EMpeccable Magazine People Edition Vol. 2

Volume 2

MULTI AWARD WINNER DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER

December VOLUME 2

CONTENTS 5 9

From the

Publisher

G

reetings: This month, we bring you Empeccable magazine V0l 2 and we also bring you an amazing magical machine which we call the Wig Phoenix.

The Premier Issue of the magazine which we launched last month received National and International accolades cheering us on and we are very grateful for the support.

We continue in our mission to feature people that are making a difference in our community while at the same time highlighting the outstanding culture and beat of the Black community.

This new issue is for sale in both a digital and hard copy format for your reading pleasure.

The WIG PHOENIX-A remarkable machine that restores old raggedy wigs to look like new has been in the making for the past two years. After years of having to wear wigs Our Team I decided to create a PUBLISHER / CEO system that would allow DR. ALICIA CAIN me to keep my favorite ADMINISTRATOR wigs looking beautiful TATONNA HICKMAN while saving me time and EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT money.

AHNA MASON Check out the videos of DESIGN & LAYOUT the Wig Phoenix on our DONALD JOHNS social media platforms, SOCIAL MEDIA and on our website. You CEMONE PAUL will be amazed!

COMMUNICATIONS I wish everyone a blessed CEMONE PAUL holiday season!

Much Love, Dr. Alicia Cain, Publisher/CEO

COVER

Kade’ Hill Visit us at: www.theempeccablecompany.com

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Leslie Yvon Dr Darren Waters, Sr. & Dr. Carolyn M. Waters Kade’ Hill Robert Herbert Linda Latson Josh Paul Jessica Lewis Alexandreena Dixon Vivian Thomas

2022

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ESLIE YVON has 30 years of experience as a Cosmetic Consultant and Makeup Artist. She has served as Makeup Director with the National Black College Alumni Fashion Show and worked with other shows such as Bronner Brothers and the Art Institute, worked with international designters, celebrities, as well as several local models and talent.

Leslie worked for 5 years with M&M Productions as head Makeup Artist and Instructor, and also with D’Vonne Entertainment as Makeup Artist and also an instructor in Color Theory and Makeup Application with the Barbizon School in

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Atlanta.

Her work has been published in magazines such as: UPSCALE; PEOPLE YOU NEED TO KNOW; PYNK MAGAZINE (online); AMPS MAGAZINE (online); Inform; MISS SIS and she presently works with EMPECCABLE MAGAZINE, Atlanta is where she writes a ‘Before & After’ makeover article and has done makeup for several Cover shoots and other projects.

Leslie is the founder of ‘SPECIAL FACE MAKEUP EXPERIENCE’, a professional makeup service, working with brides, models, businesswomen, etc. and presently serves as Lead Makeup Coordinator for THE ATLANTA PHOTOGRAPHERS NETWORK. -------------------------

EMpeccable: Can you tell us some other things you do as well?

Leslie Yvon: I am very involved in programs of a religious nature that aid and serve; I always have been. I feel that no matter how successful we are or what our personal gratifications are, a part of us should always be sincerely involved is selfless service. It keeps us grounded; and something is always better than it would have been because of it.

EMpeccable: What inspires or influences you?

LY: Well, as a makeup artist, I think what inspires me most is a new face; that is, a

face that has never worn makeup or has not had the experience of a professional makeover. It could be a new model, first photo-shoot or a professional woman’s first press release, or any woman realizing her beauty potential for her particular lifestyle.

It always makes them feel great and I feel great to see it.

EMpeccable: How did you get started with Empeccable Magazine?

LY: I was introduced to Empeccable Magazine through my work with an Atlanta based photography network, APN. It was love at first sight.

EMpeccable: How do you like working with Empeccable Magazine?

LY: I love working with Empeccable Magazine. The staff is so personable and very much about business. The magazine is a beautiful publication and I’m very proud to be a part of it.

EMpeccable: What makes you Empeccable?

LY: If you are going to offer a service or product, it should pass the test of performance, appearance and integrity.

That’s what Empeccable stands for, and so do I.

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James Allen’s quote about Sow. The law of harvest is…

“The law of harvest is to reap more than you sow. Sow an act, and you reap a habit.

Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.”

by James Allen

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r. Daren Waters, Sr. is a husband, father of three, Marriage and Family Therapist, life coach, speaker, military veteran, and Senior Pastor at Bridge Builders Christian Center, Valdosta, Georgia. His unique genius in the world is creating safe spaces for people to discover solutions to live their best life. He is the author of “Embracing Your Identity and Living Your Purpose.” Dr. Waters is the CEO of Pathfinder Coaching Network, LLC. He has earned graduate degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Pastoral Counseling.

He works professionally providing leadership and personal development, individual, couples, and family counseling. He can be contacted at: idyourpath@gmail.com.

Dr. Carolyn M. Waters is a proud wife and mother of three. She is gifted with the ability to partner with people and empower them to achieve their desired results. She is an influencer as pastor, psalmist, author, educator, speaker, mentor, counselor, and CEO of 3D Consulting Services, LLC. She has multiple degrees in the Helping Relations field including a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Divinity, and an Educational Doctorate in Pastoral Community Counseling. Dr. Carolyn has far-reaching experience working in partnership with individuals, couples, families, staff, and parishioners as a Mental Health Professional, Senior Mental Health Counselor, and Hospital Staff Chaplain. She can be contacted at: 3dconsultingsvcs@gmail.com.

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EM PECABL C E

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orn in Monrovia, Liberia; wife, mother, writer, multi-award-winning director, producer, mentor, and engineer and JAIDO STUDIOS founder are just some of the many hats worn. When I’m not working, my spare time is normally filled with family time. I try to put my phone away to be present while creating memories with my daughter and husband. I also love traveling, yoga, dancing and trying new restaurants.

I have a non-profit foundation in Monrovia, Liberia called Merab Foundation. I started it back in 2007 when I was a full-time model. Merab is my maiden name, and I chose it as the name of the foundation to honor my parents who were humanitarians there. The foundation actively provides food, clothing, toys, and an education to over 100 children in Liberia today.

With over a decade in the design, fashion and film industries, her goal is to create captivating stories that break common barriers and reinvents the way that people of color are represented in today’s media.

JAIDO Studios is the product of all her passions merged into one. It is a fully functional production company located in Snellville, Georgia. Her production journey began in 2012 with the creation of “The Industry “.

Since then, she has expanded her innovative team and creative portfolio.

In 2019, her short film White Rose went on to win 8 national and international awards, including best director. Her most recent short film, Phantom, just won Best Short Film - USA at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. The success of White Rose has birthed a TV Series which is currently in pre-production. It highlights and raises awareness of the Sex Trafficking world that is hidden in plain sight.

Empeccable: How have you developed your career?

Kadé: I’m a learner by nature. I love being around people who can teach me something new. I’m constantly taking Masterclasses, watching YouTube videos, reading and soaking in as much information as possible. This has really

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helped me to develop new techniques as a filmmaker and entrepreneur. I also research people that are where I’d like to be. Understanding their success stories helps me to mold my own personal journey. Their struggles are relatable and seeing how they were able to overcome adversity encourages me to keep going on the hard days.

media and I wanted to create a platform that normalized our realities. I’m so proud that my studio has been able to tell real stories that not only entertain but also raises awareness to things that are typically hidden in plain sight. I’m proud of the impact that my scripts have had internationally and there is so much more to come.

Empeccable: What inspires you?

Kadé: I credit God and my family as my biggest inspirations. My family has a way of making me feel like I can accomplish anything. They are my biggest cheerleaders and they constantly encourage me to keep going even when I feel like giving up. Overnight success isn’t real, it takes work, perseverance and ambition to be successful. It also takes people in your corner cheering you on through the ups and downs. They have a way of making me feel invincible at times and wanting to make them proud inspires me the most.

EMP: Do you have any upcoming projects that you are working on?

Kadé: Yes, I have a few projects in the works. Our 2019 short film White Rose is currently being developed into a TV series. I have a drama/suspense feature film called Adjacent that is currently in the early stages of pre-production; as well as a Christmas movie that I’m still scripting.

EMP: What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far?

Kadé: Jadio Studios is my biggest accomplishment. I remember watching movies and thinking, “there is a real lack of representation”. We were being misrepresented in the

EMP: How do you balance your personal life and your professional life?

Kadé: I’m a firm believer that we have time for anything that we intentionally make time for. For this reason, I’m intentional with my time and how many people have access to me, especially if it’s my day off. I give myself grace to recharge and I prioritize daily. I also must take a moment to shout out my amazing assistant Amanda Hardin, who is my sanity. She keeps things so organized and makes sure that I don’t miss any deadlines.

EMP: What makes you EMpeccable?

Kadé: I’m a woman of my word and that makes me EMpeccable. In this industry and in everyday life, it’s so important to do what you say you’re going to do. It’s important for the people that you work with to know that they can trust you and your quality of work. I pride myself on being authentic and I always try to make a positive impact on anyone that comes in contact with me.

“CHANGE WILL NOT COME IF WE WAIT FOR SOME OTHER PERSON OR SOME OTHER TIME. WE ARE THE ONES WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR. WE ARE THE CHANGE THAT WE SEEK.”

- BARACK OBAMA

The Twelve Daily

AFFIRMATIONS For Personal Empowerment

1. I accept myself just the way I am.

2. I am calm and centered.

3. I honor and respect myself.

4. I do my best every day.

5. I am capable of achieving my goals.

6. Good things are coming my way.

7. Setbacks only make me stronger.

8. I practice gratitude every day.

9. I don’t take things personally.

10. I think before I speak.

11. I don’t take myself to seriously.

12. I strive to become a better person.

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EMPECCABLE: Tell us about yourself ROBERT HERBERT: I was born in Harlem, NY and I am the 4th oldest out of 11 children. I received an honorable discharge from the US Air Force after 8 years. I am a Vietnam veteran. I have now lived in Atlanta, GA. for 39 years and I have also retired from Coca- Cola & AT&T. EMPECCABLE: How did you get into photography?

HERBERT: I got into photography when I bought a used digital camera from a co-worker before retiring from AT&T. EMPECCABLE: Tell us about your business Atlanta Photographers Network and the impact it’s had on the community?

HERBERT: Atlanta Photographers Network (APN) is a temporary photography agency. Our motto is, “Your one-stop-shop for your photography needs”. I wanted to make a living that would afford me a lifestyle that I had grown accustomed to when I retired.

The Atlanta Photographer Network (APN) is your best source for professional, value-driven low-cost service. We are an organization of Photographers, Models, Designers, Make-Up Artists, Hair Stylist, and Promoters with decades of collective and comprehensive knowledge and experience. We are able to provide the most value and innovation per dollar spent. APN’s goal is to bring people together to network and enhance their skills resulting in specialized knowledge and higher compensation. We offer our members and clients skills in such areas as Weddings, Fashion, Graduations, Reunions, Portraits and more.

Whatever skills you specialize in or are interested in pursuing, you will find someone of like expertise within our network willing and eager to share this knowledge with you.

We provide a satisfaction guarantee for all services provided. Knowing about our network and not getting involved is like driving by an interesting new store, seeing something in the store window you would enjoy having and never stopping to go in. How will you be able to know if you don’t find out the facts?

Come by our website and visit, I know you’ll enjoy yourself.

EMPECCABLE: How many members of APN do you currently have?

HERBERT: Currently we have thirty plus members. I believe in quality versus quantity.

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EMPECCABLE: What motivates you?

HERBERT: Helping people grow, spiritually, financially, and mentally motivates me.

EMPECCABLE: What’s the hardest part about running your own business?

HERBERT: Helping people reach their true potential can really be difficult sometimes. That’s the hardest part.

EMPECCABLE: Who does APN partner with and what publications and businesses have you shot for?

HERBERT: We’ve shot at Jazzy J’s Banquet Hall, Sweet Auburn Music Fest, Taste of Atlanta, Jamaican Chamber of Commerce, Kickstand Promotion, (largest Bike Night in the southeast), Empeccable Magazine and more!

EMPECCABLE: What other endeavors do you have?

HERBERT: I work with Toastmasters International (Gold Toastmaster) Gardening. I am a prior Home Fellowship Leader with World Changers Church International (Iron Men Home Fellowship).

EMPECCABLE: What’s one word of advice that you can give to those who want to start doing photography and want to start their own business?

HERBERT: Just shoot! In terms of business you have to have integrity.

EMPECCABLE: How do you go about balancing your business and personal life?

HERBERT: Put God first, family second and business third.

EMPECCABLE: How can we find you and your business on social media? www.atlantaphotographersnetwork.com Email: rlherb@bellsouth.net Twitter: APN@RobertCHerbert Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ atlantaphotographersnetwork/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ robert.c.herbert

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FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF KIDZ COLLEGE . . . has always had a love for children and realize the importance of children getting a solid educational foundation within their preschool years. At a very young age her mother instilled the value of an education, this benefit has help mold her to become the person she is today. Ms. Linda has over twenty-five years’ experience with children, the last fifteen of those years she owned and operated Kidz College, which is a preschool that cares for children ages 2 months to 5 years. Kidz College was founded in August 2005 and provides quality and educational childcare within a safe and loving environment.

In August 2019, Ms Linda founded Kidz College Primary and Secondary School which is a private elementary school to children that require small settings with remarkable minds. Ms. Linda has her Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), Level II VPK Endorsed Director Credential, Bachelor of Business Administration (BA), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Ms. Linda’s mission and purpose in life is to make a difference in the world ONE child at a time!

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EMpeccable: What initially made you start your day care?

Linda: I was working in corporate America, and I found myself not wanting to go to work often.

EMpeccable: What was the inspiration for KCP&SS? Linda: I wanted to provide a school where the students (world changers) enrolled can feel good about coming from a royal lineage. Also it’s important that our educators have a true passion to teach and make a difference in our world changers lives, daily.

EMpeccable: What was the process to get the curriculum and accreditations for KCP&SS? Linda: We had to go through an extensive application process in order to be

recognized by the Department of Education. This included several steps that where required to be met for approval. Our curriculum is a combination of supported works that align with National and Florida common core standards.

EMpeccable: How has owning your own business impacted your life?

Linda: I’ve had many challenges in this process of entrepreneurship, however now I’m able to manage those challenges better because I see them as lessons and opportunities for growth. Owning my own business has also afforded me freedoms I wasn’t privy to working for someone else.

EMpeccable: How has KCP&SS influenced your environment?

Linda: KCP&SS has influenced my environment in a positive way.

I feel as if the mission and vision for my life is being fulfilled as I help our world

changers become the best versions of themselves academically. Which in turn will help build characters that will take them far in their journeys of life.

EMpeccable: What are your upcoming plans for KCP&SS Linda: My goal for KCP&SS is to become an academic environment where our families are getting all the necessary skills to help our world changers walk into their mission and vision of their lives. I would like to see a continued growth where the communities that we serve will be proud to be a part of.

EMpeccable: What makes you EMpeccable?

Linda: I believe I’m EMpeccable because I’ve been trusted with an assignment that will help build our future communities.

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Smart

F i e r c e Kind Beautiful

Kind

Sensual

BOLD Wise Fearless Sensational Resilient Darling

Virtuous P a s s i o n a t e INDEPENDENT Natural Elegant BRAVE Responsible Grounded R a d i an t CompassionateCHOSEN Persistent Enough Lovely

P r o ud

EMPECCABLE | Josh Paul is a healthy lifestyle ENTREPRENEUR, BUSINESSMAN AND enthusiast getting his community active through fitness training.

He also provides hospitality services with unique spaces on Airbnb. Owning a private gym, offering fitness classes, creating lavish rental properties, Gearact in hopes of inspiring more and maintaining his family life are community members to get active. current endeavors influenced by a You can follow Josh Paul’s fitness transformative path. After leaving gym on instagram @gearact and the high school and Memphis, TN, Josh glamping dome @the_ereka. If you would move to Atlanta, GA in 2012 would like to inquire about becoming with hopes of establishing a music a member of Gearact fitness gym you career. While analyzing the culture can visit the website gearact.com. of music in Atlanta, he decided to focus on a more positive and healthy Tell us about your background lifestyle. In 2015, Josh would decide and how its’ impacted your to take his passions of socializing, present endeavors? inspiring, and hosting others and I have a very social background. turn them into Gearact. Josh would I’ve always organized parties and use his motivation to see community events which has led me to today in members gear up and get active to networking, being an inspiration, offer a private gym and training and continuing events. I look at my lessons. The excitement from seeing Airbnb as hosting or even my individuals amazed by their fitness fitness classes is another results grew into developing another form of hosting, area of leadership. instructing, and being During Summer of 2022, Josh and his wife Ereka decided to take hosting further by creating unique spaces for individuals to celebrate birthdays, proposals, and anniversaries. While dating his wife, he became bored of ordinary hotel stays to spend quality time together. Searching for cabins and other uncommon places prompted the idea to build unique Airbnb rental properties. Currently, Josh and Ereka have established a glamping dome called the Ereka in McDonough, GA. The future for Josh and his family includes acquiring more real estate to continue hosting people in unique spaces and expanding

a leader.

What was your intended path after high school, how did it change, or stay the

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REAL ESTATE GENIUS

same?

During high school it was music, but after moving to Atlanta I decided to do something more

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positive.

What intrigued you about developing a healthy lifestyle for yourself and then others?

The excitement I see from other people when they see results, whether from my fitness classes or even my Airbnb when I see people appreciative of what I’ve built and then seeing them celebrate their anniversaries and birthdays.

Where did your brand name, GEAR ACT and then slogan Gear Up and Get Active come from?

Wanting people to gear up and get active became my slogan and putting those terms together created Gear act.

When did your other interests for Airbnb rental properties come into play?

Where did those interests spark from?

Dating my wife and

looking for unique outings instead of regular hotels. We looked into cabins and other unique places to stay and then thought how we could become involved in these projects.

What does the future of Josh Paul look like? What other ventures or current projects are you working on?

Expanding gear act and real estate How can readers either sign up for a fitness class or book your Airbnb rentals?

Gearact.com, What’s your social media handles? @gearact, @dthe_ereka Gearact started in 2015

J

essica Lewis is an ambitious self-made businesswoman and serial entrepreneur from Philadelphia, PA with a track record of Real Estate, Management Consulting, Project Management, Public Speaking, Corporate Training, and Commercial Lending.

Jessica is also the CEO/Cofounder of Mobu Enterprises where she and her business partner, Ibrahim Smith have shifted the perspective of traditional housing by building disasterresistant homes out of shipping containers, also known as “green construction.”

EMPECCABLE | In her business, the multifaceted entrepreneur focuses on supporting cross-functional teams to increase customer satisfaction through process improvements, which cuts the development time in half, making Mobu Enterprises one of the most efficient black-owned companies building shipping container homes in less than 90 days with a comprehensive team of general contractors, engineers, and interior design team making them a onestop-shop for buildouts.

As a highly respected professional, Jessica Lewis has exceptional knowledge of developing strategic plans for service excellence. She’s fostered deep work-related relationships with national and international contacts, making her a Global Influencer.

With over 20 years of experience, Jessica demonstrates great leadership, she knows how to close deals with qualified leads, and she is a capable and consistent problem-solver skilled at prioritizing and managing projects with proficiency.

The multifaceted business mogul is definitely a force to be reckoned with as well as she’s progressive-minded and in tune with new developments in her industry.

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EMpeccable: when did you found the container company Jessica: Six years ago, I used to be a project manager on the west coast where they use containers like crazy, however when they use containers, they are doing it for money. And I’m weird social entrepreneur and I believe in impact over income so when I left them 3 yrs ago I aimed at toward trying to solve a challenge that we were having which was at the moment was affordable housing. So, when I left we started our company we’re on our third year and been moving and grooving ever since.

EMpeccable: Have you thought about doing anything outside of the country?

Jessica: Definitely we are registered business in Ghana already and we own land there. We’re hoping to expand there to five other countries in Africa.

Outside of Africa we’re working with US Commercial Services which is the federal governments export division to do business in Central and South America, the Caribbean and Asia, so really excited about that.

Affordable housing is needed everywhere, people don’t realize its not just America.

EMpeccable: What are some pros and cons of dealing with containers? Also what is the correct name to call the containers?

Jessica: They are called containers but when we are dealing with mortgage lenders and appraisers the correct name we use is called still built. When you say container you scare people and they run fast quick and in a hurry, its just lack of education, that’s what we’re around for to help people understand a little bit more.

Cons –originally the biggest issue was finding financing, that’s no longer an issue. The other is the appearance, people say it looks like a container or box. Those were some of the preliminary things but now the International Building Code makes it acceptable in the entire country so now all the local municipalities are starting to catch up. The challenges we once had luckily last year during Covid IBC was able to get it approved so that’s no longer an issue.

It used to be it wasn’t accepted everywhere that you know they had more stringent code ordinances about it, but all of that is non-exitance ProsEMpeccable: How does that coincide to the affordable housing plan; how does that go?

Jessica: All of that it priority one, our company goes into neighborhoods where people don’t want to live, play and work.

Those are the areas we go to and we revitalize using the containers.

We remove that gentrification process,

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we can go in there and make an area look better, but also allow for the people who live and grew up in those areas to come back and live in those same structures.

EMpeccable: Tell us about your book “How to Start an Apprenticeship Program” Jessica: We wanted to start that book because we went through the federally register apprenticeship program with the Department of Labor and it was an adventure to say the least. I wrote the book so that people who were going to pursue that same route have good specifics that need to be done. That way you could start if you want to be a federally registered program. Regular apprenticeship programs don’t need to read my book, the reason why you would want to do federal apprenticeship programs is all the benefits that come with it. Otherwise, you can just start a regular apprenticeship program by creating your curriculum and get your program started but the federal side is a little bit different.

EMpeccable: Is there any specific location that people would prefer working on the most?

Jessica: No, with the department of labor in general outside of construction, you can start any kind of apprenticeship program, I have a friend that I’m helping him start one for mortgages, another one for solar energy, elevator technician specialist. It doesn’t matter, it’s just a matter of what it is that you do for your company. I do challenge people to create apprenticeship programs because we

are always talking about how terrible our people are and we can’t find any good workers. But the workers are only as good as the owners, so when we try to blame everybody else, it’s really you, you don’t know how to articulate yourself to train people. Which is super important in business, that’s the only way you don’t have to go to work every day. Otherwise, you will have to be at your business like it’s a job. We have to do something different we’re in 2021.

People ask me every day how I juggle all these businesses, because I have people working for me. That’s the only way, you have to have proper training for your people EMpeccable: How has being female and black affected you being in the green construction industry?

Jessica: When it first began, I had a lot of challenges, no disrespect to men but they don’t respect you because you are a woman and that’s okay cause I’m smarter than black men. Smarter than the average bear, that’s what I like to think I am. I don’t mind proving myself initially because I know that I’m worth the place that I’m rooting for. I think as business owners don’t realize that you deserve to be wherever you are trying to go, then that’s why we don’t fight hard enough, we don’t work in excellence, we don’t collaborate. I worked hard to be where I am, and its just me showing how smart I am, how capable I was as a combination, and then I started partnering with other people who understood my vision, and we all did it together. It’s all about strategy; it’s

not tactical, you don’t have to respond, you have to be in the for front, be preventative, intervene if need be and be able to execute.

EMpeccable: What makes you EMpeccable?

Jessica: My DNA & my ancestry, if I didn’t come from the ancestors that I’m a literal representation of, I’m not sure you would be talking to me right now. If people would start looking at their ancestry it would give them a lot of answers to questions. I’m just grateful that I went on that journey last year by going online to find out.

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ounder and Volunteer Executive Director of Chiku Awali African Dance, Arts & Culture, is a graduate of Upsala College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She has a Masters Degree in Urban Studies from Occidental College and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She began her career in corrections as a Probation Officer in 1967 and retired in July of 2005 from her position as the Superintendent of the Taconic Correctional Facility, a medium confinement prison for women.

Seeking innovative ways to put African culture into willing hands, Alexandreena founded Chiku Awali in January 2003 as a nonprofit organization and serves as its unsalaried executive director. The word “Awali” in Ibo means “joy” and it is the sheer joy of helping others that impels her to reach out to Rockland County, New York. Her energy and spirit of volunteerism, her dedication to her community, and her passion for uplifting and empowering children make her a visionary who saw a need and did something to address it. As a youngster she studied African dance with pioneer, Ismay Andrews. She also was a student of Afro-modern dance with legendary dance educator, Syvilla Fort. Now, not only does she take classes to learn new moves for future performances, but she sometimes teaches.

As a former New York State prison warden, Alexandreena has seen the difference a guiding hand can make early in life.

Consequently, she is dedicated to empowering the community’s youth. To that end, Chiku Awali offers a monthly Saturday activity club where children read, play games, cook, and do crafts.

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A Rites of Passage program is offered to older children to assist them make the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The program offers workshops in public speaking, marriage and family, etiquette, entrepreneurship, business development, and other leadership and life skill building topics. Behind the wheel of her own minivan, Alexandreena has chauffeured children on tours of historically black colleges and universities, has taken them to dance classes in New York City, and has help them perform for audience from Massachusetts to Arizona. She makes it a point to annually take youth and their parents to museums, to Broadway plays such as The Lion King and Aladdin, and to venues such as the

Bronx Zoo and the Intrepid.

Alexandreena goes by many names and wears many hats. Known as Dreena or Ms. Dreena by her family, friends, and the community, she is a true leader and humanitarian. She is also known by her African name, Nana Yaa Oforiwaa Amanfo I, given to her when she was enstooled as a Queen Mother of Progress in Ghana.

There she is called Nana or Nana Yaa. When her Ewe family in Accra addresses her, she is called Yonboe.

However, her most cherished titles are Mom and Grams. She is the proud mother of Delaina Dixon and Deshala Murray, son-in-law Carl Murray and she has three grandsons, Chazman, Chase Alexander, and Chad Murrary.

Alexandreena is a Life Member of the Spring Valley NAACP; former member of the Arts Council of Rockland Board of Directors, and former President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Psi Omega and Gamma Zeta Chapters.

She became Queen Mother for Progress of Bepoase, Ghana, West African in August 2010 where she is responsible for supporting education in this village of 4000 school children. Two to three times a year she collects school supplies and clothing to ship to Bepoase and Kingdom Assurance World Outreach Church in Accra.

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. . . took office as District Four Commissioner in 2019. An engaged and equipped community servant leader, in 2022, she was appointed as Vice-Chair of the Henry County Board of Commissioners. Vivian A. Thomas is not the average politician. Ms. Thomas joined the Board of Commissioners with more than two decades of commendable entrepreneurial experience. Clearly, making her and enterprising expert; having built several multimillion dollars developments. Her business acumen has created a reputation for industry excellence from one who has illustrated mastery in bringing visions to life.

Her assignments as a commissioner includes managing the county’s budget, being accountable to constituents for tax dollars, producing administrative policies and procedures, and developing the county to ensuring a growing local economy while producing professional jobs.

Commissioner Thomas believes in education and investing in oneself professionally. She is now a Certified County Commissioner, graduate of NACO’S High Leadership Performance, NACo’s County Leadership Academy, and is a member of two national county leadership committees.

In addition to completing her assignments as a commissioner,

she has forged forward by initiating projects that directly impact her community. The Plug-In Contracting Expo, focusing on the growth and development of community businesses, GAME On (Government And Me Engaged), trains Junior Commissioner as decision makers, educate and engage students in local government. She is also the founder and CEO of WISC-Women Igniting Social Change, an advocacy voice against domestic violence.

Ever committed to the care and education of children and youth, Ms. Thomas is the co-founder and former president of Georgia United Childcare Consortium & Associates, an advocacy organization working for equitable, accessible education for all children. She is also a former board member of the Georgia Childcare Association.

Her other involvement with services to children and youth include board

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membership with the Georgia Childcare Association, membership in the Atlanta Affiliate of the National Black Child Development Institute, and she served as chairperson of the Structured Committee of the Georgia Early Learning Initiative. Lobbying is not foreign to Commissioner Thomas; it is common to find Ms.

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PEOPLE EDITION

Thomas presenting before caucuses or legislative committees on issues that impact her community.

Thomas still lends her expertise to professional organizations, state legislators, and the public, educating them on the importance of early childcare and pre-school education.

Ms. Thomas’s expansive civic and business involvement includes board membership with the Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority and service as a commissioner for the Stockbridge Urban Re-Development Authority. She served on the Public Policy Committee of the Atlanta Business League and served as chair of the Family Selection Committee of Clayton County Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Thomas was named twice as one of the One Hundred Women of Influence in Georgia by the Atlanta Business League.

A native of Hawkinsville, Georgia, she is a graduate of Georgia State University, where she studied Business. An engaged community leader, Ms. Thomas is always at the forefront of serving her community, which led her to officially announce her candidacy for Commissioner in Henry County, Georgia, to represent District 4. Now, Commissioner Thomas, she is still personally committed to community growth and development.

In her spare time, Vivian Thomas enjoys motivational speaking, cooking, and spending time with her family. She counts it a blessing to have come

from humble beginnings of picking cotton, peaches, and vegetables to her current status as a County Commissioner and trailblazer in the community. A natural leader, the firstborn of eight, she credits her success to her faith in God, the values of hard work and determination, which were instilled by her loving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Thomas. She is a proud mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister.

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Healed Humble Equipped a Leader One of a Kind Important Powerful Able Successful Amazing Free Brave Blessed Loved Worthy Fearless Confident Unstoppable Smart Artistic Accomplished King Desired Extraordinary Protector

By Ros

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