monica explains “I push them to learn and to develop skills that they may not have had before they came to the company.”

That selfless attitude has allowed Coleman to invest time not only into her clients but also her staff. “Success for me is internally seeing the development of my team.

When that happens, my clients can feel like M320 is an invaluable resource to them.”

On Pushing Past Barriers — Coleman believes that many people are afraid of taking that leap of faith to become an entrepreneur, including herself and for several years she found it difficult to fully commit to her business because of that fear.

She admits, “The biggest barrier that I faced was really just making the decision to commit to being an entrepreneur fully.”

She believes that when you are mentally on the fence about something it affects the commitment one has to push forward through all odds.

Monica’s 3-year-old daughter pushed her towards her dream, along with the fact that she was completely miserable working her corporate job that had her questioning her talents and dreams, for at one point she thought she was no good at marketing.

After realizing that the barriers that people have aren’t real and that a lot of them are mental and made up, Coleman decided to “commit to my business fully regardless of what may or may not go right and accept that if it was God’s plan for me everything would work out, and it has.”

On Surviving the “test” of time — When asked what almost broke her in the process of becoming a successful entrepreneur, Monica wasted no time and was completely honest in saying “I almost broke me.

I almost broke me with not believing in myself and in my own abilities in the things that God had put in front of me and was showing me.” Monica believes that the mental prisons that we often place ourselves in cause us to often miss our true calling, which puts us in a position that causes us to miss out on our potential.

On the 24-hour Pity Party — During the past year, Monica has lost several individuals who once played important roles in her life, but she hasn’t allowed their absence to affect the way she runs her business or her life. During these times Monica has learned not to take things personally because everyone has their own agenda, and will do anything to accomplish their goal. Monica’s ultimate goal for M320 is for the company to run without her presence, successfully.

On Being a Woman On-The-RYSE — Monica states that “the next level I intend to RYSE to is to be the president of a multi-million-dollar marketing agency that is producing monumental results for global clients in the US and abroad.” She works hard to cater to businesses that are interested in branching away from the traditional marketing norms.

Her dream for M320 is to be the company that works uniquely to give the clients great results, reaching the multicultural, lifestyle and celebrity sector.

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IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH PORSCHE’S CRYSTAL KHALIL AS THE SENIOR MANAGER OF PROCUREMENT FOR PORSCHE, CRYSTAL IS A DRIVING FORCE FOR LEADERSHIP Crystal Khalil is the senior manager of Procurement for Porsche Cars North America. She is responsible for Porsche Latin America, Porsche Canada, Porsche Financial Services, Porsche Motor Sports, and Porsche Consulting.

Crystal Khalil on Success — With so much on her plate, she keeps it simple when it comes to defining success: “It is not all about money, and it’s not all about titles. For me, it’s more about being happy, and feeling good about what you’re doing every day.”

On Pushing Past Barriers: “The supply chain industry is typically male-dominated. It’s very difficult for females to excel in that profession. I’ve had to learn to be very professional and earn my way. You have to develop relationships and show and prove yourself. It’s very important that you maintain your reputation and your name.”

“I’m one of the two African-American females in leadership at Porsche. I know that there are a lot of African American young ladies that look at me and are empowered by what I do every day. I know that I have to stay on point, and I have to continue growing.

On Earning Her Seat at the Table — “I had to earn my seat at the table and get thick skin. I had to learn not to take things personally, keep a level head and a business mind and speak to facts and figures.

“I’ve had suppliers call me ‘little lady’ early on in my career. It gave me pause. They felt like they had to explain things to me like I was a 2-year old and couldn’t possibly understand manufacturing or the supply chain. I had to study my industry well. I had to understand what was going on and know my suppliers so could present myself strong. Once they understand who you are, it changes the game.”

On Moving Up as a Mother and Wife — Juggling her career with her personal life has helped Khalil to grow and refine her skills. “There were times in my career where I had to decide what was more important: being home with my kids when they got home from school, or growing my career. There were times

“I would like to break the executive level at Porsche. I’m continually trying to make department best in class and bring that added value to the organization.” where I couldn’t move up because my kids needed me.

“This is an industry where you work long hours, and if you want to move up – especially in a male-dominated industry – you can’t be seen as the one who can’t stay late when everybody else is staying late. You can’t be the one that needs to call out every time your child is sick.

On Being a Woman On-the-RYSE — Though Khalil has already done so much, she’s far from done. “I think that I am always working towards my purpose. I love what I do, and I believe that there is, even more, growth in my industry.

“I would like to break the executive level at Porsche. I’m continually trying to make department best in class and bring that added value to the organization, where people can see that the next level is eminent.

“I think that in my position I have the ability to inspire other women. I’m growing and learning new things every day. I have the capacity to give opportunities to other women on the RYSE and in business.”

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FLYING HIGH WITH DELTA AIR LINES’ NICOLE JONES GLOBAL INNOVATION LEADER FOR DELTA AIR LINES, INC. Nicole Jones on Success — Nicole Jones is less about career accoutrements and more about personal fulfillment, she says, “How I define success today is different from early in my career,” she explains. “Back then success was measured by promotions and salary increases. Now it’s about feeling fulfilled in my career, and that comes in the form of continuous learning, taking others along on the journey with me and growing others’ careers in addition to my own, that is how I define success. As the Global Innovation Leader for Delta Air Lines, Inc., Nicole oversees innovation and ideas that leverage new processes and technology to solve some of Delta’s most complex challenges, as well as improve the customer experience and operational performance.

On Pushing Past Barriers — The ‘Road to Success” wasn’t paved with glitter and gold. Jones admits that early in her career, she compared her success to those of her friends and at times, having her fair share of “less than supportive” voices in her ear.

“Success is unique, it’s subjective and it’s original. I’ve learned that you cannot compare yourself to someone else, you’re always going to lose that battle.”

Surviving the “test” of time — Nicole was only 38 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It was the most challenging time in my life,” she says. “I was in transition with a new company, a mother of three; my youngest was one year old. Not mention, being a wife to my husband.

It seemed that when I needed myself the most, everything and everyone also needed me,” she admits.

On the 24-hour Pity Party — When she was given the cancer diagnosis, Jones gave herself 24 hours to have her pity party. With the encouragement of her husband’s daily reminders of her strength, she arose to power. It actually took about 72 hours (she needed a bit more time, understandably), but soon after, she was ready to get in and fight for her life. Now she’s on the back end of that as a Survivor.

On Being a Woman On-The-RYSE — “I believe to whom much is given, much is expected. My success is primarily the result of people believing in me­­sometimes more than I believed in myself. I’ve had opportunities provided to me, that allowed me to thrive and deliver results. Women who truly understand that they didn’t get there alone, and there’s a system or group of people and circumstances working in their favor, and they recognize that; those are the ones that are truly successful and on the RYSE!” Nicole has held roles with Turner Entertainment Networks, was the eCommerce manager for Macy’s Systems And Technology, where she was responsible for the operations, support, and testing of Macys.com,Bloomingdales.com, and WeddingChannel.com. She began her career with Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, where she was acknowledged for successfully implementing Oracle Applications for Fortune 500 companies.

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TRAYCE TOLES HAS A HEART THAT’S HERE TO SERVE TRAYCE SERVES AS FIELD HR TRAINING LEADER FOR YUM! BRANDS Atlanta native, Trayce Toles honestly found her purpose by serving and teaching others. Currently, Toles is the Field Human Resources Training Leader for KFC US- YUM! Brands, a position she believes helps her learn how to grow and help others.

She is in charge of training execution for core role responsibilities, new product launches, and other brand building initiatives. “I execute interactive and engaging learning modules for the franchise partners in the West Territory encompassing over 30,000 employees across approximately 1200 franchised restaurants,” she explains.

With carrying such an enormous responsibility for such a wellknown organization, Toles says she still attempts to balance and value her career and her personal life.

On Mentorship & Interconnectivity — “I empower myself through mentoring. My mentee Jasmine, just graduated from KIPP HS in Atlanta, GA. Her fresh approach to life empowers me to keep pushing. But it’s cyclical because we empower each other to be better,” she said.

Toles values how she has been able to grow her network throughout her career, “[As a result of my career,] my network has grown exponentially. We are all interconnected and with my career growth I have had the opportunity to sit at the feet and listen to greats like Ambassador Andrew Young and be mentored by former White House Fellow Rodney Bullard,” Toles said.

On Striving for Work/Life Balance — Despite her impressive and enviable resume, things were not always so positive and flawless in her life. Toles is very candid about the moments that nearly broke her in her professional life, as well as her personal life.

As for her personal life, Trayce found it to be incredibly hard to find a love like her father’s after his sudden death. She explains, “I constantly searched for his love in everything. The lack of a father in my life left me vulnerable to situations where I compromised myself just for the sake of love.” She said she found herself in abusive relationships looking for love in all the wrong places. “It was self-love through understanding God’s true love that saved me and helped me to see what it meant to persevere,” Toles added.

Despite these events, she carried on with her mission to spread education and positively impact people.

On Service Leadership Through Education — She is a strong

“Being an educator is one of the most fulfilling positions in life.” believer in service leadership through education, something she valued greatly while previously working with the Nonprofit Development of Chick-fil-A Corporate.

As an educator, she found it heartbreaking when she “came in contact with individuals that didn’t value the gift that we had been tasked with caring for- our children.”

Through influence, Trayce Toles hopes to inspire other educators to think outside the box and grow within their classrooms to positively impact the community.

On Being a Woman On-The-RYSE — Although Toles has undoubtedly lived an impressive and fruitful life she still believes that she has some ways to go, “I’ve got a few more years ahead of me to purge and grow. I would venture to say that my younger self would be amazed at the triumph over adversity I accomplished. As that younger adult or person to see where I am now is an inspiration to my younger self.”

Toles believes, “My heart to serve and my passion for education makes me a Woman on the RYSE.” Toles received a History degree from Spelman College and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy Studies from Georgia State University, before retrieving her teaching certification. She believes, “Being an educator is one of the most fulfilling positions in life.”

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SELF MADE, SELF PAID TALKS WITH NICOLE GARNER SCOTT CEO OF THE GARNER CIRCLE PR AND FOUNDER OF 100 FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS Since first launching a one-woman business publicity agency in 2005, Nicole has blossomed into a successful serial entrepreneur. Her newest venture, 100 Female Entrepreneurs, focuses on small business and business development training for women entrepreneurs. She’s also built a robust platform, which even further extends the reach of the mission — www.100FemaleEntrepreneurs.com.

Nicole Garner Scott on Success — I define success as spending a majority of your time focused within your Zone of Genius. Which is where you work passion fulfilling tasks, maximize your skilled potential and help others in meaningful ways, all while creating a the lifestyle of freedom that you desire.

On Pushing Past Barriers — To be honest, pushing past barriers is never easy.

I’ve dealt with racism, sexism, financial and geographic barriers along my journey.

What I realized early in life, is that to get to the next level you have to constantly live outside of your comfort zone. I had to get very comfortable with never being comfortable. I had to get to a point where I learned to own my accomplishments.

When talking about The Garner Circle PR… I always find myself saying ‘we’ instead of ‘I. I fell into this pattern for two reasons: I had a belief that speaking in first person to discuss successes felt as like bragging, and I had a difficult time shaking the idea that if someone knew it I was a team of one, the value of my company would go down. As the business grew, I made a conscious effort to truly own my accomplishments.

On what almost broke you during your journey — I struggled with not knowing how to say ‘no’. I overcommitted and over promised myself, which is a quick way to burnout. I had to quickly recalibrate my way of thinking and my approach to stay a long term player. I taught myself how to set boundaries, learned to delegate, discovered the power of time management and started being intentional about the life I wanted to live.

On how professional achievements have changed your life — My achievements have furthered my ability to help other women within their journeys of entrepreneurship. The Garner Circle PR’s mission is to push the culture forward. My journey has taught me that maintaining top placement within your industry requires staying ahead of change and while having a willingness to ‘swim upstream’.

On Being a Woman On-The-RYSE — “I am a Woman on the RYSE because I encourage women to be very explicit about their ambition. We have to put into the universe that ‘these are my goals, and here’s how I’m working towards them” and my belief is that this can’t be done alone thereby turning individual ambition into a sense of collective achievement and that is how we RYSE together.”

The Garner Circle is a nationally recognized PR agency having worked with Strength Of Natured, Universal, Lionsgate Films, FOX, Bravo, WE tv, and more. Nicole began her journey into entrepreneurship over a decade ago and continues to innovate within her perspective fields. For more information on The Garner Circle, visit TheGarnerCircle.com.

“I am constantly driven by the purpose that God has placed on my heart and the passion to create generational wealth while continuously opening new doors for the next generation of women to follow.”

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TH E RYS E R U N D O W N

And Still I RYSE - Women’s Brunch & Build

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T H E RYS E R U N D O W N

The RYSE Atlanta Launch Celebration

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YO UTH ON T H E RY S E

From Atlanta to LA with Teen Star Kyla Drew KYLA DREW HAS THE LIFE DREAMS ARE MADE OF TAMIKA L. MORRISON Atlanta native Kyla Drew is a shining star at only 12 years old. Kyla started acting at the age of 6 and has starred along A-list celebrities such as Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrence Howard and Viola Davis. You can find her on the Nickelodeon show, Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn and she was cast as Dori in Jessica Darling’s It List, a coming of age middle-school movie based on the Jessica Darlings novel.

The busy actress made time for RYSE during her lunch on a sunny day in L.A. and gave us a sneak peek into her amazing life: RM: Hi Kyla, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with us. We’re going to jump right into this interview, I know it’s your lunch time.

KD: Okay! Thanks for having me!

RM: Is the Nickelodeon show your first major role?

KD: No, it’s not my first major role. I played in “Prisoners” starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Viola Davis. I played Viola and Terrence Howard’s daughter, Joy Birch.

PHOTO KURT LINDNER

RM: How long have you been acting and When did you first know you wanted to be an actress?

KD: I’ve been asking since I was six years old. I knew when I was four years old that I wanted to be an actress because I loved to entertain people. I told my mom I wanted to be a superstar!

RM: Do you have any siblings?

KD: No, I don’t have any siblings, but my aunt just had a baby and named him after me. His name is Kayenne, and I love him like he’s my brother!

RM: That’s so cool. I love the name, Kayenne! What’s your favorite food?

KD: Oh, that’s hard, but I have to say fried chicken and my Grandma’s sweet potato pie!

RM: Yes, fried chicken and sweet potato pie are high on the list. I can tell you’re from Atlanta!

KD: (Laughs) RM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

KD: (Gasps): Um, well I’ll be graduated from high school, and I’d like to have my own fashion line, maybe have an Oscar, be an entrepreneur, and still an actress. Dream big, right?!

RM: Of course! I think you can do all of the above at the same time! Who’s your celebrity inspiration?

KD: I would have to say, Zendaya! I love her fashion line, and she has a shoe line that I really like. I would also have to say, Beyonce’. She’s a great actress, a singer, and an amazing dancer.

RM: Yes, she’s a great dancer. I think everyone wants to dance like Beyonce’! Outside of celebrities, who are your role models?

KD: My mom. No words can describe my mom. She’s Amazing. I love her so much.

RM: What do you do for fun?

KD: I like to shop, sing, roller skate, dance, do aerial yoga and laser tag.

RM: Wow, that sounds like fun, you’re a pro at having fun! Last question, do you feel like a ‘celebrity’?

KD: Sometimes I do like when I go to red carpet events, and the photographers are taking pictures of me. But when I’m just having fun playing laser tag I feel like a regular 12 year old. I’m just so blessed.

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IT TA KE S A V I L L A G E

Bee Nguyen’s Athena’s Warehouse

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A SAFE HAVEN AND REFUGE FOR YOUNG GIRLS LAUREN EVERETT If you haven’t heard the news, girls run the world — but with such great responsibility come many risks and setbacks. Luckily, some women face these same obstacles for the next generation of feminine forerunners to maneuver easily in the future. One of these women is Atlanta’s very own Bee Nguyen, creator of Athena’s Warehouse. I had the pleasure of getting to know Bee and getting a firsthand look into the inner workings of Athena’s Warehouse and what drives her to be a champion for young women in Atlanta.

Almost all women can relate to the many struggles of growing up with the pressures of American society; from the unattainable beauty standards to the emotional, physical and mental evolution of becoming women. These obstacles were no different for Bee, except for her Vietnamese immigrant parents, that weren’t too keen on American 48 RY SE | FALL 2 01 6

culture. The divide between her reality and theirs was apparent in the way she grew up and how she views life today.

“There’s a saying that always resonates with me: be the person you needed when you were younger. We did not know how to talk about issues, and my parents were terrified of losing their daughters to a culture they were unable to understand.” Bee said she sought emotional support in the wrong places. “Those lessons come at a cost, and I didn’t want any girls to suffer the consequences that I did from my misguided decisions,” added Bee. This very sentiment is what drives Bee to not only be a trailblazer in her community, but to help her identify with girls all over Atlanta. With the resurgence of the feminist movement, women are changing the dialogue around what it means to be a leader.

Not all women are born with the ability to lead, but Bee gave RYSE some insight into what factors drove her to start Athena’s Warehouse. “We work with a marginalized group of young women, and the community in which they live is under tremendous stress.

In addition to the common issues inherent with poverty, many of our girls are undocumented immigrants or their parents lack documentation. This added layer of complication creates additional barriers for education equity.”

Bee believes her civil duty heightens by protecting these girls and their lost voices. “I feel responsible for bringing to the attention of those around me our collective failure. This weighs heavily on me, and it motivates me to keep pressing forward. At the same time, the girls remain bright and open; and they are still human in all the ways

we are. They are beautiful beings and their resilience reminds me to stay focused and committed.”

For those unfamiliar with Greek mythology, Athena happens to be the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, civilization, law and justice, inspiration, and the arts and war strategy among a multitude of other qualities!

Who other than Athena, a fighter for justice and purpose, to create a safe haven and lay the groundwork for others to follow. But Athena’s Warehouse is only a stepping stone for Nyguen, within the Atlanta market.

While it is steadily growing, she believes it will not be her first and last stop. “I imagine there will always be critical work in Atlanta and Georgia, whether or not I choose to stay here. As for Athena’s [Warehouse], I envision a

deeply focused community organization, not one that spans nationally. Under my leadership, we will continue to give our full attention to the community we work with, understanding that expansion is only a conversation we can have once this community is able to thrive on its own,” Nguyen said about the growth and expansion of Athena’s Warehouse.

Creating and heading your own project along with all the responsibilities that comes with can be stressful and daunting. Life, as well as developing a project, require balance for yourself and staying focused on tasks.

Bee explains she is a doer, responding quickly to any issue she cares for. But just like the rest of us, finding and maintaining a balance can be difficult when putting your energy into other people.

That’s why she emphasizes the option to say no to certain things, to turn down certain offers to maintain a sense of self and cultivate tunnel vision of your set goals.

Bee’s life doesn’t revolve around Athena’s Warehouse; every superhero gets to take off their cape! So we asked Bee where she liked to brainstorm and just relax. “I love being outside in any capacity,” said Bee after describing her summer hikes around Georgia last year with her best friend. She said she wanted to escape the “bustle of the city” and “to be away from people, traffic, noise, congestion. These breaks restored my energy. After a hike once, we visited the

original Cabbage Patch factory. There’s a fake nursery and fake nurses! We were intrigued and bewildered.”

It is evident Bee has channeled her inner Athena, and not only from her personal experiences, but her career choices, as well. She has acquired a level of wisdom, inspirational for all of us.

Who knows, one of our readers could become inspired by Nguyen’s words and start their own project!

“If you want to work with a community, build a real relationship with the community. The biggest mistake we make is leaving the people on the ground out of the conversation. If I want to know what is working and what is not working, I go directly to our participants, and I ask them. They will widen your perspective, and more importantly, they will change you as a person.

Recognize their voice, their power and their experience.”

The power of not only having a voice but giving others the opportunity to find theirs

with courage and confidence has been an underlying theme, not only with Bee and Athena’s Warehouse, but throughout our society, when it comes to women and women’s issues.

For those who are interested in working alongside Bee, you can always get involved with Athena’s Warehouse. “We are in need of all the things nonprofits need: financial donations, board members, and volunteers. Right now, I am the only full-time staff person; the organization’s working board is critical to our success. We need to add individuals who are willing to devote their time and energy in helping us with our fiscal health.”

Athena’s Warehouse is just one of the many platforms for unity and creating peaceful and progressive communities, all the while finding and projecting the voices that will help propel us all into a stronger future, not only for our girls, but as a whole!

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TR A ILB L A Z E R S

Op-Ed: What Hillary Clinton’s Nomination Means For Us MANY PEOPLE HAVE MADE UP THEIR MINDS ABOUT HILLARY. BUT HER NOMINATION IS BIGGER THAN POLITICS.

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JENNY O’DONNELL

Some look at her and see someone that shouldn’t be trusted.

Some see the hope for the future of our nation.

And some see a bright-colored pantsuit.

Say what you want about Hillary Clinton, but her name is forever sealed in history—she’s the first woman to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination. And she’s the first woman with a real shot at leading our country.

Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, and Madeleine Albright have made strides in a nation where less than half of its people can see themselves represented in government. But these women are bright spots in a murky political climate.

Less than 100 years ago in our country, women gained the right to vote.

And today, most of our representatives still look like the people who founded our country in 1776: white and male, minus the powdered wigs.

Progress has been made in the past century. But it’s undeniable that in a society that touts equality, not all voices are equal.

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What does it mean for a woman to earn a party nomination? And what is the potential impact of having a female president for our country?

It’s hard to see yourself rising to a position where no one has carved a path before you. And though I don’t speak for all women, it certainly seemed like the chance of having a female president was a pipe dream, off in the distant future...until Hillary Clinton.

She is making a path where no woman has gone before. And as with many trailblazers, her actions are under a magnifying glass, a level of scrutiny that arguably no nominee has undergone in our nation’s history.

Although people bring up valid points about her past controversies, Clinton has to deal with ludicrous criticisms. Both men and women scrutinize her way of speaking, her mannerisms, her face, her fashion choices; the list goes on.

People vote with their guts, not their heads. And in the guts of many Americans, she’s a shrill, untrustworthy woman.

Even in our modern society, it’s difficult for people to associate women with power and authority. But America needs to wake up. Because women don’t just have voices to be heard — their voices are the very ones effecting change.

So we can pretend that all is fair and just, but Clinton’s path to the nomination proves that it’s been an uphill battle. And the battle has only just begun.

However, if anyone can face it with courage and grace, it’s Hillary Clinton.

With every step, every stump speech, and every bold-colored pantsuit, She is on the rise and forging a path for all of us — a path that’s been long overdue in the making.