27th Avenue
560 NW
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33311 The Urban League of Broward County
Greetings,
It is indeed a pleasure to collaborate with the P.E.A.R.L.S Foundation to honor and recognize prominent men and women in our communities. The members of the Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated welcome you to an evening devoted to recognizing and paying tribute to esteemed individuals who have made an invaluable impact in our communities
The International Theme of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is “Soaring to Greater Heights of Sisterhood and Service,” and under this theme, there are six pillar initiatives. These initiatives were designed to advance the mission of the sorority. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has more than 120,000 active members and we’ve been charged with leading on the front lines of change, advocacy, and education. The six initiatives are: (1) Strengthen our Sisterhood, (2) Empower our Families, (3) Build our Economic Legacy, (4) Enhance our Environment, (5) Advocate for Social Justice and (6) Uplift our Local Community.
This evening, the members of Upsilon Xi Omega, along with the PEARLS Foundation will honor and recognize prominent members of our communities who have committed to working tirelessly ,under these targeted areas, to advance the call of humanity. They are community members who are admired for the works they’ve done in their communities, and they are individuals who are continuing to make an impact in the many lives they touch daily. The honorees today are well respected, highly revered, and note-worthy citizens of our communities.
Thank you for joining us this evening as we recognize these great men and women who are shining lights in many dark arenas. We welcome you to our Community Service Awards, “Excellence Delivered, A Night of Elegance.” Thank you for sharing with us this evening.
Sincerely,
Dr.RamonaR.Reliford
Dr Ramona R Reliford President Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter
Greetings,
We are delighted to welcome you to our inaugural event “Excellence Delivered, A Night of Elegance”, as we recognize six phenomenal community leaders for their notable service. We salute them for being of “service to all mankind” through daily contributions in their chosen professions. PEARLS Foundation will continue to support, encourage and provide a platform for networking, as well as showcase the tireless work of diverse individuals whose efforts are aligned with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated's international program initiatives.
PEARLS Foundation, Incorporated is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to foster the advancement of education through scholarships as well as assist others by responding to the needs of the community through service and charitable donations. Over the past 20 years, the PEARLS Foundation has consistently implemented its mission to leave footprints of service in Broward County and surrounding areas. We are committed to community outreach services and supporting the educational endeavors of high school seniors matriculating to higher levels of learning.
We hope that tonight's celebration is enjoyable and that you will continue to support our fundraising efforts in the years to come.
Serving with a Smile,
Dr. Camika Carey President PEARLS Foundation, Incorporated
Dr CamikaCarey
Committee Chairmen
Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter
Greetings,
Your presence is greatly appreciated on this day as we come together to honor individuals in our community. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is dedicated to initiating and implementing programs of service to all mankind. Our program initiatives provide a platform to interact in the community and build lasting relationships. Our program initiatives are:
Strengthen Our Sisterhood Empower Our Families
Build Our Economic Wealth
Enhance Our Environment
Advocate for Social Justice
Uplift Our Local Community
Finally, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our chapter, Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® for its commitment to providing service to the City of Plantation and Broward County. Our goal is to leave a legacy of excellence in the community we serve.
Sincerely,
Dr.DesireeBanton KristaWitherspoon
Dr. Desiree Banton, Committee Co-Chair
Krista Witherspoon, Committee Co-Chair
Presiding
Devarn M Flowers
Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter
Welcome
Dr. Ramona R. Reliford President, Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Occasion
Dr. Camika Carey President, PEARLS Foundation, Incorporated
Greetings from the City of Plantation
Lisa Bell
Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter
Honoree Musical Tribute
Chandra Powell-Walker
Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter
Grace
Barbara Scruggs
Chaplin, Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter
Dinner
A Legacy of Sisterhood and Service
Video Presentation
Presentation of Honorees
Krista Witherspoon, "Excellence Delivered" Co-Chairman
Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter
Dancing and Fellowship
Music by DJ Amazin
Closing Remarks
Dr Tunicia Davis, Vice President
Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter
Yvette DuBose is a noted advocate, small business owner, non-profit leader, and community connector. She served as the CEO of a local non-profit, currently serves as a statewide board member for the Heart Gallery of Florida and has been a full-time entrepreneur for the past 16 years. Mrs. DuBose has served more than 500 families locally, assisting with the adoptions of foster children and received national and local recognition for these achievements. Prior to Mrs. DuBose’s full time non-profit work, she spent more than a decade as a business market executive consultant with notable regional, Latin American and emerging market firms.
Mrs. DuBose is active in her community; a precinct committee woman, GOTV Broward member, and a member/affiliate of numerous organizations, including, National Council of Black Women, National Adoption Day Broward, Equal Ground, The Pace Center for Girls, Fort Lauderdale Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, NAACP ACT-SO Fort Lauderdale Branch and Broward County Public Schools. She is a wife, mother, an outspoken advocate for disenfranchised communities and invests time in local, state, and national campaigns to level the playing field for marginalized communities.
Mrs. DuBose majored in English at The Florida State University, B.S. 1998 and went on to also receive her Project Management designation from Florida Atlantic University in 2009. In 2019 she graduated from the prestigious Jim Moran School of Business at The Florida State University. In addition to her community involvement and advocacy work, she is also an active member of her church.
Yvette Culver DuBose BusinessConsultant
Loretta Everett is a mothe e is currently the CEO of Sunshine Consulting and Solutions or of Sunshine Heart, Inc., a nonprofit organization that s power underserved youth in Dade and Broward counties. Sh will be receiving her Bachelor's of Science degree in Busines n University
Loretta’s personal life experiences have played a significant role in both who she is today and in her philanthropic work. These experiences fueled her mission to not only break generational tendencies within her own family, but to assist other girls and women to do the same. During her five-year tenure as a troop leader and service unit manager with Girls Scouts of Tropical Florida, she actively pursued this mission. Loretta not only served as a valued mentor to young girls in this setting, but she also ensured they had access to resources and environments that could help them reach their full potential.
Loretta’s positive impact on young girls persuaded her to launch Sunshine Heart, Inc., ten years ago, which began as a mentoring program. Today, it provides comprehensive programs for all youth from kindergarten through 12th grade. Through dedicated support from community partners like the City of Miami Gardens, Miami Dade County, Chairman Oliver Gilbert III, Rolling Crest Lake, Inc , Okay Institute, Inc , Julia's Kids Incorporated, and others, Sunshine Heart has thrived Offerings now include afterschool enrichment programs, summer camps, summer internships, scholarships, and a support group for women
Loretta remains committed to making an impact on the lives of others while being a positive force within her community. With that in mind, there is a quote by Edward Everett Hale by which Loretta lives her life. It states, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can.” This succinctly describes Loretta’s passion and purpose.
LorettaEverett Entreprenuer & Youth Advocate
Cheryl Mattox Berry is an accomplished entrepreneur and author who has written three books that have appeared on the best seller's list. She has been writing stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Memphis Blues was her debut novel, followed by Capital Sins. A Memphis native, Cheryl earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in journalism from Northwestern University.
Her diverse career has included stints as a Press Secretary for a U.S. Congressman; a Television Reporter in Ft. Myers and Tampa; a reporter for USA Today; and an Editor at The Miami Herald. She has also taught journalism at Roosevelt University in Chicago, Northwestern University, Florida International University, and the University of Miami.
Cheryl and her husband, Jim, a CBS4 Sportscaster, live in Miami. They have two adult children. Mrs. Berry can be quoted as saying, “Everyone has a story, and I love digging for it." She has graced stages around the world, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® South Atlantic Region's Inaugural Book Author Showcase in 2021.
CherylMattoxBerry Author
Dr. Kilan C. Ashad-Bishop (she/her) is a Biomedical Scientist and advocate for inclusion who has carved her niche at the intersection of science, health, and social change. She is a proud alumna of Morgan State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, and the University of Miami, where she earned her Ph.D. in Cancer Biology. Kilan is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Miami and the Inaugural Director of the First Star National STEAM Academy. Her professional experience spans academic research, policy, and the non-profit and private sectors, but her goal remains to improve the health and well-being of communities of color.
Kilan is an outspoken advocate for equity and inclusion in health, science and society, and the responsibility of science (and scientists) to advance positive social change. She is a regular volunteer and advisor to various K-12 and collegiate STEM programs designed to mentor, uplift, and support the next generation of scientists.
In this interest, Kilan co-founded STEMNoire, a research and wellness community for Black women in STEM. Her advocacy efforts are interdisciplinary, as she previously served as the Vice-Chair of the City of Miami Climate Resilience Committee, where she leveraged her research background and community outreach to advance policies to prioritize low-income communities in resilience planning. Colleagues and supervisors have recognized Kilan for excellence in her endeavors. She has been recognized as a Black Woman in Excellence (2020); National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Fellow (2019); Edward Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Inductee (2018); New Leaders Council Fellow (2016); Legacy Magazine, 40 Under 40 (2016); and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Defining Pearl (2015).
Dr.KilanAshad-Bishop BiomedicalScientist
Dr. Gregory A. Salters recently retire d for over 28 years in various capacities; concluding his career as an e Founder/Managing Partner of The S.A.L.T. Mine Success and Leader mpus Operations and Safety at Florida Memorial University.
He earned his bachelor’s degree fr his master’s degree in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University and his Doctorate degree in Adult Education/Human Resource Development from Florida International University. His dissertation explored the impact of racial profiling on Black males seeking jobs in law enforcement and committing to law enforcement careers. Dr. Salters a certified John C. Maxwell speaker, coach and trainer.
Dr Salters’ training has included the following: The Center for Advanced Criminal Justice Studies, Executive Leadership Program; the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF)- The Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), Session 34; and the FBI National Academy (Session 240)
Dr Salters facilitated courses for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Florida Leadership Academy These courses include but are not limited to Ethics, Performance Management, Leadership and Supervision, and the Persuasive Leader He also facilitated leadership training for the YMCA of South Florida He has also served as an adjunct professor at the Broward County Institute for Public Safety, Florida International University, and Miami Dade College School of Justice Dr Salters has also facilitated FDLE’s Minority Recruitment and Retention Forum, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s School to Prison Pipeline at Florida Atlantic University, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Race and Law Enforcement course at the Miami Field Office. Dr. Salters also prepares individuals for employment and promotional processes.
Dr. Salters is active in the community. He has served as the Chairman of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Zeta Alpha Lambda Chapter’s Men of Tomorrow mentoring program. In 2014, he was recognized as Zeta Alpha Lambda’s Brother of the Year. He was also recognized as Broward County School Board’s “Mentor of the Year” for the 2014 – 2015 school year. He also serves as Senior Warden of Tom Raines Lodge #484 F&AM PHA and is a member of Prince Hall Shriners SABA Temple #186.
Dr.GregorySalters Retired Assistant Police Chief City of Ft. Lauderdale
In November 2018, Joshua Simmons made history as the first African American Commissioner in Coral Springs to be elected since the city became incorporated in 1963. Simmons was appointed Vice Mayor for the City of Coral Springs in December 2020 and reappointed in 2021. On November 30, 2022, he was sworn in for an additional term as Commissioner for Seat 4.
Commissioner Simmons has been an instrumental voice for the Black community in Coral Springs, leading initiatives like Emmy-Award Winning ‘Conversations with a Commissioner,’ a video series focused on open discussions about race, equality, and police practices. He was also recently recognized with the Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award, an award given to local leaders who advocate for home rule."
CommissionerJoshuaSimmons CityofCoralSprings
BMiT provides access, resources and community for Black men within the tech industry and philanthropic initiatives to support the next generation of tech leaders.
@blkmenintech
blkmenintech.com
Charming Connections for Achievement Mentoring Experience, Inc is a 501 (c)(3) organization that provides a safe place where girls ages 8-18 can captivate their potential and radiate confidence through engaging activities.
#Mentor2Mentee
@charmingconnections
charmingconnectionsmentoring.com
@nothingbutwings
@rjdeed
Entertainment: DJ Amazin
Tandrick L. Turner
Photography: RJ Deed
Catering:
The Ginger House
Paul Emanuel Decorations:
Shyk Events
Aj Sugar Rush
Jessica's Sweet Creations
For more information on the PEARLS Foundation, Inc.
Please visit: www.akauxo.org/pearls-foundation/
Committee Members
Thank you for your dedication and hard work to make this event a success!
Dr. Desiree Banton, Co-Chairman
Adriana Barbee
Mary Jenell Blake
Debra Brookins
Linda Brown
Dr. Camika Carey
Dr. Tunicia Davis
Felicha Dorelus
Devarn Flowers
Lisa George
Dr. Ramona R. Reliford
Chanda Scott
Kyla Thorpe
Brandy Washington
Krista Witherspoon, Co-Chairman
Technology Committee Members
Melissa Binns
Alexandria Irish
Shayla McCloud, Chairman
Erica Ward
Reina Webb
