Xcellence community magazine spring 2015 issue

In this Issue:

Marvin Ellison

JC Penny President & CEO Designee A Leader of the Skies Capt. Brian L. Harris

X Founder, Dr. Angella Releases New Book, I.N.S.P.I.R.E

From the Publisher

It’s Spring and things are blossoming! This is the time for you to put your plans in action. Don’t worry that you didn’t keep your New Year’s resolutions intact. You have several more months to put things in motion.

I want you to focus on what’s new and not look behind you. In order to get the things you desire, you cannot look back. Use this time and season as one of reflection to birth new things that you’ve been thinking and dreaming.

Xcellence, Inc. is committed to assisting leaders in reaching and maximizing their potential.

We don’t know boundaries and neither should you.

If it’s your career, if it’s a major life change, or if it’s simply changing old ways to make room for new ones; now is the time, today is the day.

Go embrace the eXcellence in you!!!

Angella Banks

Founder/Publisher/Editor-In-Chief

Our steps are ordered and the paths are clear. We see the vision before us, and we are embracing the task to sharing Xcellence with communities all across the country.

We are right on track with our 2015 goals as planned.

Our new Mentor on the Move Youth Leadership Program kicked off with both partnerships and community events. The kids embraced the new mentoring program, and are x-cited about becoming Sons & Daughters of Xcellence, and bringing out the leader within.

I am extremely x-cited to share the news that West Tennessee now has a new local chapter. The board members were sworn in and are busy in planning mode for this year’s events, which includes 2015 Annual Gala and Community Day, amongst many other community partnerships, trainings, and workshops.

The new community model has been formed, and now we are ready to spread nationally and internationally.

Check out our website, www.xcellenceinc.org, to learn about our movement and how to start a chapter in your local city/community.

Lastly, I have written a new book titled, I.N.S.P.I.R.E. I am both grateful and humbled by the wonderful reviews that you have shared. If you have not purchased your copy, get yours today and let me “Inspire you to your Greatness!” It can be ordered through our website, www.xcellenceinc.org or through Amazon. I am thankful for all your support.

http://www.facebook.com/xcellence

http://www.twitter.com/xcellbiz.grp

Audra Buchanan

Co-Founder/Vice-President

Marion Mosby

Co-Editor-In-Chief

Dianne McKinney

National Membership Director

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http://www.xcellence.com

Angella Banks New Book Release I.N.S.P.I.R.E.

A Leader of the Skies Mr. Brian Harris Our Xceptional Leader

Maria Luchsinger

Get to Know the Man Mr. Marvin Ellison JC Penny New President & CEO Designee

Sharing Our Love Story

Mr. Markee & Mrs. Candace Robinson

Wandra Neal Cain

Author, Educator, Natl Literacy Ambassador

Designer and CEO of WCA Interiors LLC,

Aniya Flournoy

Jocelyn Lake

CEO, Glitz Fairy

Fashionista Blogger

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Get to Know The Man Meet Mr. Marvin Ellison JC Penny’s President and CEO Designee

pg. 5

It

has been an amazing ride to success for Mr. Marvin Ellison, the new President, and CEO Designee, for retail giant, JC Penny. On November 1, 2014, he joined JC Penny’s executive leadership team and board, and on August 1, 2015, he will become JC Penny’s First AfricanAmerican President and CEO. Prior to his new journey at JC Penny, he served as Executive Vice President of U.S. Stores at Home Depot and was often referenced to as “Mr. Fixit” from industry analyst during a 12-year tenure; prior to Home Depot, he was employed at Target for 15

years. In getting to know the man, Mr. Ellison most common characteristic denominator is the word “Humble.”

As I spoke with several individuals that knew him from birth to the man he is today, those words were repeated unanimously from everyone. In the words of his father, Mr. Ivory T. Ellison, “From childhood to the man he is today, he has always been different, his determination to succeed in anything and everything he puts his mind to, is still his motto. To me, he is just my son! The world knows him for titles and numbers, I know him as the son I nicknamed, Lil Rock. (cont. on page 11)

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pg. 7

Welcome back to the Kiddie Corner with Aniya! I am so flabbergasted to have you reading my article. My topic this issue is on leadership.

With so much happening all around us, being a leader can be seen as something very hard to do. I believe I am a preborn leader; meaning it is not extremely hard for me, I feel it is part of my character. With all the peer pressure, it can be over whelming at times, and it takes a good leader to deal with the unwanted pressures.

Ask yourself the question, what makes a good leader? You have to know who you are, and stay true to that person. Surround yourself with the things you like and the people you love.

Positivity keeps a happy soul alive. I love you all and please remember to always stay true to you. Until next time!!!

Yours truly, Aniya Flournoy

pg. 8

Xcellence

in Action

The 1st Quarter of 2015 was a great success for our new youth mentoring program, Mentor-on-the-Move (MOM). Partnerships were formed with the educational community partners, and will continue throughout the school year, as volunteers go into the school system and mentor youth on various topics and allow them the safety to speak what is on their mind.

The Talking Circles were a big hit, from the youngest to the oldest participant. From the Director, Mr. Drayton Hawkins (Haywood High Reach Academy-TN), to the students, everyone sat in a circle, passed a stick and within minutes, magic started to happened. The Talking Circles are a core component of Restorative Justice, and provides a safe space to share thoughts without being judged. There is no right or wrong answer.

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Our Sons & Daughters of Xcellence enjoyed a Spring Break Kick Off with a Pajama Madness Sleepover. Various community leaders were present to speak to the kids on leadership. Pizza, lots of laughs, and dancing, all made for a memorable night. They had no idea, the best was yet to come, as the music stopped, a circle was formed, the Talking Circle was introduced, and before we knew it, the kids were teaching us. A widerange of topics such as peer pressure, bullying, and career goals, all began to flow from each of the kids, as they took it upon themselves to seek answers from their peers.

All of our programs are developed so that they may be duplicated in any community. Find out how to develop these same treasured moments of success in your area. Visit us online at www.xcellenceinc.org. To learn more about Talking Circles and Restorative Justice, visit: www.restorativejustice.org

Spotlight Community Awareness

AUTISM What is Autism?

Autism is a complex range of neurological development disorders that are often pinpointed through being impaired socially, difficulties communicating and repetitive patterns of behavior. Autism is not gender nor ethnic bias. This disorder can affect anyone and any age group, however, per the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that 1 out of every 88 children age 8 will be affected; males being four times more susceptible.

When it comes to diagnosis, the list can go on and on as far as symptoms because the characteristics for this disorder are so extensive ranging from mild to severe. But significant warning signs are social development or lack thereof and language deficiencies with signs of social detachment/late blooming as it pertains to interacting with other kids and not using the common babble associated with toddlers and early childhood. Although Autism is not curable, it is treatable.

These are the Facts!

About 1 percent of the world population has autism spectrum disorder. (CDC, 2014) Prevalence in the United States is estimated at 1 in 68 births. (CDC, 2014) More than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.

(Buescher et al., 2014) Prevalence of autism in U.S. children increased by 119.4 percent from 2000 (1 in 150) to 2010 (1 in 68). (CDC, 2014) Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability. (CDC, 2008) 35 percent of young adults (ages 19-23) with autism have not had a job or received postgraduate education after leaving high school. (Shattuck et al., 2012) It costs more than $8,600 extra per year to educate a student with autism.

(Lavelle et al., 2014) (The average cost of educating a student is about $12,000 – NCES, 2014) For more information on how you can aid in the awareness, education, and research of Autism, visit: www.autismsociety.org

Put on your Blue Puzzle Ribbon and raise Autism awareness and acceptance!!!

References: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm.NationalInstituteofHealth.Org http://www.autism-society.org/what-is/facts-and-statistics/

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I called him that because he would follow me around the house and stay in my way as a child, always eager to learn. To this very day, when he comes home, he still goes in the kitchen and wash dishes.”

“He’s a down to earth person, kind, and thoughtful. Nothing about him is arrogant!” said his baby brother, Jonathan. “I never forget when he called me after I had stepped out on faith to pursue my music business. Others were doubtful of my decision, but he called and told me how proud of me he was for chasing after my dreams. God will bless you because it’s in your heart, and don’t ever let anyone take that opportunity from you.” He had no idea how much that meant to me and it’s because of those words spoken to me, that I am yet today, chasing after my dreams.

It was May 13, 1983, after high school graduation, that Marvin said to me, “I’m going to Memphis State (now known as The University of Memphis), and get a degree in Business. I want to become famous, but not to the point that I can’t go out in public without being recognized, but wealthy enough that I can purchase anything I want” shared his childhood and best friend, Mr. Derek Peeples. He always knew what he wanted to do in life, and what it was going to take to get there.

Two of Mr. Ellison’s favorite quotes are, “God’s grace is sufficient” and “If you have success and you can’t explain it, you cannot repeat it. However, if you have failure and you can’t explain it, you will repeat it.”

Who is Mr. Marvin Ellison? He is a Son, a Husband, a Brother, a Friend, a Father, a Business Man, and a Humble Man. His small rural town roots from Brownsville, TN, has pushed him to achieve his dreams, while at the same time, to nurture and appreciate the journey of pursuit all along the way. From his days as a Bass player, to his days as one of the most recognized business leaders in the U.S., he believes that success is not about dollars and cents but about setting goals and achieving them.

He is married to his beautiful wife, Sharyn, and has two kids Donovan and Gabriel. The University of Memphis has now become a family alumnus as his wife is also a proud graduate of the school, and their son is currently enrolled.

Xcellence, Inc. commends Mr. Marvin Ellison for role as a leader exemplifying excellence in every area of his life. We anticipate his successful transition as the new President and CEO on August 1, 2015, and congratulate him as he continues on his journey to the next levels of success.

Written by: Angella Palmer-Banks

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“If you have success and you can’t explain it, you cannot repeat it. However, if you have failure and you can’t explain it, you will repeat it.”

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Dear Sister in Success, Put on your DRESS, HAT, & HEELS! I Love My S.I.S (Sister in Success) Women Empowerment Brunch will touch your life in a phenomenal way. You will hear from me as well as my sisters in success on topics such as purpose, vision, success, overcoming fear, networking and so much more.

You will leave this “oh so girly� event inspired, motivated, and empowered. Your network is your net worth. There is nothing like being in a room filled with Fierce Fearless Free women. There will be giveaways and plenty of takeaways!

Whatever you do, do not plan to be ANYWHERE except this fierce event! Get 20% off your ticket! Use exclusive discount code xcellence to redeem your discount.

Visit ilovemysis.eventbrite.com to purchase.

See you on May 16, 2015. pg. 13

Meet Pop Soul Artist

Caleb Minter Young at Heart but Old in Soul

Independent Pop Soul Artist, Actor and Model Caleb Minter is not a stranger to the “Main Stream” Music and Entertainment Industry.

Caleb has graced the stage as the headline opener for Songstress Tweet in New York City.

Rolling Out Magazine captured Caleb on the red carpet, before he performed for the President of Ebony Magazine at the tribute to James Brown in Chicago, Illinois at Sawtooth Restaurant & Lounge, where they celebrated Caleb’s Manager “True Blood” Actor Nelsan Ellis who was being featured on the front cover of Ebony Magazine for his movie role in, “Get On Up”. Caleb also appeared on the red carpet during an interview with True Blood’s Nelsan Ellis at the Comic Con 2014 in San Diego Entertainment Weekly party, where he had the pleasure of meeting Actress Angela Bassett.

Chicago’s Morning Show You and Me Hosts ,Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman interviewed Caleb on their show and he was featured in an article by Star Central Magazine as “Male YouTube Artist of the Month” October 2013 issue.

As if his career hasn’t been astonishing enough, Caleb had the pleasure of performing a private showcase for the cast of “True Blood”, along with picture perfect snapshots with the talented Tichina Arnold of the Martin Lawrence Show and Singer Kenny Latimore after a surprise birthday party for Nelsan Ellis rounded off the night.

Caleb is currently gearing up to release his new single mid Summer 2015 and his up coming Album late Fall. This album will capture the depths of Caleb’s heart as a young artist. He will share some of his life experiences and

deepest heart aches through his music. One of the songs on his upcoming album will be about the tragic loss of his brother. Caleb is truly making a name for himself in the industry.

Continue to follow Caleb throughout his Music and Entertainment Industry journey and please follow him on his social media outlets.

Facebook @ Caleb Minter Twitter @ CalebMinter Instagram @ CalebMinterMusic pg. 14

Welcome to Xcellence Mrs. Wandra Neal Cain, Our Newest Contributor

Wandra Neal Cain is the principle designer and CEO of WCA Interiors LLC, a premier design and decorating firm headquartered in Easton, Pennsylvania. She is currently developing and designing interior portfolios for both the residential and commercial markets.

Wandra has active memberships in American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Certified Interior Decorators (CID), and National Association of Professional Women (NAPW).

Prior to her current role, Wandra worked as a designer for Corporate Environment Company.

Her 20 year career in decorating and design includes multiple successful entrepreneurial and corporate positions that include residential construction designs across five states. She has earned degrees in interior design and decorating and owns and manages a real estate portfolio in the Jackson, Tennessee area.

A native of Tennessee, Wandra credits her ability to her faith and her Southern upbringing. She places her clients first and understands that the key to a great design starts with listening to her clients. According to Wandra, “my personal faith drives me pg. 15

forward and it’s anticipating the joy in the face of my client that motivates me to do a great job.” Wandra also believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Someone else junk can be turned into another’s treasure. “I love creating spaces that are unique and making them into someone’s special sanctuary”. Wandra lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter.

I am excited to share some of my proudest interior decorating projects with the Xcellence Community in hopes that it inspires you to bring out your creative side and let your imaginations run wild. In this issue, I reveal a bedroom makeover. As Spring comes in full force, nothing is more sacred than your bedroom. Use the colors you like to bring your room to life. Check out this how bedroom went from “Drab to Fab!” Spreading colors from the wall to the ceiling adds ambience and intimacy to any large space to make it feel more inclusive.

I want to share some of your photos as well with our Xcellence Communities all over. Send me pictures of your Spring Makeovers and you may see your work here next month. Email photos, decorating ideas, and questions to: wncain.1@gmail.com. Let’s share them with the world!

-Wandra pg. 16

Go Ahead!

Read Out Loud Xcellence, Inc. continues its commitment to literacy. Our work continues with Mercy Housing in the Everett Washington. Our partnership with the Family Tree Project provides literacy and activity resources to their Homework After School Club. As the National Literacy Ambassador, I have been working with the Resident Service Coordinator for Story Time.

The primary goal of this partnership is to encourage parents that they are makinf a diffeerence in the lives of children, simply by “Reading Out Loud!” The ability to read is a fundamental requirement for all children and adults. It is most beneficial when grasped as a young child and then continues to be developed, as children get older.

Our prison and juvenile delinquent systems are full of people who cannot read. What a big difference we can make by making sure that young people are exposed to books early.

Reading out loud early on enriches their lives so that they are encouraged to grow up with a love of reading.

I recommend The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease as an excellent resource. The book gives titles of appropriate books for children of different ages and also the statistics and important facts about reading out loud. So why don’t you, go ahead and Read Out Loud?

Please email me at Maria@marialuchsinger.com if you have any questions or comments.

I would love to hear from you.

By Maria Luchsinger, Xcellence, Inc. National Literacy Ambassador

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Our Spotlight National Outreach Organization

Info retrieved from: http://www.mercyhousing.org/ pg. 18

Love Story

Sharing Our

Mr. Markee & Mrs. Candace Robinson

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Markee and I started dating back in February of 2009. It may sound cliché but he really did come into my life at the perfect time. I was having a bad semester in college and my Grandmother had just recently passed away but he came in and took my mind off a lot of what I was going through. I was initially hesitant but decided to give him a shot and I am so glad I did. We had a long distance relationship for a year because I was in Lexington, KY and he was still in school in Tennessee.

We made it work and the distance allowed us to build a deeper connection. A year later Markee moved to Kentucky to be with me, and now six years later we’re still standing. We currently reside in Lexington, KY.

The proposal was very small and intimate. It happened on Thanksgiving night, November 2013, after a day of spending time with family. He had left the house and said he was going to go look around the mall for Black Friday deals. I later found out he went to calm his nerves and called my Dad to tell him what was about to happen. When he arrived back home, we were talking and he was asking me a lot of random questions then handed me a ring

box. I thought nothing of it because he keeps his football rings in a small jewelry box but once I opened it, I saw a beautiful shiny ring inside. I immediately screamed and started crying. His only words were “So, will you?” And of course, “I said yes.”

Candace was born and raised in Lexington, Ky. She attended the University of Kentucky where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Community Communications and Leadership Development. She is currently a Financial Services Officer at the University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union.

Markee grew up in Ripley, Tennessee. He pursued a degree in Physical Education while playing football at Bethel University in McKenzie, TN and attended the University of Tennessee-Martin. He is currently a Team Leader at the Toyota plant in Georgetown, KY. Our Wedding Date: September 20, 2014 Our Wedding Location: Shiloh Baptist Church, Lexington, KY Our Wedding Reception: Hilton Downtown, Lexington, KY Share your wedding with Xcellence, Email: jlake@xcellenceinc.org pg. 20

Spring Forward with scents galore, jewelry, and many more.

Stop by our location today!!!

1014 N. Washington Ave., Brownsville TN 38012 or call 731-772-1795

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Xceptional Leader Mr. Brian Harris

I love it anytime I can write a story on a man that is a spiritual leader at home, in his marriage, and career. Brian is a resident of Atlanta, GA, and is a devoted husband to his wife Mytrice and father of three beautiful girls: Briana, Brooklyn, and Bailey. He strives to be a Man of Xcellence in every area of his life. pg. 23

Brian’s career is simply amazing as he truly has and is continuing to break glass ceilings in Aeronautics. His journey started as a little boy dreaming of flying a plane one day during a trip to the Memphis International Airport. He decided then that he would do everything within his power to make that dream come true. Born and raised in the

City of Memphis, Tennessee, upon graduation in 1992 from Memphis Central, he took the first steps to making his dream become a reality.

Years later, he graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical & Industrial Technology, and then headed off to Airport Transport Pilot (ATP) School.

During this part of the interview, we had to pause for a few minutes as he shared his lifelong story of faith. He said, “I’ve always been a man of faith, even in times when I didn’t realize it was faith.

I recall not having the money to attend pilot school, and sharing with my wife that I had wrote the check.

She was initially shocked, but then jokingly said, Brian, “You’re going to jail!” However, she didn’t stop there, she went to her father on my behalf and he financed the bill. I will forever be grateful to God and the people in my life that has helped me along the way.”

After attending two pilot schools, he now holds the esteemed titles of 1st Black Chief and 1st Black Base Chief to be hired at Express Jet, formerly known as Southeast Airlines, which is based out of Atlanta, GA. His current management position within the company, affords him the opportunity to mentor, guide, and direct over 1600 pilots.

In addition to his career as a Pilot, he is also a Spiritual Pilot. On December 17, 2014, he became a Licensed Minister at House of Hope ATL, under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. He is active in both Youth Ministry and Christian Education; he acclaims it as his greatest works.

His down time consist of him cooking on the grill, and trying some of Pinterest latest menu recipes. I love cooking for my family; it’s just something about cooking that brings me joy. Brian is also an Alpha Man, and prides himself on the principles in which the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity represents.

His token of love to the youth leaders of today is one word, Attitude.

Your attitude is one of the most important attributes that a person carries.

It has the ability to open doors or shut doors. The attitude must match the goal.

In other words, if you’re pursuing a dream, your attitude determines rather you reach it.

Xcellence salutes Captain Brian L. Harris for being a phenomenal leader!

Written by: Angella Palmer-Banks pg. 24

Spring is in the air!

Spring is in the air! Warming temps mean wardrobe changes and I’ve got the deets on how to put some “spring” in your step!!

Since 2013, trend barriers have been broken when it relates to men and colors. It’s a color phenomenon for Men of Xcellence! This season we will see vibrant shades of teal and purple paired with pastels. Not to compromise masculinity, balance your color scheme, with lighter pastel on top and darker hues on the bottom. A sunny yellow button-down paired with naval blue khaki trousers and casual loafers will surely draw the right attention to you as subtle and stylish not over-the-top and flamboyant.

Stripes!Stripes!Stripes! A man in a suit is eye-catching enough ,but add stripes horizontal for width or verticle for length and you won’t have to read between the lines! However, this is not a beetlejuice affair!!!! You want to have a focal point of detailing not so overwhelming. Pinstripes are an old school fav but the modernize version of this is what I would call the ‘Sailor pg. 25

Stripe’. An all over Taupe shade suit would be greatly accessorized with a striped tie. A basic linen short paired with a striped tee is perfect for a casual brunch or day event. Men of Xcellence, you are now ready for Spring!!

Ladies!!! For this Spring you are not to be neglected. There are always numerous style options for warmer months. I will be sharing staple pieces that will keep you chic yet comfortable this season!

Let’s begin with the skater skirt.

The skater is fun/flirty but also a great accentuater of curves. The A-Line design gives the illusion of a smaller waist while the slight flare flows over “oops” areas creating an awesome silhouette.

Next, I’m seeing spots !!!! The dot print is everywhere this year and not just for babies! But the key take-away just as with the men is balance. To not let the print overpower, switch and swap for a ‘pop of dots’. A solid color bottom pairs beautifully with a polkadot bow-tie blouse. A dot print pencil skirt pairs great with a crisp button up or a vibrant color tank.

Men and Women of Xcellence, you are now ready for Spring!!!! Always remember to coordinate a key focal piece or accessory with a more subtle one to enhance your outfit not overwhelm your look. You don’t want to appear overdone and outdated. You want to be stylish and Spring forward!!!

Purchase men’s colored pants from: www.lovestylelovefashion.blog Purchase Suit from: www.indulgy.com Purchase Skirt and Blouse from: www.polyvore.com

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