2019 Legacy Power Issue - South Florida

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Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

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Diversity Is More Than a Goal.

At VITAS® Healthcare, It Is Our Strength.

VITAS celebrates African American professionals from all walks of life whose expertise, experience, self-awareness and compassion create a better world for all.

At VITAS, the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care, our workforce reflects South Florida’s vast and rich diversity.

SINCE 1980

800.93.VITAS • VITAS.com

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

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EDITOR’S NOTE 4

SOUTH FLORIDA’S MOST POWERFUL AND INFLUENTIAL BLACK BUSINESS LEADERS OF 2019

6. SPECIAL HONOREES 8

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

By Robert Runcie

THE BAUGHTOM LINE

By Germaine Smith-Baugh

10 PINNACLE

Health Care Executive Mark Kent:

Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Mentor

By Kallan Louis

By Natasha Babulal

CITY OF MIRAMAR

12 COVER STORY

Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin Establishes

Broward Black Chamber to Help Businesses Thrive, Succeed

By Josie Gulliksen

14 BUSINESS REPORT

By Beatrice Louissaint

By Stanley Zamor

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION

This issue of Legacy, honoring South Florida’s Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders of 2019, is important on so many levels. First, it signals who the heavy lifters are in our community. You’ll learn who’s creating policy, who’s upholding the law, who’s keeping us safe, who’s employing people, who’s executing a vision for our future, and who’s generously opening their wallets and giving back?

One of our honorees and I have

history. In fact, Adrienne Ellis and I go as far back as high school, growing up in St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city.

We were both raised by successful, loving parents who stressed education. We even attended the same Baptist church. Higher education separated us after high school when Adrienne matriculated at Florida State University while I embraced my new surroundings at the University of Miami.

Eventually, our careers took us even further apart: Adrienne practiced law while I worked as a TV news reporter and anchor.

It wasn’t until recently that I learned Adrienne lives in Palm Beach County and serves as chief assistant state attorney — upholding the law and making sure her community is safe. Her years of experience paid off in March in a highprofile jury trial involving the shooting death of musician Corey Jones. Jones, a black motorist stranded on an I-95 exit ramp in Palm Beach Gardens, was shot and killed at the hands of a white Palm Beach Gardens police officer. The circumstances surrounding the slaying outraged black leaders.

In a riveting closing statement, Adrienne convinced the all-white jury to convict the former officer for slaying Jones.

“I wanted the jury to get it right for Corey and they did, and I’m grateful to them,” Adrienne said on a live TV news broadcast following the trial. “They were attentive the entire time. They were a smart group and they were fair.”

It is fitting that Legacy honor Adrienne with our Public Official of the Year Award. Her response upon notification was sincere and humble.

“Wow! It is such a tremendous honor to be nominated by such a prestigious magazine,” Ellis wrote in an email to me. “I am beyond humbled and grateful that someone thinks that I am worthy of such an honor... I literally have no words to describe how honored I am by this nomination… Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

All of the honorees in this issue are to be commended for their hard work and long hours away from their families. As demonstrated with Adrienne’s commitment, their efforts in their respective fields are paying off with positive results, too.

Russell Motley Legacy Editor-in-Chief rm@miamediagrp.com

15 FORT LAUDERDALE CRA

By Jonelle M. Adderley

By Soulan Johnson

PALM BEACH URBAN LEAGUE

16 PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

Palm Beach Prosecutor

Adrienne Ellis Lives Lifelong Dream

By Michelle Solomon

Subscribe to and view the digital version of Legacy Magazine and view additional articles at http://bitly.com/legacymagazines Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMIAMagazine Twitter and Instagram: @TheMIAMagazine

17 CAREER, LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

By Mary Davids

By Tracy Timberlake

SOCIAL MEDIA

18 TECHNOLOGY

By Kevin Michael

Influencers Give Back and So Should You

VITAS HEALTHCARE

By Beverly McLarty

20 ABOUT TOWN

Legacy’s “40 Under 40” Mixer

21 ABOUT TOWN Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce

Symposium and Business Leaders Luncheon

22 LEGACY BRIEFS

#BeInformed #BeInfluential #BlackHistoryMonth Dexter A. Bridgeman

Russell Motley

Shannel Escoffery

Yanela G. McLeod

Sabrina Moss-Solomon

Joe Wesley

CEO & Founder

Director of Operations Designer

Rory Lee

Editor-in-Chief Copy Editor

Cover Photo

Member of the Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA)

Cover Make-up Artist

CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS

“The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every one regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all hurt as long as anyone is held back.”

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

South Florida’s Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders of 2019

CHARISMA ADAMS President Articulate Consulting

KIRK BROWN

Chief Executive Officer Handy

DAPHNE DILBERT Business Manager AT&T Public Sector

KATHY L. HORTON

Manager, Human Resources Recruitment & Internal Placement, Miami-Dade County

SONYA MILLER, ESQ.

MEGAN DAVIS ADERELE

PRINCE EMMANUEL ADERELE Branding Photographer The Aditu Agency, LLC

Director Palm Beach Mako Cheerleaders

LEONTYNE D. BROWN

CHANDRA MCCLAIN BURGESS

LEONDRAE CAMEL

KALINTHIA DILLARD, ESQ.

DR. JEREMY EARLE

ADRIENNE ELLIS

Center Director, CareerSource South Florida/ Florida Memorial University

Founder and CEO, CMB Visions Unlimited, Managing Partner | Founder salt513 Advertising | Pretty Girls VOTE Inc. and A love For Learning Consulting, LLC

SANDRA IRISH

CORY KINGCADE

WAYNE MILLER

TRINNETTE MORRIS

Franchise Owner Kona Ice of Central Ft. Lauderdale

Business Owner, Leona’s Palace aka “The Palace Hollywood”

DR. CARLA HAWKINS SMITH

ANDREA STEPHENSON-ROYSTER

DON WIGGINS

CEO The Wiggins Agency

City Manager City of South Bay

General Counsel/Deputy Inspector General Assistant City Manager/CRA Executive Chief Assistant State Attorney Palm Beach County Office of Inspector General Director, City of Hallandale Beach Office of State Attorney Dave Aronberg

Deputy General Counsel Broward College

Pharmacy Residency Program Director Memorial Regional Hospital

DESHON ALLEN

CEO/ Executive Director Health Council of Southeast Florida

AYESHA WILLIAMS

Director of Social Services & President of Legacy of Change Organization, Palm Garden of Aventura & Legacy of Change Organization

Sales Director BenefitMall

CEO Trindy Enterprises

RUEL STOESSEL, MD Medical Director Ruel T Stoessel,MD,PA

ROBERT WILLIAMS Managing Member Trio Holdings LLC

ZACHARY KNOWLES Managing Partner Global Business Lending

JOEL OLIVIER

ALAN BOTTORFF

VANIA BREDY

Co-Founder & CEO Teledactyl

CEO, Bredy Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, LLC

DAVID CLARK

RICHARD CHARLEMON

Senior Vice President, Operations Broward Health

NORMA ENGLISH

Chief Executive Officer Reyna Group Home

Assistant City Manager City of Lauderdale Lakes

CATHERINE COLE

DR. ALIE DARBOUZE

Vice President of Global Research Intelligence, Team American Express

Healthcare Supervisor Walgreens

Founder, Executive Director Scholar Career Coaching, Inc.

President & Employee Benefits Consultant/ Tamarac City Commissioner, District 2 Gelin Benefits Group / City of Tamarac

MIKE GELIN

SHAHEEWA JARRETT GELIN

KIYE LASTER

KATRINA LONG-ROBINSON

WILLIAM MCCORMICK

FREDERICK MCLENDON

NETONUA REYES

LASONYA RODGERS

Vice Mayor City of Westlake, Florida

President PennyDiapers Inc

Chief HR Officer Broward Health Medical Center

KIERA PAGE

KARINE MELISSA PURCHAS

GREGORY TONY

KEITH “PAPA KEITH” WALCOTT

DR. ANDREA WANZA

Sheriff Broward County Sheriff’s Office

TREASA BROWN STUBBS

CEO, Hallandale Beach Chamber of Commerce

Owner Arcane Group, Inc.

LYNNE W. GASSANT

DR. HENRY BROWN III

Brown’s Community Development, Inc/ Brown’s Temple Educator of the Year

Nationally Syndicated Radio Personality, iHeartRadio

Chief Executive Officer Karine Melissa Enterprises, Inc.

Executive Director Empowering Youth Inc.

CEO Americlaims Billing, Inc.

Chief Operations and Nursing Officer Broward Health Imperial Point

JONATHAN WATKINS

Chief Executive Officer, Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital

President Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce

Owner/CEO Mclendon investments

Co-Founder The Women’s Empowerment Circle

GORDON WEEKES, JR.

Executive Chief Assistant Public Defender Law Office of the Public Defender, 17th Judicial Circuit Broward County

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

Special Honorees Educator of the Year

Corporate Executive of the Year

DR. HENRY L. BROWN, III

GRASFORD SMITH, ESQ.

Principal of Pine Ridge Education Center

Dr. Henry L. Brown, III, is the principal of Pine Ridge Education Center in the Broward County Public School District.

Dr. Brown is a former Broward County Teacher of the Year, a past Florida Teacher of the Year, and a finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He also serves in leadership roles at Brown’s Temple Fire Baptized Holiness Church.

Grasford Smith is a consummate attorney and community leader.

Attorney Smith concentrates his practice on complex commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation, cybersecurity, and transactional matters. He has represented a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, athletic leagues, technology companies, and a United States Congressman, in addition to a variety of small and mediumsized businesses. He is also a leader in several organizations like the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association, and the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County among others.

Broward Circuit Court

Appointed by former Governor Lawton Chiles, retired Judge Ilona M. Holmes was a Criminal Division judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court in Florida. She was Broward County’s only Black female circuit court judge for 20 years. According to the Sun-Sentinel, Holmes developed a reputation for being both friendly and tough as nails.

The Florida Atlantic University alumna earned her juris doctorate from Texas Southern University.

CEO, Care Management Resources (CMR)

Mark Kent is an exceptional health care executive, philanthropist, and author of “WOW MOMENTS! Turning Everyday Experiences into Extraordinary Events.” A nurse by training, Mark earned an MBA from Purdue University, Six-Sigma training at the University of Michigan, and is recognized as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt by the American Society for Quality. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Fellow of the Medical Group Management Association.

Corporate Citizen of the Year Florida Power & Light Company, a NextEra Energy Company, is the largest energy company in the United States as measured by retail electricity produced and sold, serving more than 10 million people across the state of Florida. Last year, FPL employees donated more than $4.3 million to their community, contributed more than 85,000 service hours, and supported more than 1,000 non-profit organizations.

Anthony Brunson, P.A. Certified Public Accounts & Business Advisors is more than a traditional accountancy venture. The eponymous firm offers audit and attestation and tax planning and compliance services. It also offers business advisory and entrepreneurial services. Founded by Miami-native Anthony Brunson, CPA, the company has offices in Miami, Miramar, and Fort Lauderdale.

JUDGE ILONA M. HOLMES

MARK KENT

Shareholder, Jones Foster

Business of the Year

Legacy Legend of the Year

Business Person of the Year

Public Official of the Year ADRIENNE ELLIS

Chief Assistant State Attorney at Office of the State Attorney

Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg elevated Adrienne Ellis to chief assistant state attorney to increase morale and productivity in the State Attorney’s Office.

Ellis was a part of the prosecution team that secured justice for the killing of Corey Jones, a young Black musician killed by a former officer while on the phone arranging a tow for his car.

Trailblazer of the Year ALEXCIA COX, ESQ.

Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit, Office of the State Attorney

Assistant State Attorney Alexcia Cox serves in the Office of the State Attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit as chief of the Domestic Violence Unit. She is chair of the Florida Bar Professional Ethics Committee and a graduate of Florida State University College of Law. Cox serves as outreach director for the Florida Association for Women Lawyers Palm Beach County.

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

RSVP Today!

Wednesday, April 24 | 6:30 p.m.

Broward County Convention Center Hosted by Calvin Hughes Evening News Anchor, WPLG-TV Local 10

Please join us for a special evening to honor five distinguished leaders at the annual African-American Achievers awards ceremony. Established by automotive legend Jim Moran, the program pays tribute to inspiring individuals who dedicate themselves to making a meaningful difference throughout our communities.

2019 HONOREES

Addonis Parker Arts & Culture

James Thomas

Business & Entrepreneurism

RSVP at AfricanAmericanAchievers.com

Visit facebook.com/AfricanAmericanAchievers for more information

Jerome Edmund Gray Youth Achiever to be announced live at the event!

Jasmin D. Shirley

Community Service

Webber J. Charles Education

Sponsored by

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Broward County Public Schools’ Leader Commits to Keeping All Students Safe

BY ROBERT RUNCIE

After input from our community and thoughtful discussion by our School

Board, the School Board voted on March 5 in favor of my continued leadership as superintendent. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts, in person or otherwise, and to board members for their support of my work in Broward County Public Schools. As I continue as your superintendent, I look forward to working with the school board, and with all of you, to do what is best for the children of Broward County.

This past year, I have worked diligently to make our schools safer, and we are moving toward having the safest schools in Florida. Undoubtedly, we will become a model for the nation, having been ground zero for addressing school safety as a result of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. Now is the time to come together and work collaboratively to show our nation how a community can cope with tragedy and work in unity

for a better tomorrow. That is what our children expect to see from the adults in their lives. They look to us to uncover a path to a better future — a future in which communities operate in harmony, collaboration, cooperation, and love.

Safety in our schools has been and will always be a top priority. As we continue to move forward, we remain committed to our core mission of delivering an excellent education to all our students while keeping them safe. Every day I think about how the work we do is impacting the young minds of students all over this county. I look forward to seeing them blossom into distinguished teachers, business people, politicians, scientists, community leaders, and other great contributors to our society. That is why there is a special place in my heart for the myriad of innovative programs we offer to support their aspirations and creativity, such as our performing and visual arts,

environmental science, computer science, speech and debate, chess, Cambridge and International Baccalaureate, career and technical education programs with industry certifications and so many others.

The tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School could have happened anywhere, but it happened here in Broward County. I feel the enormity of the loss every day, and I will be forever changed by it. Consequently, I am determined to stay focused on the work that I am doing in Broward because I refuse to let the tragedy, or the pain left in its wake, defeat us. I am more committed than ever to serving this community and bringing 100 percent of my effort every day to the school board as we work together to give our children a world-class education in a safe environment. n

THE BAUGHTON LINE REPORT

Mentoring and Sponsorship Create More African-American Firsts American Coach, Brian Flores (Feb. 4, 2019) ●B roward College Appoints First AfricanAmerican President, Greg Haile (May 9, 2018)

BY GERMAINE SMITH-BAUGH

There has been a lot of “firsts” for AfricanAmerican leaders recently. Just scan the headlines: ● “Hannah Beachler and Ruth E. Carter Make Oscar History for Black Women” (New York Times, Feb. 24, 2019) ● “University Of South Florida Elects First Black Woman Student Body President” (NewsOne, March 16, 2019) ● “Gov. DeSantis Appoints First Black Sheriff” (WSVN, Jan. 11, 2019) ● Miami Dolphins Name First African-

And the list of headlines goes on as more African-Americans reach milestones at the top of American institutions. This is certainly progress.

It’s uplifting to know that more organizations are looking beyond racial perceptions in hiring the right people based on their experience, skills, and character. But let’s not get too excited just yet.

An Associated Press analysis of government data found that AfricanAmerican workers are chronically underrepresented compared to white workers in high-salary jobs in technology, business, life sciences, architecture and engineering. Instead, many AfricanAmerican workers find jobs in low-wage, less-prestigious fields where they're overrepresented, such as food service and building maintenance.

Here’s more hard truths — there have been only 15 African-American CEOs in the history of Fortune 500 companies, according to a 2016 Forbes Magazine article. Things aren’t much better outside the corner office, where AfricanAmericans have accounted for less than 5 percent of executive team members in Fortune 100 companies.

So what can be done to improve this?

Here’s a place to start: mentoring.

We need more African-Americans in positions of power and influence to mentor other African-Americans who are just getting started in the corporate world or are stuck in middle management jobs.

Companies also need to understand the importance of mentorships, and they need to make it a priority to develop programs that allow African-Americans and all other employees to flourish.

In addition to mentoring, we also need up-and-coming leaders to be “sponsors” — advocates who create opportunities for mentees to excel. So it’s one thing to offer career development and leadership advice, it’s another to actually

open doors and make introductions.

Together, mentoring and sponsoring are powerful and transformative tools Knowing this, the Urban League of Broward County Youth Professionals Network is there for professionals under the age of 40.

Our Youth Professionals Network hosts many events to bring young leaders together so they can work on urban community projects as well as develop their leadership abilities, enhance their marketability, build their networks, and find mentors and sponsors. Learn more at ulbcypn.org.

These young people are laying the foundations to reach their career goals and add more “firsts” for African-Americans.

The Baughtom Line: Intelligence, hard work, and skill can only take you so far. To reach the top jobs in any industry, you need your networks to pull you along the rest of the way. This is especially true for many African-Americans trying to reach the executive suites of leading organizations. n

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

PINNACLE

Health Care Executive Mark Kent: Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Mentor

Mark Kent, healthcare executive

BY KALLAN LOUIS

As the son of a physician, Mark Kent had a lot of exposure to the health

industry. He worked the front desk of his father’s practice and the family believed Kent would also become a physician. However, as much passion as he had for the field, he was a leader who understood business. He combined his interest and became a health care executive, serial entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist.

“When I was 13, my grandmother, who was my girl, died of Diabetes,” he reflected. “I wanted to figure out a way to prevent that type of pain for anyone else in our community. That is still a driver of mine...as I see patients come into our medical practices, especially young kids holding their grandmother’s hand, I flashback to myself.”

The former Women’s Health Care and Humana executive is now founder,

owner and CEO of three health care businesses based in South Florida: ● Care Management Resources – a management services organization contracted in Florida to help physicians optimize and manage their practice ● Total Health Medical Centers – a primary care medical centers with six locations in the tri-county area (currently expanding into Tampa and Orlando) ● Your Partners In Health – an inhouse medical company that provides various health services to homebound patients

As health care has risen to be one of the most discussed topics in America over the years, Kent says the

politicization has negatively impacted many people and is putting others at risk.

“What I have seen is a falling back of people actually getting the care and education necessary to keep them healthy,” he explained. “At one point, it felt like we were on this really nice trend, but because of the hyperpolarization of the Affordable Care Act and health care, it seems to have fallen backward.”

Outside of his work, Kent’s philanthropic efforts have helped nearly 40 students complete their college education through The Kent Foundation and its $1.5 million endowment. He is also an active participant in Big Brothers Big Sisters. n

CITY OF MIRAMAR

Miramar Cultural Center Thrives as Hub of Art, Music, Education celebrating a life event at MCC, the outdoor and indoor options, customizable décor, menu and private dressing rooms enable us to give you the celebration of your dreams. ● Our annual “MCC Presents”season makes it a place where community and culture converge. Its comfortable seating, Celebrate a life event at MCC. Outdoor and indoor options, The Ansin Family Art Gallery serves as a community pillar The intimate theater hosts a variety of well-known performers and clear sightlines, showcasing the visual arts of notable names and classically artists offering guests an up-close experience to the stars. The customizable décor, and menu offer the perfect backdrop a spacious lobby, trained artists of global origins.

2018-19 season included Brian McKnight. Photo by Ron Elkman. for memorable moments! and backstage with ensemble and

BY NATASHA BABULAL include: the Ansin Family Art Gallery, a located between Fort Lauderdale and principal dressing rooms make it a botanical garden, a full-service kitchen, Miami, with ample free parking.

A premier destination for arts and welcoming venue. an 800-seat theater, banquet facilities, ● MCC has professional banquet entertainment, Miramar Cultural Center ● MCC also has a thriving educational a dance studio, and more.

It remains and theater staff who will ensure a | ArtsPark was designed to celebrate series including: school day matinees, the perfect venue for your next private successful, smooth event, whether creativity and diversity within the city. master classes, a performing arts celebration, corporate meeting, or arts in holding a performance or a celebration.

Opened in 2008, it is in the heart of summer and spring camp, and ongoing Southwestern Broward County. ● Enhancing programming opportunities, Miramar Town Center adjacent to City arts enrichment programs:Cultural MCC has a dance studio and Hall. It is visible and accessible from Red Connections, Miramar Community Key Facts About the Miramar Cultural multipurpose classroom, each Road, Miramar Boulevard, and Hiatus Theatre, and Cultural Start.

Center | ArtsPark: accommodating up to 60 people.

Road and boasts ample free parking. It is n ●

M iramar Cultural Center is conveniently ● W

hen planning a wedding or a landmark destination with features that

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

COVER STORY

Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin Establishes Broward Black Chamber to Help Businesses Thrive, Succeed

BY JOSIE GULLIKSEN

As a litigator for the federal government working immigration cases for more than 16 years, Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin is busy enough. The mother to a four-yearold son and wife of newly-elected Tamarac District 2 Commissioner Mike Gelin already had lots on her plate. However, her motivation to help black business owners thrive and succeed in Broward County led her to establish the Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce.

“Two factors motivated me to establish the chamber – the need to promote buying from black businesses in the community and helping to create jobs,” Jarrett Gelin says.

She said she felt business owners needed an advocate who could interface with government entities and private corporations so they could do business with and partner with black companies.

“We needed to advocate countywide, with all 31 municipalities, as well as the several multi-billion-dollar corporations that are based in Broward County,” she said.

Through the “Listening Tour: Your Business Matters” initiative in 2018, she reached out to small business owners to learn about obstacles they faced in starting and growing their businesses. The tour ran from March to June.

“This was a great research tool to create something useful for businesses,” she said. “We want to offer programming that will help them start and expand their companies.”

In August, Jarrett Gelin plans to launch “Broward Black Restaurant Week” to show “we’re going to fuel our economy in multiple ways, with all types of businesses,” she says.

A greater purpose for improving prosperity for black-owned businesses, she added, was the realization that 38 percent of black children in Broward County live in poverty. “This moved

Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce founder Shaheewa Jarrett Geilin walks along the Sistrunk Boulevard Business District where she hopes to educate entrepreneurs about financial opportunities to sustain and expand their business.

me to action,” she shared. “That’s banks, Jarrett Gelin emphasized, “We directly linked to lack of jobs and we get loans and working capital at a lower also have double the unemployment rate so starting a fund is something rate of our white the Chamber counterparts.” is aggressively

Jarrett Gelin pursuing.” explained, the Jarrett Gelin “Two factors motivated me Chamber’s goal said she was also to establish the chamber – concerned that is “to disrupt the status quo” the need to promote buying the Community in order to from black businesses in the Redevelopment get the black Agency was not economy moving community and helping to aggressive enough by helping in courting local create jobs.” black budding black investors to entrepreneurs ensure ownership of start and grow properties along the their companies. “We have to create that corridor would not be completely taken economic engine in our communities, out of the black community’s hands. advocate, and create opportunities for “Given our low ownership rates, this our black businesses so we can start limits our wealth and helps perpetuate hiring our own,” she said. the wealth gap,” she said. “Sistrunk

Because studies have shown is one example but it’s happening in access to capital is a major problem other parts of Broward County and for many black business owners who around the country in historically black seek funding via traditional means like neighborhoods.”

The Chamber is bringing people together to address the issue. “We are a young Chamber, but we understand the fierce urgency of now, so we’re moving quickly to engage partners and move the needle on pressing issues,” she said.

One of the Chamber’s main goals is serving as a resource for the business community and closing the information gap by researching and actively engaging public and private entities so the black community is informed about contracting opportunities, free training programs, and economic development dollars, which includes the CRA.

“The lack of information about the region’s resources has been a major issue and often noted by black business owners,” she said. “I can’t tell you how often I hear someone say they weren’t aware of a meeting, training, Request for Proposal, or funding opportunity until they attended our meeting or saw it on our social media. It’s a critical role to fill.” n

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

BUSINESS REPORT

Entrepreneurs and Consumers Have Power to Make a Difference

BY BEATRICE LOUISSAINT

Entrepreneurs drive our economy.

Creating and building a successful business not only brings power and prosperity to the entrepreneur, it also makes a difference in the world on a larger scale – whether social, financial or cultural.

Many business owners are taking this to heart and building lasting legacies. A

2016 HSBC Bank study showed that more than 60 percent of entrepreneurs believe it is their responsibility to have a positive social and economic impact on society – to do well while doing good.

This power flows in more than one direction. Each day as consumers, we have power — the power of the purse and where we choose to spend our money.

As consumers, we have the power to support companies that are fair, pay a livable wage, support causes that are important to us and are engaged in the community. We can decide to support companies that build diverse boards of directors and that invest in charitable endeavors in underrepresented communities.

Now more than ever, it is crucial to put thought into each purchase and to educate ourselves about the businesses we patronize.

Take the example of Troy Taylor, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Florida (Coke Florida), one

of the nation’s largest black-owned businesses with more than $1.2 billion in sales. Taylor is a prime example of putting power to work. He said he was drawn to the Coca-Cola business because of its direct reach into minority communities and the ability he would have to influence multicultural populations.

Taylor’s deep desire to create change ended up also reaching the upper echelons of the corporate world. He has been vocal about not only creating a diverse team at the Coca-Cola Company, but also about doing business with those who embrace diversity. Case in point: although Taylor spent years at J.P. Morgan prior to entering the world of entrepreneurship, he told Black Enterprisethat he eventually changed his credit facility to Citi because J.P. Morgan “didn’t have anybody across the table that looked like me.”

Taylor’s use of power and his dedication to investing back into his community is a lesson to all. When you are the one making the decisions, you

can consciously decide to effect change, whether you do so by the way you run your company or through the companies you choose to support.

Entrepreneurs can set the tone for others in their industry by implementing policies that support inclusive workforces, buying from minority-owned businesses, equal pay, or generous family and maternity leave. They can mentor talent in their company or industry, and can lend their time and support causes they believe in.

As entrepreneurs and consumers, we are in the unique position of being able to do both. True power is building a legacy of positive impact. True power is choosing to use your dollars and your decisions to make a difference every day.

Beatrice Louissaint is president and CEO of the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council. Learn more about the FSMSDC at fsmsdc.org or call (305) 762-6151. n

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION

Conduct a SWOT Analysis When Preparing for Negotiations

BY STANLEY ZAMOR

After three intense hours of negotiations where I shuttled between private rooms, I decided to bring lawyers together in the hallway and said, “We have tried for quite some time to find common ground and you both are debating business and legal positions that neither want to move from. If you allow me to, can I approach the remainder of our time in a different

way?” Both attorneys looked puzzled, yet agreed. After using a SWOT Analysis approach, after 90 minutes they were able to strategize differently and began to draft a mutually beneficial agreement.

In the late 1960s, Albert S. Humphrey developed the Strengths,Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats framework to better analyze business and organizational decisionmaking. A SWOT Analysis is a tool that can be used in a variety of industries.

SWOT Analysis has typically been used in a business and marketing context. I suggest that it can also be applied in a variety of areas, including that law. It is a helpful guide to analyze and review positions, strategies, ideas or approaches towards a challenging issue.

When making a decision, consider the following:

Strengths: are internal factors that influence your position. List five reasons why you feel your position is strong.

Explain how and why you feel that way.

Weaknesses: are internal factors that influence your position. List five things that are risks for you. Why?

Opportunities: are external factors that influence your case or current position. Opportunities are not as easy to identify as some may think. You must spend time researching your industry and be honest with yourself about your wants, needs, and walk-away points.

● I dentify five positives that motivate you to proceed. ● I dentify any interesting trends or similar issues in your industry or legal position that you can imitate or rely on.

Threats: are usually external factors that influence how to proceed. A variety of scenarios should be considered when determining what your threats are, such as: ● Five risks you’d face if you go forward with your position. ●S hould you not prevail as anticipate,

does the loss change your position in the marketplace or industry? If so, how? ● Will your reputation be harmed if you do not obtain a favorable result? If so, how? ● What is your financial risk tolerances?

Stanley Zamoris a Florida Supreme Court certified circuit, family and county mediator as well as a primary trainer and qualified arbitrator. Zamor serves on several federal and state mediation and arbitration rosters. He mediates with the Agree2Disagree (ATD) Mediation Group. As an ADR consultant, he regularly lectures about a variety of topics from ethics, cross-cultural issues, diversity, bullying, and family-business relationships.

szamor@effectivemediationconsultants.com www.effectivemediationconsultants.com www.LinkedIn.com/in/stanleyzamoradr (954) 261-8600 n

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

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FORT LAUDERDALE CRA

New Workforce Housing Coming to Sistrunk Neighborhood

Community leaders break ground ground on 11 new single family homes in the River Gardens/Sweeting Estates neighborhood.

BY JONELLE M. ADDERLEY

Historic Sistrunk, one of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest African American communities is slated to receive new workforce housing, spearheaded by the Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The agency, which has invested millions into the Sistrunk neighborhood is working to expand affordable workforce housing in the area’s residential neighborhood.

Projects that are underway or in the pipeline include: River Gardens/Sweeting Estates Homes City of Fort Lauderdale Vice -Mayor and District 3 Commissioner Robert McKinzie recently joined representatives from DeAngelo Development, the CRA and local residents to break ground on 11 new single family homes in the River Gardens Sweeting Estates neighborhood.

Developed by minority and African American owned family business DeAngelo Development LLC., the new homes feature five different models with 3 and 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and a garage. In addition, all of the homes will have standard turn key features and include amenities such as granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Prices range between $260,584 to $289,760, much less than Broward county’s median home price of $340,000, as reported in the Sun Sentinel.

CRA tax dollars at work According to the CRA, plans are underway to increase the supply of affordable housing in the Sistrunk neighborhood through initiatives such as targeted infill development projects and ongoing purchase assistance programs.

The CRA plans to utilize 55 vacant parcels to develop single family homes as part of a targeted single-family infill project.

This initiative is intended to remove pockets of blight and vacant land, provide

for market-rate housing and promote homeownership opportunities by utilizing vacant residential lots for housing.

The agency is also offering incentives such as a purchase assistance program, which provides up to $45,000 to families and individuals with a household total income at or below 160 percent of the Broward County median income, adjusted for household size, as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Apartment building coming soon An eleven-story mixed use tower featuring 142 workforce apartments is also slated to break ground soon on Sistrunk Boulevard at 613 NW 3rd Avenue. The CRA provided a $7 million incentive towards the $42 million project.

For more information about the City of Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency visit www. fortlaudedalecra.com.

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PALM BEACH URBAN LEAGUE

Urban League Works to Empower Families with Financial Security and Stability

BY SOULAN JOHNSON

When people do not understand money, including how to budget, save and borrow money, individuals and communities can suffer economically.

According to a 2015 Financial Capability Survey, 47 percent of Florida residents did not think they could access $2,000 if an unexpected need arose within the next month. These findings are on par with the 2011 Corporation for Enterprise

Development survey, which found that 27 percent of Florida households were “asset poor,” defined as not having enough net worth to subsist at the poverty level for three months without income. And 49 percent were “liquid asset poor,” defined as having no or limited cash or a savings account.

The persistence of low wages, underemployment, and loss of employersponsored benefits can lead to financial insecurity in many Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed households. As a result, many ALICE households turn to government support services to make ends meet, feed their families, secure health insurance, or pay for rent and other basic needs.

The Urban League of Palm Beach County, a 501C3 non-profit organization founded in 1973, recognized the critical need to help families reach financial stability, increase their net worth, find employment, and become financially secure.

In 2013, ULPBC launched its Financial Empowerment Center modeled

after the Annie E. Casey Center for Working Families, a comprehensive, integrated approach designed to help low and moderate income families including veterans, students, and non-English speakers achieve financial stability and upward mobility.

FEC focuses on four key areas: 1) workforce and career development including: job readiness, job placement, occupational skills training, education and career advancement, 2) income and work support by helping participants gain access to public benefits, tax credits, healthcare, financial aid and other benefits to improve their financial security, 3) financial service and asset building through one-on-one coaching to establish goals and a pathway to success, along with educational workshops, and access to well-priced financial products and services. This includes educating clients about traditional banking services and ways to avoid payday loans or other predatory lending services; and 4) infrastructure and systems by collaborating with partner agencies to provide seamless integration of services

and tracking of client’s progress.

FEC seeks to fill the vocational, educational and financial services gaps by helping families earn more, keep more of what they earn, build savings and assets, and move up the economic ladder. In 2017-2018, more than 1,056 residents received services through the FEC. Fiftythree percent increased their credit score by 35 points, 62 percent increased their savings by an average of $375 per month and 23 percent obtained employment and increased their income by $1,000 - $1,500.

The only way to take control of your financial life is to dig deep and fix the root problem. Seek out assistance through programs like FEC that help families reach financial freedom so their hearts and minds can be free from worry about the what-ifs of life.

Soulan Johnson is vice president of Development and Marketing for the Urban League of Palm Beach County, Inc. n

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

Palm Beach Prosecutor Adrienne Ellis Lives Lifelong Dream

In court, Palm Beach Prosecutor Adrienne Ellis describes the scene involving the 2012 murder of 24-year-old Alexis Lace.

BY MICHELLE F. SOLOMON

Making national headlines, it was one of the biggest legal cases of her career.

In a trial that had civil rights leaders demanding justice, Chief Assistant State Attorney Adrienne Ellis played a key role on the prosecution team that convicted former Palm Beach Gardens police officer

Nouman Raja, who is white, for the shooting death of stranded black motorist Corey Jones.

“All I can say right now is that when I got the call about the case on Oct. 18, 2015, I was involved from day one,” said Ellis, who at press time, was unable to comment about the specifics of the case,

pending Raja’s sentencing.

On March 7, an all-white jury found Raja, 41, guilty of manslaughter by culpable negligence and attempted first-degree murder. As prosecutors laid out in court, Jones’ car had broken down near Interstate 95 and PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens. Jones, 31, was on the phone with roadside assistance at 3:15 a.m. when Raja confronted him. Raja, who was in plainclothes, maintained he was defending himself after Jones pointed a handgun at him. However, the recorded roadside assistance call told a different story.

“It is one of my job duties to be involved in officer involved shooting cases,” said Ellis, who has worked with the state’s attorney office in West Palm Beach since February 2010. “I always feel for my victims and their cases, but this one had some different nuances.”

Ellis was born in Miami and moved to St. Augustine, Florida when her father’s job took the family there when she was 16 years old. She recalled, at 13, the moment

she decided to become a lawyer while watching legal shows like ‘L.A. Law.”

Growing up, she would play lawyer and bring in her brother and sister to role play.

“I think out of the three of us, I am the most argumentative,” Ellis explained.

“Not in a negative way, I just like to debate.”

Ellis attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, then law school at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law. Fresh out of NSU, she joined the Office of the Public Defender in Palm Beach County, where she practiced as an assistant public defender for more than 13 years. Now a prosecutor, she says she is following her calling.

“If my calling was to try that case because I needed to be there for whatever reason and that’s what it was for, I’m fine with that,” Ellis said. “I don’t know what’s in store for me next month or next year.

Only He knows that. Whatever I do, I want to be successful because God is my boss.” n

Congratulations to Empowering Youth Inc.’s Executive Director,

DR. ANDREA WANZA

for being nominated and selected by Legacy magazine as one of South Florida’s “50 Most Powerful Black Leaders in Business & Industry’’ for 2019.

Your leadership, service, selflessness and ability to get things done are an inspiration to us all.

EMPOWERING YOUTH INC. Board of Directors

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

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CAREER LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT

Three Positive Affirmations to Say Before Your Next Interview a stressful and scary process, so here are a few affirmations that will allow you to focus on your strengths when prepping for an interview. These simple reminders can help you shake your nerves and go into your next interview feeling confident and prepared.

BY MARY V. DAVIDS

My former boss once asked me how is it that I am so confident and not intimidated by executives or senior leadership. I told her their title didn’t matter. What matters is having the ability to clearly articulate your value to decision makers during an interview.

If you let it, interviewing can be

1. I am valuable: Don’t get suckered into the idea that the company is doing you a favor by hiring you. Remember, you are bringing value to the table, too.

You are equipped with knowledge, skill, and the ability to meet organizational needs. Lean on your experience in problem solving, organizing, leading, or training others as proof that you can add value in any setting. Let them know how you will be an asset to the organization, not just a warm body in a seat.

2. I can do great work: Think back to specific situations where you used your skills and knowledge to complete a project. Listing specific examples

is important not only for your future employer to hear, but for you to remember as well. Avoid getting caught up in what skills or knowledge you don’t have and instead focus on past situations where you showed up as a leader by using your unique skills to get the job done. The goal is to show that you have the capability to do great work. You don’t have to know everything there is to know about a place you’ve never been.

3. I am worthy: Confidence in interviewing is about convincing yourself that you are worthy of the position for which you’ve applied. You deserve to have a good life. You deserve this opportunity because you have a unique perspective based on your own experience of how to approach problem solving and handle conflict. You have the capability to learn what you need to know to get the work done, even if

it means spending extra time to get it right or coming up with new ways of completing the process altogether. If you weren’t a worthy applicant, you wouldn’t be preparing for an interview.

Remember that.

Rejection is the greatest fear most have when interviewing, but it is also a great opportunity to learn more about yourself. Even if you don’t get the job, take time to follow-up and find out why.

There could be an abundance of reasons why you didn’t get the role, many reasons that may have nothing to do with you.

Mary V. Davids, an executive career and leadership development coach, is owner of D&M Consulting Services, LLC. For more career tips and advice visit www.marydavids.comor follow @ MVDavids on Instagram or Twitter. n

SOCIAL MEDIA

Email Lists Still Valuable in Age of Social Media

Dr. Tracy Timberlake

BY STANLEY ZAMOR

On March 13, 2019, many of us discovered just how social media dependent we can be. You may have been one of millions who tried to access Facebook and its subsidiary platforms Instagram and WhatsApp only to find that you were denied!

#FacebookisDown began trending on Twitter as many of us experienced

unprecedented connectivity issues.

Facebook released a statement saying it was working on it, but who knew that a “server configuration change” would have every digital marketer, influencer, and online business up in arms. Social media platforms are the primary means of leading generation and audience relationship building. So when they go down, we lose precious time and money.

As a digital strategist, social media is a major player in the game, but it is not the end-all-be-all. It is only one part. Crafting a 360-degree marketing strategy is essential if you want to win in the online space. You simply can’t rely on just one or two platforms to help with brand awareness and communication. While there are many components to a comprehensive strategy, I always begin with an email list as a first step.

While there are some who believe having an email list is obsolete, our recent mishap with Facebook shows

us otherwise. You will never own your Facebook friends or your Instagram followers, but you can absolutely own a list with emails on it! So, when social media decides that it doesn’t want to play today, you have an entire spreadsheet of contacts that you can reach out to using that very precious, very valuable email address.

Think about it, Facebook shows your posts to an average of 10 percent of your followers and decreases with each algorithmic change. Email open rates land at about 25 percent. It doesn’t take a mathematician to show us that our email reach is more than double organic Facebook reach. And it also keeps you from being a slave to the ever-changing algorithm.

The strategy I teach clients when it comes to social media is to use platforms to cast a wide net, then get them onto your email list as soon as possible. This allows you to build a relationship with them in a different capacity.

When it comes to email list

building, there are plenty of options.

Mailchimp and Sendinblue allow you to get started for free. Infusionsoft and Active Campaign are available when you are ready for a more sophisticated strategy. It really doesn’t matter which you choose, the point is to just get started. You won’t regret it.

So, while many businesses found themselves frustrated by what was unavailable to them during the “Great Facebook and Instagram Shut Down of 2019,” my clients were sitting pretty, trusting that all of our digital contingencies were deployed, with special regard to that highly valuable email list. Money was still able to come in from alternative sources.

Facebook and Instagram are never your only options.

Dr. Tracy Timberlake, Award-winning business coach and digital strategist Instagram.com/tracytimberlake n

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

TECHNOLOGY

Digital Transformation Pushing Businesses Toward Success

BY KEVIN MICHAEL

Digital Transformation represents a massive shift in business philosophy that pushes all business toward embracing a digital future.

As emerging technology platforms continue to disrupt or reshape the fabric of every industry, it has forced companies, regardless of size, to think of themselves as being in the business of technology.

Even if they don’t create technology, it is undeniable that building a sustainable business model and maintaining long-term competitiveness cannot be accomplished without the growing adoption or use of technology.

Simply delivering your product or service to the end customer is also no longer enough. You must also align it with the always-on, instantly available expectations of the modern consumer and re-imagine the customer experience in order to stand out. So how exactly do you do that? In comes digital transformation.

While it’s hard to nail down a precise definition of what digital transformation is, the one I like most is “the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business resulting in fundamental changes to how businesses operate and how they deliver value to customers.

Digital transformation calls for the use of more technology in every aspect of business: sales, marketing, operations, finance, etc.

What this transformation looks like

is unique to each business. For a large business it may mean an overhaul of IT systems from legacy applications, migration to cloud computing to save on capital expenditure, or adding artificial intelligence and machines learning capability for automated decision-making.

On the other hand, a typical small business might look to go paperless to streamline data management, introducing a chat bot on their website to better handle customer concerns, or building a mobile app to enhance brand loyalty and gain customer insight.

Other opportunities for digital transformation in your organization might be the adoption of intelligent voice systems to handle inbound customer calls, sales and marketing automation tools to nurture customer leads, or the use of virtual and augmented reality to help your customers visualize an experience that you offer.

Digital transformation asks for every business to take a long hard look at itself, its customers, and emerging technology trends in order to find a way to combine

all three.

If your business isn’t undertaking this type of exploration, then you can be certain that some of your competitors, are and that is reason enough to care.

So the next time your team faces an operational or market challenge, ask yourself1.How could technology streamline this process or help avoid this problem? 2) How can we use technology to deliver something faster or better to our customers?

Sometimes the answer lies in better use of technology you already have, or implementing something that has already been created. If you’re lucky, the answer you come up with is to create something that’s never been done in your industry.

Kevin V. Michael is the co-founder and CEO of Invizio, an award-winning IT services provider that provides a virtual IT department to growing small businesses and organizations throughout South Florida. n

VITAS HEALTHCARE

South Florida Influencers Routinely Volunteer and Give Back, So Should You

BY BEVERLY MCLARTY

As they achieve professional, career, and personal success, many influential people find ways to give back to their communities.

Stories abound about top-notch executives who mentor aspiring colleagues in careers they never thought possible, successful career women who create scholarships for first-generation college students, and forward-thinking philanthropists who support causes ranging from homelessness and healthcare

access to diversity and arts enrichment.

No doubt, many South Florida professionals featured in this issue of Legacy are community-minded individuals – sung and unsung – who are making life better through their volunteerism.

April’s designation as National Volunteer Month is an ideal time to focus on the role that volunteers play in hospice.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, hospice began “as a volunteer-driven, grassroots movement in the U.S. in the late 1970s.”

When Congress designated hospice care as a Medicare benefit in 1982, it mandated that 5 percent of a hospice program’s patient care hours be provided by volunteers.

Volunteers Play Key Roles In Hospice Care

That requirement remains, and every hospice program thrives on the skills and dedication of volunteers who embrace the hospice mission of supporting quality of life near the end of life for terminally ill patients and their families.

In 2018, VITAS® Healthcare — the

nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care —relied on 4,350 volunteers who spent 321,157 hours (and 45 minutes) caring for 7,744 patients.

Hospice volunteers visit patients in person, make phone calls, perform administrative office tasks, hold hands at the bedside, whisper prayers to ease worries, read a favorite story, or simply sit and listen to a patient who needs to talk, reminisce, or find closure.

Some volunteers rely on special skills or life experiences to help patients and families cope with challenges that arise at the end of life. Military veterans help fellow veteran hospice patients navigate the unique end-of-life memories, concerns and experiences that only a fellow member of the armed forces can understand

Massage therapists volunteer to ease pain, and pet-visit volunteers and their furry Paw Pals® companions make in-person visits to lift spirits and provide comfort.

creating quilts and afghans for hospice patients. Seamstresses create personalized Memory Bears and pillows from clothing or fabric donated by family members after a loved one’s death. A cuddly bear made from a late father’s team bowling shirt or a grandmother’s favorite sundress serves as a lasting and comforting reminder for family members and survivors.

VITAS is proud of the contributions made by its volunteers as they show how much they care about South Florida hospice patients and their families.

Always welcome to join the VITAS team, new volunteers undergo specialized training and are guided by mentor volunteers who help them explore their value to patients and families who are facing one of life’s most difficult challenges.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities and training, contact VITAS Healthcare at (866) 759-6695 or visit VITAS.com/volunteer.

Volunteer Opportunities Abound

Others who are skilled in sewing, crocheting and knitting spend time

Beverly McLarty is healthcare team manager for VITAS®. n

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

ABOUT TOWN Legacy magazine’s 40 Under 40 social mixer, March 28, 2019, Book & Books at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

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ABOUT TOWN The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce’s (MDCC) annual Symposium and Business Leaders Luncheon, March 29, 2019, Hyatt Regency, Miami

MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Congratulates

Dr. Carla Hawkins Smith for recognition as a

Most Powerful & Influential Black Business Leader of 2019 OUR MISSION:

Healing the body, mind and spirit of those we touch.

Memorial Regional Hospital • Memorial Regional Hospital South Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital • Memorial Hospital West Memorial Hospital Miramar • Memorial Hospital Pembroke

MHS.net

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

LEGACY BRIEFS HBCU GRAD OPENS DENTAL PRACTICE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Dr. Anthony Adkins, DDS., 33, a South Florida native and graduate of Meharry Medical College, has opened his own dental practice, Atlas Smiles, in Plantation, FL. Adkins Adkins obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health from the University of Florida in 2008 and later received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2014 from the distinguished Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.

Adkins is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the National Dental Association, as well as the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

BROWARD COLLEGE NORTH CAMPUS PRESIDENT DR. AVIS PROCTOR NAMED PRESIDENT OF HARPER COLLEGE

Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Broward College’s North Campus in Coconut Creek, has been selected as the next president of William Rainey Harper College in Palatine, Illinois.

Dr. Proctor was Proctor one of three finalists for the position following an extensive nationwide search.

Proctor is Harper College’s first female and first African-American president. She officially assumes her new role on July 1.

BROWARD HEALTH APPOINTS DAVID CLARK SENIOR VP OF OPERATIONS

David Clark has been promoted to senior vice president of operations at Broward Health. With more than 15 years of experience as a senior-level administrator of capital projects and healthcare programs, Clark will be

responsible for overseeing the daily operations at Broward Health, as well as leading the system’s Construction, Facilities and Design Departments.

Clark joined Broward Health Clark in April 2018 as assistant vice president of corporate services, where he provided overall leadership and accountability for the healthcare system’s Construction and Design Department.

DR. JAFFUS HARDRICK NAMED FMU PRESIDENT

Florida Memorial University’s Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Jaffus Hardrick as its 14th president, effective immediately.

The board originally tapped Hardrick to serve as interim president in July 2018.

An awardwinning academic executive, Hardrick Hardrick comes to South Florida’s only historically Black university with more than 20 years of experience in higher education.

He worked for more than ten years at FIU where he served as vice provost for Access and Success and vice president of Human Resources.

An HBCU alumnus, Hardrick earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette; a master’s in Education in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University; and a doctorate in Educational Administration from Baylor University.

He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of America, Inc., and a board member of the Florida Education Fund, Inc.

JO’DANE CRAIGMAN WINS NATIONAL MARKETING AWARD

Jo’Dane “JD” Craigman of Intravate Consultants, a Miami-based marketing and media firm based, is the proud recipient of a Reed Award. The Reed Awards highlight

the best campaign marketing professionals around the country.

Craigman won in the category of “Best Website for Mayoral Campaigns” for designing the Matthew Pigatt for Mayor of Opalocka campaign.

Craigman’s hard work paid off after Pigatt won the Craigman election.

and managerial innovation in her area.

Rinkins comes to the foundation after serving as a Global Supply Manager at Apple. Her career also includes roles at Procter & Gamble, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft, among other Fortune 100 companies. A FAMU MBA graduate, Rinkins is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is the recipient of Knight-Ridder’s Silver Knight Award in Business.

FULL-SERVICE MEDICAL CENTER OPENS IN MIAMI GARDENS

NONPROFIT TAPS LATOYA DAVENPORT TO LEAD ORGANIZATION

The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region’s Board of Directors has appointed LaToya Davenport as the new Chief Executive Officer.

Davenport has more than 14 years of experience as a proven leader within the Florida child welfare system.

Prior to joining ELC of the Big Bend Region, she served as the Director of Program Support Services for Boys Town South Florida, a national nonprofit that provides mental Davenport and behavioral health services to children and families.

KNIGHT FOUNDATION APPOINTS RINKINS TO LEAD GRANTS ADMINISTRATION

South Floridanative Roshell Rosemond Rinkins recently joined the Knight Foundation as director of Grants Administration.

Rinkins has administrative oversight of a grants Rinkins administration team that executes and optimizes the foundation’s grants systems and processes. Additionally, she is responsible for cultivating departmental

Drs. Abraham and Kristen Hollist

Optimal Health Medical Center (OHMC) recently opened in Miami Gardens.

Founders Drs. Abraham Hollist and Kristen Hollist decided to bring non-traditional healthcare to the same community where Kristen Hollist was raised.

The services include primary care, acute care, senior care, and pharmacy services. OHMC also houses the Optimal Living Center, a preventative care education and resource hub where clients can receive additional counseling and support.

OHMC is located at 17235 NW 27th Ave. in Miami Gardens. optimalhealthmc.com n

DID YOU RECENTLY GET A PROMOTION? ARE YOU A NEW HIRE AT A SOUTH FLORIDA COMPANY? DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE?

Let us know by sharing your good news in Legacy Briefs. Send a press release and your professional headshot to rm@miamediagrp.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019

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Thank you for helping our community rise Inspiring people and mobilizing resources to address critical issues we’re facing is a monumental achievement.

We’re proud to recognize the important work your organization does in our community — making a difference in so many people’s lives.

Let’s join together in saluting MIA Media Group.

wellsfargo.com © 2019 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. IHA-24479

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019