The 10TH Annual Gray Classic | Thursday, July 26 - Sunday, July 29, 2018
Title Sponsor
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Welcome from The Grays
WELCOME TO THE 2018 GRAY CLASSIC
This year we are extremely excited to celebrate our tenth year anniversary! The Gray Classic was founded in 2009 by Herb and Felicia Gray as a golf tournament. The main purpose of this four day event is to raise community awareness and money to support the mentoring efforts of the 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte (“The 100”).
Felicia Gray
Herb Gray
The weekend is made up of over 2,500 participants including many business, civic, and political leaders. Over the years it has evolved to 7 events from Thursday – Sunday. Included in those days are a Business Roundtable, Welcome Reception, 2 Golf Tournaments, Women’s Empowerment Brunch, Party with a Purpose and Farewell Brunch. It’s the premier networking event that focuses on the empowerment of the community and a chance for great exposure for business. Thank you to all of our sponsors (pages 32-35) that support the Gray Classic events. The Gray Classic’s mission is to help provide an avenue for young students to achieve a higher education, engage young students with mentor programs and to provide networking opportunities for our youth and adult participants.
Throughout the week you can make a donation to support the programs of the 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte, Inc. by texting 100BMOC to 72727. Be sure to share your photos and videos from the events on social media using #GrayClassic. We look forward to seeing you!
Text: 100BMOC to 72727 to make a donation. Thank You!
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THE 10TH ANNUAL GRAY CLASSIC
2018 WEEKLY EVENT SCHEDULE Thursday, July 26 - Sunday, July 29
THURSDAY, JULY 26 BUSINESS ROUNTABLE
pg. 4
Time: Registration starts at 5:00 PM Program starts at 6:00 PM
Location: Knight Theater/ Wells Fargo Auditorium
FRIDAY, JULY 27
430 South Tryon Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
SUMMER CLASSIC
pg. 15
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Location: The Havery B. Gantt Center 551 South Tryon Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
SATURDAY, JULY 28 GOLF TOURNAMENT
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Time: 7:30 AM & 2:00 PM Tee Times Location: The Golf Club at Ballantyne
10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway Charlotte, North Carolina 28277
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT BRUNCH
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Time: 10:30 AM (Registration opens) Location: The Ballantyne Hotel
10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway Charlotte, North Carolina 28277
GRAY CLASSIC AFTER PARTY
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Time: 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM Location: VAPIANO (Uptown Charlotte) 201 South Tryon Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
SUNDAY, JULY 29 SUNDAY FUNDAY BRUNCH
pg. 31
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Location: Sports One Bar and Lounge 521 North College Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
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Message from President Charles Walker
Charles Walker
President 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte, Inc. On behalf of the 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte, Inc., I bring you greetings and welcome you to this week’s activities. We are excited to partner with Herb and Felicia Gray to host the Gray Classic as the proceeds benefit the 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte. The Gray Classic has become the major fundraising event for The 100, to date raising more than $736,000 to support the programs benefitting the youth in The 100 programs. The 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte are a Brotherhood of Leaders enriching the lives of African American youth through Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, Economic Empowerment and Leadership. This year the 100’s Movement of Youth (MOY) program will serve approximately 70 students in grades 6-12. The participants are involved in activities such as STEAM activities (award-winning Robotics Team), Financial Planning and Investing, College/ University Tours, Nutritional Awareness, Tutoring and much more. We also sponsor an award-winning Collegiate 100 Chapter at UNC Charlotte, supporting college students to do the work of the 100 in the Greater Charlotte community. Education is emphasized in the MOY program. Good grades are rewarded by deserving mentees receiving scholarships for their academic accomplishments. On page 29, see the 2017 scholarship winners from the MOY progam. These scholarship winners are presented annually at the Gray Classic Women’s Empowerment Brunch. Please continue to support our organization and help us uplift the next generation.
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Support the Work of the 100
Support the 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte, Inc. and their programs that help uplift and develop the next generation of leaders. Throughout the week you can make a donation to support the programs of the 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte by texting 100BMOC to 72727.
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The Gray Classic | Business Roundtable
CLARENCE BOSTON
CEO BOSTON’S MORTUARY CREMATION SOCIETY OF CHARLOTTE FIREHOUSE BAR AND LOUNGE SECRET SOCIETY CIGAR BAR AND LOUNGE
Clarence Boston is CEO of Boston Investment Group, Boston’s Mortuary, American Standard Vault Company, Cremation Society of Charlotte, Cremation Services of Atlanta and Piedmont Cemetery. He is part owner of Fire House Bar and Lounge, Secret Society Cigar Bar and Lounge, and the soon-to-open Hipping Hops Brewery. Boston, who moved to Charlotte from Reidsville, received the One Meck Community Recognition Award from U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, whose congressional district includes Charlotte. Boston said moving to Charlotte has enhanced his skills as a business owner and entrepreneur.
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The Gray Classic | Business Roundtable Bio
DAMANNA ODOM
SENIOR SMALL BUSINESS SPECIALIST WELLS FARGO
Damanna Odom has a strong passion for helping people to succeed financially. He is a Senior Business Specialist with Wells Fargo Bank, where he works to assist business owners with gaining access to capital for operating expenses and growth projects. He was formerly a Personal Banker and Branch Manager. Damanna has a Business Management degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where he was a collegiate basketball player.
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The Gray Classic | Business Roundtable Bio
VANESSA VAUGH
FOUNDER AND RESILIENCE OFFICER ASFALIS
Vanessa Vaughn is the Founder and Resilience Officer of Asfalis, a business resilience advisory firm, specializing in crisis management and business continuity. The Asfalis team works with customers who are concerned about the safety and security of their employees and customers, frustrated with data privacy concerns and regulations, and those who are tasked with doing more with less resources while bearing the weight of the company’s problems on their shoulders. Vanessa’s background in Homeland Security, Emergency Management, and Business Continuity, positioned her to support organizations at all levels of government, corporate, and non-profit environments. In her diverse 10+ year career, she has gained experience in terrorism mitigation, policy writing, emergency operations centers, risk mitigation, long-term housing planning, and developed public-private partnerships to build resilient organizations. Vanessa and team have worked with customers in aviation, manufacturing, retail, sports and entertainment, and transportation and logistics where they assist customers with creating a culture of resilience and minimize silos in the risk management framework. Vanessa was appointed to the City of Charlotte’s International Cabinet, and she serves as the Director of Community Relations for the Charlotte Chapter of the National Black MBA Association. She earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Savannah State University, and she is a Certified Business Continuity Planner through Disaster Recovery Institute International.
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The Gray Classic | Business Roundtable Bio
DERRICK DAVIS
PRINCIPAL PARTNER INFORMATIC CONCEPTS
Derrick Davis is a partner at Informatic Concepts, a full service staffing firm. He received his B.A. in Organizational Communications from Saint Augustine’s University. With 15 years of sales and marketing experience, and over 2 years of healthcare informatics consulting experience, Derrick enjoyed a successful record of sales performance working for Randstad and Astellas Pharma. His broad experience in national accounts management, complemented by extensive account development, and cultivation of new markets / territories makes his innovative approach to sales and leadership beneficial to Informatic Concepts. A native of Charlotte, NC, Derrick currently serves on the Dowd YMCA Board of Managers, Metrolina Regional Advisory Committee of the Carolinas Virginia Minority Supplier Diversity Council, and City of Charlotte’s Business Advisory Committee.
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The Gray Classic | Business Roundtable Bio
MICHELLE KEATON-BARROW CEO KEATON BARROW REALTY, INC THE BOSS LADY MATRIX
Michelle Keaton-Barrow is the CEO of Keaton Barrow Realty, Green Dynamics LLC and is in the process of developing the brand, “The Real Boss Lady.� Keaton Barrow Realty provides services in both commercial and residential real estate. Offices are located in both Raleigh and Charlotte. Green Dynamics provides private consulting services for corporations that need sustainability support. Michelle is deeply involved in several community organizations such as the Charlotte Business and Inclusion Advisory Committee and the Wake County Community Foundation. She is married to Frank Barrow and is the proud mother of two children, Azariah and Moriah.
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The Gray Classic | Business Roundtable Bio
KEVIN P. BARNES
OWNER / OPERATOR 9ROUND SOUTH CHARLOTTE
Kevin P. Barnes is the owner/operator of 9Round South Charlotte, 30 Minute Kickboxing Fitness Gym.
9Round South Charlotte provides its members with an
intense, full body 30 minute workout with no class times. Trainers are always included at no extra cost and the workouts change daily. Kevin’s background started in the automobile manufacturing industry where we he worked at BMW Manufacturing in Greer, SC, American Honda Motor Company in Troy, OH and Cataler North America (Toyota Subsidiary) in Lincolnton, NC. After 10 years in the automotive industry, he transitioned to the financial services industry where he worked at Bank of America for 10 years where he worked in the Supply Chain, Quality & Productivity, and Global Commercial Corporate & Investment Banking groups. He currently works at Dimension Data as a Process Design Engineer/Sr. Business Analyst. During his years in the automotive and financial services industry, he was able to obtain certifications as a Six Sigma Black Belt, ISO9002 Auditor and ISO TS16949 Certified Auditor. A native of Greensboro, NC, Kevin is a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University where he received his B.S. Degree in Transportation Management & Supply Chain Logistics. He is married to Ebonie and they have 15 month old twin daughters, Taylor and Hailey.
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The Gray Classic | Business Roundtable Bio
TOYA EVERETT
VICE PRESIDENT D.A. EVERETT CONSTRUCTION GROUP Business Roundtable Moderator
Toya Everett is the V.P. of D.A. Everett Construction Group (DAECG), a familyowned Commercial General Contracting and Construction Management firm headquartered in Raleigh, NC, with a presence in Charlotte, NC, Coastal NC & SC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Toya leads DAECG’s risk management initiatives, as well as drives community initiatives that add value to the community and that create long-term company value. Toya is the President of the Charlotte Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, as well as serves on the Board of The Charlotte Post Foundation and the Johnson C. Smith Business Advisory Board.
She has served on a host of advisory boards and
steering committees to include, but not limited to, the 2017 & 2018 Women’s Business Center of Charlotte Women’s Conference, 2017 & 2018 Career Mastered Advisory Council – Charlotte, 2018 KIPP Charlotte College Send-Off Host Committee, and the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit Steering Committee. Toya has a B.A. in Communication from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, and MBA from Queens University, Charlotte, NC.
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The Gray Classic | Business Roundtable Bio
DOUG HARRIS
CEO THE KALEIDOSCOPE GROUP Business Roundtable Moderator
Doug Harris is Chief Executive Officer of The Kaleidoscope Group, a diversity and inclusion consulting firm based in Chicago, Illinois. For almost 30 years, Doug Harris has impacted the American workplace with his work in Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). In fact, his work extends back far enough that he was a part of the movements and conversations that birthed and developed the industry that has grown from what was once called “Affirmative Action: Next Phase”. Combining compassion and a keen business sense, he has shepherded organizations, teams and executives forward as the diversity dialogue has evolved from compliance, to fostering inclusion and ultimately, achieving exceptional business outcomes. Powerfully balancing the practical and the philosophical, Doug has partnered with countless clients to create customized strategies that address the specific diversity needs of each business and their unique company culture, working closely with leaders and executives to champion D&I, to develop commitment and enthusiasm across all employee groups. His energy and passion for the work have been described as “contagious” and few have walked away with anything less than an unforgettable experience. Doug also brings a subject matter expert lens to gender synergies and has been a keynote speaker and panelist for numerous conferences focused on gender equality and equity over the years. Doug has developed and designed cutting-edge content for many D&I workshops around the topic of conscious and unconscious inclusion. He has forged partnerships with organizations like Difference Works to highlight gender issues and build inclusive communication skills. The waves and ripples of his work have empowered organizations across this country and across sectors, from household names to small businesses, from financial institutions to academia, to make the absolute most of each of their people, including Caterpillar, Nielsen, HP, Coca-Cola and Blue Cross Blue Shield, just to name few. As different as each of these organizations are, what they share in common is they have enriched their culture and advanced their mission by embracing Doug’s mission: To free the human potential™. Doug holds degrees in Economics and Sociology from Tufts University.
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The Gray Classic | Business Roundtable Bio
BOBBY ROBINSON, ESQ.
FOUNDER / MANAGING ATTORNEY THE ROBINSON LAW GROUP Business Roundtable Moderator
Bobby Robinson is the Founder and Managing Attorney of the Robinson Law Group (RLG), a minority-owned law firm based in Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA. As Managing Attorney, Bobby advises corporations of all sizes on matters related to corporate transactions, corporate governance, commercial real estate, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, Bobby also serves as a trusted strategic advisor on matters of business growth and strategy, as well as the evaluation and strength of Supplier Diversity programming. Bobby is a serial entrepreneur and is the co-founder of Eiffel Staffing, a legal staffing company and Founder/CEO of Intellydoc, a tech startup that provides AI-powered contract management solutions. In addition to his J.D., Bobby also holds two master’s degrees in Business Administration/ Finance and Public Administration. Furthermore, Bobby has also completed the Harvard Management Mentor program.
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The Gray Classic | Business Roundtable Bio
RANDY M. LUCAS
CPA & PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT LUCAS TAX + ENERGY CONSULTING Business Roundtable Moderator
Randy Lucas is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Lucas Tax + Energy Consulting which is based in Charlotte, NC. Lucas Tax + Energy thrives on being a ‘Remarkably Uncommon Firm’, serving as a full-service tax consulting and financial advisory firm specializing in tax incentives for renewable and alternative energy technologies, new energy innovations, and system development projects such as solar and wind farms. The firm’s specialization in “clean tech” incentives for innovation and system development services includes asset capitalization and valuations, as well as consulting for energy grant funding for energy efficiency construction and for renewable and alternative energy technology installations. Lucas Tax + Energy serves a diverse client base that includes architectural and engineering firms, renewable energy development companies, waste-to-energy consulting firms, higher education institutions, commercial and residential real estate developers, medical marijuana/cannabis producers, and other U.S.-based corporations with a current focus on or seeking to improve upon their operation’s impact on the environment, energy consumption/efficiency, and sustainability. With regard to energy efficiency consulting services, Lucas Tax + Energy has completed over 300 studies on commercial buildings and structures since 2009, consisting of approximately 25.7 million square feet of qualified properties, and approximately $29.5 million in tax deductions to date. Randy has over 25 years of tax consulting experience and July 2018 marks a career milestone for Randy as of 20 years as a licensed Certified Public Accountant. A native of Richmond, VA, Randy holds a Bachelors and Masters in Accounting from Virginia Tech. Prior to returning to Charlotte and founding Lucas Tax + Energy, Randy was a Tax Services Director with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) based in Charlotte which included long-term assignments in Tampa, FL and Philadelphia, PA during his tenure.
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The Gray Classic | Summer Classic
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The Gray Classic | Golf Tournament
Tee Times: 7:30 AM & 2:00 PM The Gray Classic Golf Tournament is held at the Golf Club at Ballantyne located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Golf Club at Ballantyne is among the finest PGA public golf courses in the region. Passionate about providing a destination golf experience, The Golf Club has continued to receive numerous accolades since inception including 4.5 Stars by Golf Digest and named as a top 50 Golf Resort by Golf World. Golf facilities include an 18-hole Championship course, practice area, golf pavilion for events & lunch, golf pro shop, Dana Rader Golf School & golf event planners for golf tournaments & outings.
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The Gray Classic | Honorary Chairs
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The Gray Classic | Honorary Chair Bio
ARLENE FEREBEE
SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT NOVANT HEALTH 2018 Gray Classic Honorary Chair As Senior Director of Novant Health’s Strategic Development department, Arlene Ferebee leads new business initiatives aimed at enhancing patient access, transparency, and convenience. Adept at harnessing business development, strategic thinking, and project leadership skills to ignite the execution of complex initiatives, Arlene has been instrumental in helping Novant Health launch and accelerate strategies for the Health Insurance Marketplace, a CVS Health collaboration, and Medicare bundled payments. Having spent the majority of her career at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a global leader of pharmaceutical, vaccine and consumer healthcare products, Arlene has held a variety of management roles in the areas of business development, project management, product development and sales. As a high-performing leader, her teams were consistently recognized for outstanding business impact. During her tenure at GSK, Arlene championed and led various company-wide initiatives which fostered diversity, facilitated cultural change, and promoted engagement across the organization. She is the recipient of numerous ales excellence and leadership honors as well as multiple Multicultural Marketing and Diversity Awards, including the GSK Diversity Ambassador Award and the Fräbel Flame of Excellence Award. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Arlene received her MBA from the Babcock Graduate School of Management at Wake Forest University. She also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Arlene is the incoming board chair for Opera Carolina and serves on the boards of the Allegro Foundation and AXIA Physicians Solutions. In addition to leading the Health and Human Services Facet for the Crown Jewels Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, she is a member of the Women’s Impact Fund, National Black MBA Association, Project Management Institute, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Since moving to Charlotte in August 2013, Arlene has participated in Access Charlotte, the Charlotte Chamber Emerging Business Leaders Program, and Novant Health’s Leadership Academy. She is currently one of 24 Novant Health women leaders selected to participate in its Leveraging Internal Female Talent (LIFT) program.
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The Gray Classic | Honorary Chair Bio
ARLENE FEREBEE
SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT NOVANT HEALTH 2018 Gray Classic Honorary Chair
Bio (continued)
Arlene embraces servant leadership to champion and help create community building initiatives including a new program called the H: Drive Experience. The pilot, which launched in May 2018, is for high-potential, less-heard voices in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community who might otherwise lack access to leadership resources and development opportunities. Her hands-on adventures with her niece and nephew, Chandler and Christian, fuel her passion to enable and drive opportunities for others, particularly children with special needs. She is an aspiring foodie who enjoys fitness, travel, music and art.
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The Gray Classic | Honorary Chair Bio
ANTONIO F. KNOX, SR. 40TH GRAND BASILEUS OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC. DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR AT THE NC CREDIT UNION 2018 Gray Classic Honorary Chair
Brother Antonio Knox is married to Angela Knox and has two children Antoinette Knox Haygood and Antonio Knox Jr. In September 2014, his first grandchild Autumn was born and stole his heart. The Knox ladies are members of Delta Sigma Theta and Tony Jr. is an Omega. He is very proud of his Omega / Delta Family and feels he is the luckiest man in the world to have such a loving, caring, and supportive family.
Brother Knox is the Deputy Administrator at the NC Credit Union Division. He is a graduate of NC State University, attended the UNC School of Banking and is a Certified State Credit Union Supervisor. His office is responsible for regulating the industry that has over two million members and 30 billion dollars in assets in NC. Prior to becoming a regulator he was a VP and Regional Manager at NC Federal S&L and AVP at Branch Banking and Trust Co. He has been in the financial industry for 35 years. Brother Knox has been a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for 36 years. He is a charter member of the Kappa Lambda Chapter at NC State University, initiated spring of 78. Brother Knox served as advisor at Kappa Lambda for many years before becoming a District and National Officer. He has served on many committees and held many offices including Basileus of Iota Iota Chapter, the 33rd District Representative of the Sixth District, the Grand Keeper of Finance and First Vice Grand Basileus. Brother Knox is known a Community Champion; he has coached youth sports for 30 years, served on the board of directors for many organizations, and task forces for the City of Raleigh, and NC State University. He served as the Chairman of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee at NC State for several years. His passion is working with youth and serving as a volunteer at the Garner Road YMCA, where he has been the Chairman of the board for many years and fought to keep it as a Heritage YMCA. Brother Knox and the board of directors have refused to merge or be acquired and are now called the Garner Road Community Center. In Youth Sports he has coached a number of championship teams but is most proud of the chance he had to coach his son Tony Jr and his teammates to several national finishes in AAU Basketball. However, the most important factor about his team is all of the young men went to college, some to play basketball and some to play other sports. Today he continues assisting young men in getting into college and finding scholarships.
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The Gray Classic | Honorary Chair Bio
ANTONIO F. KNOX, SR. 40TH GRAND BASILEUS OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC. DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR AT THE NC CREDIT UNION 2018 Gray Classic Honorary Chair
Bio (continued)
There have been many awards presented to Brother Knox, just to name a few: Omega Man of the Year, Citizen of the Year, for the Iota Iota Chapter, Sixth District Founders Award Winner, Carolina Community Quarterback by the Carolina Panthers, Jaycee Ambassador by the Cary Jaycees, Cary NC Man of the Year, and most recent a NC State University Legacy Award Winner, and Bishop’s Award for the Community Service Man of the Year for the Western North Carolina District. He was recently awarded Spectacular Magazine’s Community Service Man of the Year and has been given the key to several cities. Last but not least Brother Knox knows where all of his blessings come from and loves the Lord. He is a member of St Matthew AME where he has been a Trustee, and served in the George A Parker Men’s Club and is now a member of the Steward Board.
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The Gray Classic | Honorary Chair Bio
NICHELLE SUBLETT
MRS. NORTH CAROLINA 2018, MRS. AMERICA 2018 CONTESTANT FERTILITY EDUCATION ADVOCATE, PHYSICIAN LIAISON AT ATRIUM HEALTH 2018 Gray Classic Honorary Chair Mrs. North Carolina 2018, Nichelle Sublett, is a vibrant, Ta r h e e l loving, beauty queen who lives by the quote “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” She is a Physician Liaison for Atrium Health, and a former Pharmaceutical Sales Representative for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Nichelle is an active volunteer and role model for the women of North Carolina with her positive, goal-oriented attitude. She serves her community through her efforts as a six-year board member of RAIN, an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and as the founder of StandUp Charlotte, a mentoring program dedicated to the social, emotional and cultural needs of AfricanAmerican boys in Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. Nichelle’s platform and passion is bringing awareness to infertility and pregnancy loss, which affects one in six couples nationwide. She aims to reduce the stigma associated with infertility, and spread hope to affected couples by demonstrating resilience and persistence. Nichelle represents North Carolina by traveling the state volunteering, speaking, attending charity events, promoting her platform, and preparing for the Mrs. America pageant which will take place in Las Vegas in August 2018. Nichelle and her family moved from Florida to the Queen City when she was entering first grade. Growing up as a competitive gymnast, diver, track runner, and cheerleader, Nichelle learned the value of discipline and commitment at a young age. She is a former Cheerleader and Cheer Captain for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she obtained a degree in Psychology. Following UNC, Nichelle obtained her Master’s Degree in Medical Science from Hampton University and was inducted into the Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society. Today, Nichelle lives in uptown Charlotte with her husband of five years, Harold Sublett, Jr. On the weekends, you can find the pair riding bikes on the greenway, checking out new restaurants, or entertaining friends and family.
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The Gray Classic | Women’s Empowerment Brunch
2018 Women’s Empowerment Brunch | Run of Show Welcome Greetings Introduction Blessing ~ Brunch Served ~ Discussion Acknowledgements Door Prize Giveaways Closing Remarks
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The Gray Classic | Women’s Empowerment Brunch Bio
JACINDA JACOBS
AUTOHR OF “UNIQUELY QUALIFIED” FOUNDER OF STOLEN LUNCHES 2018 Women’s Empowerment Bruch Speaker Author, Motivational Speaker, Radio and TV. Jacinda Jacobs started her media career on morning radio which later propelled her career into television, as a reporter, weather forecaster, and morning cohost. Jacinda is a motivational speaker and author of, “Uniquely Qualified.” She believes you are Uniquely Qualified to walk into your destiny no matter where you are in life. Serving is her peace — Jacinda is the founder of Stolen Lunches, which is a nonprofit Global Bible Study Community created to inspire, motivate and empower people to strengthen their faith walk. She has a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Old Dominion and a Masters Degree of Arts in Educational Studies. Jacinda is the Arena Host for the Charlotte Hornets and is married to her co-host and best friend, Derrick “FlyTy” Jacobs. She is the bonus mom of three boys and they share three dogs together. Jacinda is on a spiritual mission to impact the world for Christ.
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The Gray Classic | Women’s Empowerment Brunch Bio
NIKITA SANDERS
SENIOR MANAGER OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS BELK 2018 Women’s Empowerment Bruch Speaker
Nikita Sanders is the Senior Manager of Community Relations for Belk. In this role Nikita and her team create, implement, and evaluate community relations activities that advance the company’s mission and goals. They are also responsible for developing and executing the Belk College Kickoff Game, The Belk Bowl, and the company’s Diversity and Inclusion strategy. Nikita began her career as an Executive Trainee for Macy’s West in San Francisco, CA. Shortly after that she relocated to Macy’s South in Atlanta, GA where she held various positions, including Assistant Buyer of Better Sportswear and Associate Planner of Designer Handbags. She joined Belk in 2010 as an Assistant Planner of Better Sportswear and moved to the Community Relations department in 2013. Nikita has held a variety of leadership positions at Belk including board sponsor of the Women Leadership Network’s community outreach committee, board member of the Black Employee Resource Group, and committee member for several corporate charitable giving campaigns such as United Way, Heart Health, and Classroom Central. Nikita is very active in the community, serving as a volunteer for Susan G. Komen, past Race Chair for Komen Charlotte, Lifetime Girl Scout, Board Member for Concerned Women, Inc. and the Director of Community Relations and Events for the NFLPA Former Players Charlotte Chapter. She has received several awards for her community service, which include The Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award and The Award of Excellence. Nikita is the proud daughter of Arthur and Beatrice Sanders and twin sister of Chikita Sanders. Her motto in life is Proverbs 3: 5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding – in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” She is a graduate of Florida A&M University (FAMU), where she received her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
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The Gray Classic | Women’s Empowerment Brunch Bio
BRITTNEY JOHNSON ANCHOR / REPORTER WSOC-TV
2018 Women’s Empowerment Bruch Speaker
Brittney Johnson joined the Channel 9 News team as a reporter in March 2015. Before returning to her home state, Brittney chased storms and stories as an anchor/reporter at KARK 4/FOX 16 News in Little Rock, AR and Monroe, LA. Brittney graduated from Howard University and furthered her studies at the University of California at Berkeley where she earned a master’s degree in journalism. During her time at Berkeley she also worked as a health fellow at The Washington Post and traveled overseas to report on health issues in rural India. Throughout her career, Brittney’s reporting has garnered an Emmy nomination and recognition from community groups and the Associated Press. Along with meeting new people and traveling the world, Brittney enjoys hosting events, training for marathons and spending time with family. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the National Association of Black Journalists. Brittney is also a proud graduate of West Charlotte High School and thrilled to be back in the Queen City!
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The Gray Classic | Women’s Empowerment Brunch Bio
YVONNE W. DIXON, MHA, MSN, BSN DIRECTOR OF HEALTH EQUITY NOVANT HEALTH
2018 Women’s Empowerment Bruch Speaker Ms. Yvonne W. Dixon is the director of health equity in the office of diversity and inclusion with Novant Health. In her role, she is instrumental in developing strategic relationships internally and externally with the community, public corporations, associations, non-profits, universities and foundations to identify and address health disparities and design health equity initiatives. Ms. Dixon has a 30 year career in healthcare. Her career partnership experiences include long term care facilities, physician practices, civilian and Veteran hospitals, home healthcare, hospice, state health departments and federal facilities within North and South Carolina. She was influential in the successful opening of two oncology facilities partnering with diverse groups of physicians and team members for the care of patients and their families. She joined Novant Health in 2000, and since her tenure she has held a variety of roles including oncology lead nurse, diversity health careers coordinator and employee relations consultant. She is a Novant Health master facilitator with the diversity and inclusion classes helping to develop techniques and concepts which are shared throughout the Novant Health footprint. She also serves on multiple committees within Novant Health that address the determinants of health disparities and health equity. Ms. Dixon’s community endeavors include Community Building Initiatives (CBI), the United Negro College Foundation (UNCF), Spoken Angels, Inc., and she currently serves a board member with Rowan Helping Ministries where she assists with the recognition of various stereotypes and stigmas associated with historical and current addiction crisis for strategies to provide successful interventions. Ms. Dixon is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University with her Bachelors in Nursing. She received her Master’s in Healthcare Administration and Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and a Certificate in Diversity and Intercultural Competence from Wake Forest University.
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The Gray Classic | Women’s Empowerment Brunch Bio
CARLA ARCHIE
NC SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE 2018 Women’s Empowerment Bruch Speaker
Judge Carla Archie graduated summa cum laude from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from the College of William & Mary Law School, and she is presently working toward her Masters of Law in Judicial Studies at Duke University. Judge Archie started her legal career as a prosecutor in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was ultimately promoted to Chief Assistant District Attorney in charge of felony drug prosecutions. She then transitioned into commercial litigation as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for Wachovia Corporation. She went on to serve as Deputy Executive Director and the first General Counsel of the North Carolina Education Lottery, before returning to her commercial litigation practice as Senior Counsel for Wells Fargo & Company. Judge Archie was elected in 2014 to serve as a Resident Superior Court Judge for the 26th Judicial District of North Carolina based in Charlotte, NC. As such, she presides over felony criminal matters, civil matters involving more than $25,000 in dispute, and misdemeanor appeals from district court in Mecklenburg County and surrounding counties. Over the years, Judge Archie has been very active in the community as a member of the Junior League of Charlotte, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, and Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.
She is a former president of the Mecklenburg
County Bar and has also served on the board of directors and in various leadership roles with the Charlotte Women’s Bar, the John S. Leary Association of Black Lawyers, the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, the Triangle Urban League, and the STARS Math & English Academy. For her professional and civic endeavors, she has received the Hampton University Outstanding Alumna Award, the William & Mary Law School Citizen Lawyer Award, and has been named among The Mecklenburg Times 50 Most Influential Women.
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The Gray Classic | Women’s Empowerment Brunch
2017 Scholarship Winner | $10,000 | Jordan McClendon (Not Pictured)
2017 Scholarship Winner | $10,000 | Elijah Hernandez
2017 Scholarship Winner | $5,000 | Mustapha Love
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The Gray Classic | After Party
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The Gray Classic | Farewell Brunch
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The Gray Classic | 2018 Sponsors
ERIC WATSON
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The Gray Classic | 2018 Sponsors
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The Gray Classic | 2018 Sponsors
ROCHELLE BELLAMY MAYFIELD
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KRAIG HOLT
The Gray Classic | 2018 Sponsors
KIM LOVEJOY-BROADIE
JOACHIM AND TANYA ROGERS
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THE 10TH ANNUAL GRAY CLASSIC
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