EMpeccable Magazine People Edition Vol. 8

THE

VOLUME 8

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​VOLUME 8

FROM THE

PUBLISHER

G

Contents

reetings: We are proud to present the 8th volume of Empeccable Magazine People Edition and we remain very excited and grateful for your support. We continue our mission to feature and highlight the successful endeavors of people from our communities. We all know that on a regular basis mainstream media will spin a negative narrative when it comes to us, but we can tell our own stories.

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Renika Smiley

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Dawn Moss

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Pook Hustle

Share your legacy. We would love to feature your success story for the world to see. You can contact us on our social media platforms, or via email. Let us know that you have a story to tell, and we will get back to you.

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Leonard Pitts

@empeccableco on Instagram, empeccable magazine on Facebook and Tik Tok email: info@theEmpeccablecompany. com Don’t forget to check out the amazing Wig Phoenix machine that restores old raggedy synthetic wigs to look better than new! It too can be purchased on our website.

For your reading enjoyment, the magazine is available in print format, and you can purchase it from our website TheEmpeccableCompany.com.

Much love, Dr Alicia Cain Publisher/CEO

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PUBLISHER / CEO EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR DESIGN & LAYOUT DESIGN & LAYOUT DESIGN & LAYOUT SOCIAL MEDIA COVER Visit us at:

www.theempeccablecompany.com

Founder / CEO Good Girls Getting Better Empowerment Forum International Best-Selling Author / Producer, Executive Managing Partner Songwriter, Rapper, Model, Actor

Motivational Speaker, Business Mentor, Philanthropist and Entrepreneur

Marcella Boothe-Davis

Author, Actress, Foster Parent

Linda Latson

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Pastor Marland Montgomery

Founder and Director of Kidz College Primary and Secondary School

Superintendent Pastor

42 DR. ALICIA CAIN AHNA MASON SHONDRA SCOTT BRIAN L HANKERSON SR SHAWN CAMPBELL DONALD JOHNS ELIZABETH CANNON & Team BRIAN L HANKERSON SR

Founder of Generation NOW

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36 OUR TEAM

​2023

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Cliff Jones Leanne Foster

COVER FEATURE CEO of Soul World Entertainment Entrepreneur, Media Personality, Actress, Author

Billionaire............................................. Jay-Z Congresswoman.......................Yasmin Neal Mayor ............................. Jamael Tito Brown Mayor............................Deborah Robertson Congressman...................................Al Green

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enika J. Smiley is mostly recognized for her career in the Nonprofit sector with her organization Generation NOW. Founder Renika J. Smiley first launched Generation NOW as a LinkedIn Networking Happy Hour Event, hosted at local bars. Her first events featured a diverse speaking panel and began with an audience of 4075 young professionals in Igby’s private second floor. Fortune 500 corporate offices soon replaced Igby’s when attendance grew to 200+.

Renika’s tenacity proves that it’s not about the start, it’s about how you finish! Generation NOW has highlighted 200+ local businesses. We’ve honored 150+ young professionals with awards and plaques for career achievement.

The organization has locked in community partnerships and sponsorships with companies like RDI, Nielsen, P&G, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, and more. The success of this program has won loyal followers by offering job opportunities, building business clientele, developing professional growth for young professionals, strengthening panelists’ speaking skills, and promoting inclusion to grow our community. Generation NOW is a Nonprofit Partner Funded organization by United Way and Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

Now Renika tackles her next quest as Owner of Lusheous Collection Inc. Lusheous Collection Inc. Is a Plus size clothing boutique for women. The reason Renika started her online boutique is to empower plus size women.

Renika is a plus size woman too. And she struggled with her weight fluctuating for years. She would starve herself or workout crazy in the gym just to fit in the perfect size dress because there are less options for plus size women in stores. She decided to love herself at every size, and if she couldn’t find the clothes she wanted to wear, then she would find those clothes to sell and help solve this problem for all plus size women. Who would like to purchase fashion forward, comfortable clothes that appeal to their curves.

To accelerate business, Renika took $17,000 from her inheritance that was giving to her by her mother who passed from Pancreatic Cancer in October 2022, and her mother’s sister who passed 6 months before her in March 2022 to grow Lusheous Collection boutique with inventory and marketing dollars.

So, Renika sees this business as a family business with an investment made into to the business by two stylish women (her mother and aunt). Lusheous Collection Inc isn’t Renika’s first business. It’s her 3rd business. She had a prior career in nightlife club promotion, and she scaled that business to 6 figures at the age of 21. Her second successful business is Generation NOW which is a Nonprofit organization that is funded by United Way and Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Renika has learned through her Sip and Shops, Pop up shops, vendor events that Lusheous Collection generates more revenue in person than online. So, her next goal is to open up a storefront by next year to grow the plus sized community for women, because women like to see, feel, and touch their clothing.

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EMpeccable: What inspired you to choose your profession?

Renika: What inspired me to choose my profession in Human Resource is my passion for helping people find employment in the workforce via my 9-5 as Talent Acquisition Specialist at First Student, Nonprofit that I founded Generation NOW, which is funded by United Way and Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Lusheous Collection my plus size boutique for women, where we employee models and brand ambassadors.

EMpeccable: What are some of the challenges you face?

Renika: One of the problems I confront in the fashion industry is empowering plus-size women to feel confident in wearing fashion-forward clothes that fits them. Most plus-size women are delighted to see me and want to buy from me.

However, there is a community of plus size women who are still self-conscious about their size and how things fit. As a result, people avoid going shopping. My job is to get these women to accept and appreciate their size.

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

Renika: I keep my personal and professional lives in harmony by clocking out and unplugging from my workstations at 5 p.m. for my 9-5 and Nonprofit job.

This allows me to spend the evening with friends and family. In terms of Lusheous Collection Inc, I typically ship orders online during the day and vend and organize pop-up shops on weekends. But, as a Libra, it’s critical for me to establish balance. So, keeping myself on a schedule is also beneficial to me. Making time for friends and family, as well as travel arrangements.

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

Renika: Right now, Lusheous Collection Inc. is preparing for the NY Fashion Week Festival Show taking place September 9th at Armory Arena in New York Uptown Manhattan. This event is hosted by The Model Experience. The same company that hosts the LA Fashion Week Festival. This will be our biggest fashion show we participated into date. You can purchase tickets to this event at https://themodelexperience.com/ NY Fashion Week Festival powered by The Model Experience.

Location: Armory Arena Address: 216 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY 10032 Date: Saturday, September 9th, 2023 Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Performances by DaniLeigh and Special Guests (full schedule TBA) EMpeccable: What makes you EMpeccable?

Renika: What distinguishes me as EMpeccable is my ability to persevere in the face of adversity. During the Coronavirus, I lost half of my immediate family members to cancer and heart attacks. My mom died of Pancreatic Cancer eight months ago. My mother was my best friend, and we are a tight family. I could have let grief tear me down. But, by the grace of God, I am able to continue running my enterprises and changing people’s lives in my human resource work. My mother and aunt Barbara Jean were both fashionable women. And my mother adored my plus-size clothing. My family has lost half of its seniors. It is our generation’s responsibility to rewrite the future and define what “legacy” means to our family today. And a family legacy is always beneficial to a business.

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DAWN

MOSS

Founder / CEO Good Girls Getting Better Empowerment Forum International Best-Selling Author / Producer, Executive Managing Partner dir Big City Foods LLC Miss Black America USA 1996

KEEPING IT ALL REAL

Certified Health Communicator Dawn Moss, was born in Camden, NJ and is the former “Miss Black USA 1996”. Dawn earned a full basketball scholarship to Morgan State University in 1988.

While still attending college, she founded her own mini-market and became a legitimate inner-city entrepreneur. In 1992 she later served as producer of the CNN 1010 program “Going Global” while working as an apprentice for the United Nations Africa Projects internship programs which was directed under the late social activist and humanitarian Ms. Yahney Sangarie who was journalist from Liberia.

A former co-host for Baltimore Channel 2 ABC television show “See America, senior editor for several publications and producer for Miss Black USA hosted in Gambia West Africa, Las

Vegas and Washington DC from 2007 thru 2011.

Her knack for writing and producing landed her a key spot to serve as one of the first Americans to join John’s Hopkins University certified health communicators from all over the world to help use the entertainment, creative, visual and performing arts to bring about social change.

This multitalented vocalist, model, actress, Motivational speaker, author, producer and humanitarian activist will continue to use her education and life experiences to impact the lives of women and women in the wellness globally.

EMPECCABLE | EMpeccable: Why did you choose this profession?

Dawn:: I didn’t choose to be in the Dawn restaurant industry... I chose to be in ministry. I believe it was a call on my life from God to serve others in this capacity. I fell in love with the culinary arts because I see it as a ministry not labor.

EMpeccable: What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far?

Dawn:: Being able to grow Dawn and manage through life’s challenges while keeping myself motivated to never give up. Living in the moment is everything to me. I have a lot of people to manage daily.

EMpeccable: What has been your favorite moment?

Dawn:: Most ... Hearing my name Dawn called as Miss Black USA 1996 and Second, being invited to Direct and Produce Miss Black USA Pageant in Gambia West Africa.

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

Dawn:: I’m currently taking care of my very ill Dawn father who is in the hospital three hours away.

It’s extremely challenging to balance... however like always I believe God will see me, my family and my team through this unavoidable storm.

EMpeccable: What makes you EMpeccable?

Dawn:: I am EMpeccable because I now Dawn know that all things impossible can be done. IMPOSSIBLE? But the word clearly reads... I'M POSSIBLE.

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Model, Actor

P

erseverance is a word that best describes the colorful, suit-wearing Brooklyn sensation that is Pook Hustle. Behind the vibrant energy and bright smile of the up-and-coming rapper, is a story of a man searching for love while fighting to not become another statistic. Daring to dream greater than his current circumstance, Pook Hustle’s music is an act of rebellion. From having his hoop dreams derailed by injuries to dealing with shady landlords, he has every reason to back down, yet he pushes onward. Pook represents every person with a dream & challenges us to push our boundaries, even in the face of adversity.

After a flurry of singles, music videos, features & live band performances, the Crown Heights native released his debut mixtape/LP “Hustle Mode” on June 9th, 2023. The 3-year creative process began in April of 2020 after a break-up & him being laid off from his job at the height of the pandemic. Taking full advantage of finally having free time & capacity to deeply self-reflect, Pook made a vow to himself to make his dream of completing a full-length project a reality no matter what. Hustle Mode & the clean suit wearing character “Hustleman” manifests as a display of how surreal the vicious cycle of grind/hustle culture can be. Inspired by the repetitious 40-hour work week, each record is a different day or moment that leaves the listener little time to breathe.

When discussing the project Pook says “Growing up I was taught that hard work equals success, but Hustle Mode taught me it’s much deeper. With this rollout I plan to display the struggles and successes of a lifestyle without balance. I want to inspire people to redefine or question what the word Someone, somewhere. success truly means to them.”

EMPECCABLE | EMpeccable: What inspired you to choose your profession?

Pook: At fifteen, I began guitar lessons with my mentor Yohimbe, who took me to my first Afro Punk concert. It was a transformative experience, being surrounded by kids who looked like me and listening to the music I loved.

Seeing Black musicians on stage ignited a desire to be a part of that world. While I always enjoyed writing and English class, music didn't initially feel like a part of my life plan. I was focused on basketball and being an athlete.

EMpeccable: What challenges have you faced?

Pook: My hoop dreams were derailed in college due to injuries, completely changing the direction I thought my life would take. It forced me to reimagine my future.

During this time, I went through a three-year creative process after a breakup, which led me to commit to completing a full-length project. I also experienced being laid off from my job during the pandemic and had to find work in an expensive city while dealing with difficult landlords. These events allowed me to deeply reflect and reinvent myself. These challenges are universal, but music has always been my refuge during difficult times, and I want to share that with others.

EMpeccable: How do you balance personal and professional life?

Pook: Finding work-life balance has been a struggle. I've learned that keeping a schedule and being present in whatever I do helps. Music is not just a profession for me; it's my passion and an integral part of my identity. It has helped me make meaningful connections and create a world where honest conversations and self-expression are valued. My character Hustleman is a response to grind culture, advocating for a healthier approach to hustling that includes taking care of one's well-being.

EMpeccable: Any upcoming projects?

Pook: Hustle Mode, my surreal music journey, explores the vicious and cyclical nature of grind culture. Each record represents a different day or moment, leaving little time to breathe. It was released on June 9th and is available on all platforms, but I would appreciate if listeners streamed it on Bandcamp, where I've been building a community. I also have my own newsletter.

EMpeccable: What makes you EMpeccable?

Pook: What sets me apart is my ability to hustle with care.

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LEONARD PITTS

Motivational Speaker, Business Mentor,

Philanthropist and Entrepreneur

I AM LIVING PROOF

“I am a true Entrepreneur, it’s a part of my DNA and can be traced back almost 200 years”

You can probably count on one hand how many times the State of South Carolina and the phrase “black millionaire” is used in a sentence. Clinton, S.C. native Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Leonard “LP” Pitts has not only reached this status “again” but has used his accomplishments to build a legacy for both his hometown and his family.

“Please understand, financial success comes with a price LP said.”

According to LP, had his vision showed him that he was going to lose millions of dollars in his business, diagnosed with PTSD, spend time at a maximum security federal prison, have millions of dollars in judgements, 330 credit score, homeless and divorce, chances are he will not be here to speak on it.

Once LP was released from prison after serving five months (2009) his mission was simple, to reclaim everything he lost. By the year 2009 he had lost almost 100% of his business. Through hard work, faith, perseverance and a plan LP regained his millionaire status eight years later (2017).

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LP stated, “the greatest gift God gave man was the gift of vision (I am not talking about eyesight).”

“Sight is a function of the eyes which is limited to what you can see, and vision is a function of the heart and it is limited only to your imagination.”

Because He chose to follow his vision LP states that today his life is amazing! He wakes up every morning by five a.m. and the first thing he does is thank God and that’s without an alarm clock. LP said he does not need an alarm clock because his passion wakes him, and his vision drives him. He has the freedom to decide how he spend his days. He can go on vacation when he wants, where he wants and stay how long he want.

LP is a real estate developer(legacyathays.com), he owns a recreation center (iamleonardpitts.com), a video gaming company(gamebussc.com), a restaurant (wholysmokemauldin.com) and numerous other businesses. He is also a motivational speaker and a business mentor.

He has been a volunteer for Junior Achievement for the past 15 years and is currently serving on the board of directors.

He was the president of the parent advisory board for a local boys and girls club chapter.

LP took on the challenging endeavor to raise money for the United Serviceman Organization (USO). He walked 500- miles from his hometown to Washington, DC to raise awareness for the active military and veterans (Lpitts.com).

During his 500-mle journey LP received several resolutions honoring his work from several different counties starting from Fulton County GA to Fairfax County VA. LP stated that once he arrived at the Whitehouse, he was presented with a US flag that was flown over the capital in his honor.

“I am a true Entrepreneur, it’s a part of my DNA and can be traced back almost 200 years” LP said.

LP is an entrepreneur and he is living the dream!

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EMpeccable : What advice can you give someone that is just starting out?

LEONARD : Be sure that it is something you are passionate

LEONARD “LP” PITTS

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about. Count the cost by creating a simple business plan and go for it!

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

LEONARD : Yes, I am currently working on developing a daycare franchise called Legacy Kids. The milestone grand opening date is projected for June of 2024.

EMPECCABLE: What has been your favorite moment?

LEONARD : My favorite moment has been the re-dedication of a 107-year-old hospital that I converted into luxury apartments and my hometown presented me with a resolution for doing an amazing feat.

EMPECCABLE : What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far?

LEONARD : Creating a legacy for my great- great grandkids.

EMPECCABLE : What makes you EMpeccable?

Leonard : My heart for people and my family.

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arcella Boothe-Davis has been happily married for 19 years to Timothy Davis. Being equally yoked in servanthood and love, they help each other.

She was raised from a troubled past of child abuse and surviving ovarian cancer. God task her with becoming a caretaker. Her husband survived stage 3 Prostate Cancer December 2022; the best Christmas gift God could have given them and their love ones. Marcella continues to be a light to others. She’s a foster parent for troubled youth in Virginia. She supports men and women in the LGBT community in education for parents. Her role in the movie Boy Drama was to educate parents on how to love their children through their life changes; and to love them for who they are.

Marcella will be filming for another role in a Donbon production for Christmas 2023.

She has a calling to love and have understand in our community.

PSALMS 34:6 “In my desperation I prayed and the Lord listened, he saved me from all my troubles.”

On my YouTube page “SPEAK WITH YOUR GIRL MARCELLA” I strive to help people with their troubles through the help of God. IG: @marcellaspeaks YouTube: SPEAK WITH YOUR GIRL MARCELLA EMpeccable: What obstacles or barriers have you encountered getting your business started or keeping it going?

Marcella: My obstacles were: I had to learn to adjust to learning ways of children that weren’t mine. I had to start studying and learning again after being out of school for quite some time. My husband and I had to do training and we continue to do so now as well. I also worked a corporate job I left to give my undivided attention

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to any child we accepted in our home. I’m so happy I chose this!!! I am loved somuch by children that need love too.

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

MARCELLA: I do what I do because as a child I never felt loved, I didn’t really feel love until my first daughter was born, I needed her more than she needed me. I do foster care because our today children don’t get the love they need. Our world has become a big distraction away from family. With that we are losing a whole generation of children with emotional trauma from not being loved or understood.

EMpeccable: What has been your favorite moment?

MARCELLA: My favorite moment is: when I see what I tried to instill, is visible and they appreciate that new feeling. They break a cycle. They love and they can give love.

EMpeccable: Please tell our readers why you do what you do and what inspires you?

MARCELLA: What inspired me, (funny?) My very first job was at Wendy’s. Wendy was adopted and loved. Literally we were taught to adopt good morals, we as employees were adopted as family.

I never had a family. So I chose to adopt and share my morals and give someone a family too. Ialso foster because my husbandwas in foster care, so it felt right. So, if anyone have extra patience, love, and room in your home...I PROMISE, YOU WILL ENJOY bringing a child up when life has torn them down.

EMpeccable: What makes you EMpeccable?

MARCELLA: When it comes to my life, I’ve been in mess, I turned it into a message. I’ve been tested, its my testimony! With God’s grace and mercies, I

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will be flawless. MY LIGHT WILL ALWAYS BE AN EMPECCABLE ONE, TO SHARE A LITTLE LOVE EVERY WHERE YOU GO OTHERS will GROW!!!

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inda Latson 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

LINDA LATSON

Founder/Director of Kidz College Primary and Secondary School

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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“I’ve been trusted with an assignment that will help build our future communities.”

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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 environment?

has

KCP&SS

influenced

your

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.

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

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Entrepreneur, Media Personality, Actress, Author

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eAnn Foster, affectionately known as Loving LeAnn, is a woman of faith and favor. LeAnn grew up in Knoxville, TN with her two strongest pillars who she calls Mama and Daddy. Her parents were never married to one another and lived separately for most of her life; yet, the pair successfully partnered to raise and influence LeAnn and her two sisters and brother. LeAnn is a 22 year resident of metro Atlanta. The native Tennessean is a media personality, entrepreneur, author and actress.

For the past 6 years, she has hosted The Loving LeAnn Show. The fun and informative talk show can be heard on AEG Radio, a faith-based internet station, or watch the show on VTV Network, a streaming television station. As a media correspondent, Loving LeAnn hosts red carpet events and interviews celebrities, dignitaries, socialites and the brightest stars walking out their purpose through serving others. LeAnn has appeared with some of the biggest names like Louis Gosset, Jr., Vivica A. Fox, Jekalyn Carr, Bishop William Murphy, members of SWV, Silk and Kut Klose. Outside of the entertainment sector, LeAnn has covered politics, human rights rallies, religious gatherings and socials. LeAnn’s favorite assignments are the ones that directly and positively change the lives of others. When LeAnn is not hosting her show or gracing a red carpet, she

EMPECCABLE | can be found training and speaking.

LeAnn Foster founded her company (EUTHENICS Foster Professional Development) in 2014. EUTHENICS is a training center where they “teach people how to treat people.”

The training is centered around leadership development, communication, high-level customer care and relationship building. Loving LeAnn has a genuine interest and passion for people, which makes her a

sought-after professional transformational speaker.

She has been privileged to speak to audiences of vastly varying backgrounds and demographics- prisoners, educators, at-risk youth, religious communities and more.

LeAnn considers herself and her purpose to be light, often called Sunshine by strangers and acquaintances.

If The Loving LeAnn Show and EUTHENICS do not keep her busy enough, LeAnn is a rising actress and has been seen in multiple stage plays and been cast in independent films.

LeAnn partners and provides supportive services to businesses and has a deep and unapologetic adoration for Black-owned and operated businesses. She supports and serves communityenriching programs and those who advocate and

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sacrifice for the betterment of others.

Loving LeAn has been featured and published in EMpeccable Magazine, INform Magazine and Connect 365.

Follow Loving LeAnn across most social media platforms to learn more. For information regarding booking and other inquires go to https://linktr.ee/ LovingLeAnn Instagram: @thelovingleann Facebook: LeAnn Foster Twitter: Loving LeAnn YouTube: https://www. youtube.com/channel/ UC3MInXCssI-UuTFablu05MA

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Yasmin Neal is a native of Georgia and was born and raised in Clayton County. Yasmin Neal was the youngest member of the GA House of Representatives from the 2011-2013; elected at the age of 25 years old. In the House of Representatives, Yasmin served on the Judicial Non-Civil Committee (sets GA criminal law), Public Safety and Homeland Security, and Children and Youth.

Yasmin is a Bio-Medical Engineer with GE Healthcare. She was a police officer on the Chief's Staff at the Clayton County Police Department and was a Detective in the Major Felony Unit. Yasmin also worked at the Clayton County Sheriff’s Department as an Internal Affairs/ Backgrounds and Hiring Investigator, and then an Investigator in the Fugitive Unit. She is a graduate of Jonesboro High School and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and an MBA in Global Management. Yasmin also attended the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University.

Yasmin is also an award-winning writer/director/producer. She has won awards and premiered her films across the United States and Canada. Her work has been featured at Morehouse Human Rights Film Festival, Loyola University (California) and countless other venues across the nation.

2015-2017 Yasmin was the Head of Partnerships and Data Aggregation where she was one of the original members of the political Application company called EMPOWRD, which is a political app designed to make it easier for people to engage with their elected officials and activist and organizations. The success of Empowrd resulted in partnerships with large companies such as Microsoft, Georgia State University and more.

2018-2020 Yasmin is one of the originating founders of a girl’s social justice nonprofit called Chisholm Leadership Academy. https://chisholmleadershipacademy. org/. She is on the Board of Directors. She is joined by several other esteemed women to include attorneys, judges, educators and more.

The mission of the organization is to leverage education, mentorship, and experiential instruction to become the state’s leader in culturally responsive civic education for girls of color. CLA will elevate girls to be competent, capable, and confident leaders in public service.

Yasmin has started to engage the local girls of district 74 by starting with a local Middle School and introducing them to the program via the launch event at Atlanta Tech where the local girls of district 74 got to engage with elected officials and learn more about current/past women in politics.

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Formerly the Chief Deputy Treasurer overseeing day-to-day operations of the Mahoning County Treasurer’s office, Brown has also served as the Director of the Human Relations Commission for the City of Youngstown.

The Mayor has been a Community Organizer for Youngstown State University Urban & Regional Studies Department and a Caseworker for Mahoning County Children Services Board.

His community involvement includes positions on the Board of Directors for Mahoning Valley Sanitation District, as Secretary of Wick Neighbors Inc., and as Chairman of Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partners (MYCAP).

Mayor Brown previously served the residents of Youngstown as President of Council, as 3rd Ward City Councilman, and as a Member of the Youngstown City School Board.

Tito Brown is married to Lynette C. Frost Brown. They have 4 children: Aaron, Camille, Clarisa, and Quentin. He and his family are members of Union Baptist Church of Youngstown, Ohio.

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Jamael Tito Brown was elected the 51st Mayor of the City of Youngstown on November 7th, 2017.

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Brown earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Youngstown State University.

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He is a lifelong resident of Youngstown in the 3rd Ward.

33 EMPECCABLE | PEOPLE EDITION

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Mayor Deborah Robertson’s visionary and distinctive leadership style has thrust the City of Rialto into the national spotlight as a recognized leader in the areas of public-private partnerships, business development and job creation.

Mayor Robertson was elected Mayor in November 2012 – the latest achievement in a distinguished public service career that has included 12 years on the Rialto City Council, leadership positions at the Southern California Association of Governments, the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SCAG), and more than 20 years with the California Department of Transportation.

Under her tenure as mayor, Rialto has fortified its economic future at a time when many cities in California are experiencing serious financial problems. Economic growth is up, passage of initiatives such as Measure U have created millions of dollars in additional revenue streams, and Rialto is at the forefront of public-private opportunities.

Mayor Robertson has spoken before congressional committees, served as an advocate for environmental remediation due to environmental contamination, and has received recognition from the County of San Bernardino’s Public Health Department as “a visionary among city leaders in adopting healthy programs.”

In 2014, Mayor Robertson was instrumental in heralding the City of Rialto as the first e3p3 Model City that has since received state and federal recognition for area programs and services that address Environmental Sustainability, Economic Development, and Equity issues that are supported by Public-Private Partnerships.

Mayor Robertson is a leading voice on regional and national infrastructure issues. She has previously served as the Environment and Energy Chair, the Community Human, and the Public Health Subcommittee Chair for Southern California Association of Governments Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. She is a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Water Council and Metro Economies, and a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

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In 2004, Al Green won election to the U.S. House of Representatives from the Houston area Ninth District. Rep. Green, a son of the segregated south, born in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 1, 1947, has devoted his life to the elimination of all forms of invidious discrimination and the rectification of America’s seminal sin: slavery. His mother, a maid, and father, a mechanic’s helper, emphasized the importance of an education. Without acquiring an undergraduate degree, he earned his law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in 1974.

Upon graduating law school, Green cofounded the law firm, Green, Wilson, Dewberry, and Fitch. In 1977, he was appointed justice of the peace in Harris County, Texas, and served until retiring in

2004. For 10 years, Green served as president of the Houston branch of the NAACP, the organization grew from 500 members to 3,500, expanded its budget, and acquired property. He stepped down as president in 1995.

In 2004, Green, who considers himself a liberated democrat, “unbought, unbossed and unafraid,” entered the congressional race for the newly configured Ninth District and won with 66 percent of the vote. He prevailed in the general election with 72 percent of the vote.

In the current Congress, Green serves as the ranking member of the Oversight Subcommittee of the Financial Services Committee. Green became the first lawmaker to introduce and force a vote on three articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump in the 115th and 116th Congresses.

When the House finally passed articles of impeachment in 2019 and 2021, Green voted for all of them.

As a testament to his exceptional service to the community, and in recognition of his outstanding professional achievement as well as his superior leadership ability, Congressman Al Green has received numerous awards and accolades. Steadfast in his commitment to serving the communities he represents in Congress, he is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) as well as the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

Congressman Green holds memberships in several community organizations, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.

During his tenure as a U.S. Representative, Green has been successful in securing over $100 million worth of funding for community projects for the Texas Ninth Congressional District.