Issuu

March - April 2015

The Women and Family Issue

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

It’s A

Man’s

Financial Abuse

Another side of domestic violence

Bully or Bullied

Essential advice for parents

Food and Wine Festival Guide Where to go

World... Women in STEM

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PROUD TO GIVE BUSINESSES A LIFT CATS is proud to provide opportunities for businesses to create local jobs through the advancement of transit projects. CATS also seeks to create an environment that gives small and socially or economically challenged local businesses the opportunity to compete for publicly funded contracts by participating in the Small Business Opportunity (SBO) and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Programs. To date, 100 DBE firms have been awarded contracts of $76 million to help build the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail Extension. As the major provider of public transportation to Charlotte and the surrounding region, CATS relies on the communities we serve to build and operate the service every day. By working together on these new opportunities, we can all keep our communities moving in the right direction. For more information, visit ridetransit.org.

CATS. YOUR RIDE IS HERE.

Departments

March-April 2015

8 From the Publisher 10 Notable Names 12 By Faith 13 The Mindful Parent 14 Book Review 15 Family Notes 32 Scene and Seen 35 Creative Arts 50 Events Calendar

Business 37 Innovation at Work

Sheba’s Doggy Day Camp

48 FYI News & Notes

Health 42 Charlotte Bike Share

Program Biking It Around Town

44 Tooth Decay

Prevention for Children

46 Yoga

Changing your life

On the

Web:

March - April 2015

The Women and Family Issue

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

Features 16 Beyond

Bruises Financial abuse

46 Is your paper work in order? Financial documents every woman should have.

20 Leading

It’s A

Man’s

Financial Abuse

Another side of domestic violence

Bully or Bullied

Essential advice for parents

World... Women in STEM

Food and Wine Festival Guide Where to go

On the Cover On the cover: Two women leading the way in the STEM field: Sharrell Howard and Nicole Dobson-Moore. Photo by Jon Strayhorn.

the Way Women in STEM

24 Girl

Time Getaways for you and your besties

26 Beyond

Bullying Advice for parents

28 Taste

Navigating the food and wine scene

30 Making

It Count Pearls for Creative Healing March-April 2015 | Pride Magazine

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

CEO/Publisher Dee Dixon

Editor-in-Chief Lashawnda Becoats

Copy Editor Polly Paddock

Lead Writer Angela Lindsay

Design & Production SPARK Publications www.SPARKpublications.com

Creative Director Larry Preslar

Lead Designer Merissa Jones

Distribution/Web Site Liaison Watchdog Entertainment www.watchdog-ent.com

Account Executive Nikelle Fesperman

Public Relations Nepherterra Estrada

Intern

Patresha Williams

Subscribe to Pride $13.25. Please subscribe online at www.pridemagazine.net, mail to P.O. Box 30113, Charlotte, NC 28230 or call 704- 375-9553

Letters to the Editor Please send an e-mail to info@pridemagazine.net fax to 704-375-9550 or mail to Pride Magazine 312 W. Trade St., Suite 600, Charlotte, NC 28202 www.pridemagazine.net

FromTheCEO

By Dee Dixon

Zimsculpt

is coming back!

reat news!! Zimsculpt is returning to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden May 1 - July 12. I absolutely cannot wait. So, why am I this excited? Zimsculpt brings Africa to us in a uniquely beautiful way...magnificent, hand-carved, stone sculptures all the way from Zimbabwe, set up right here at Daniel Stowe for us to relish or purchase. Pride was a media partner last year and helped get the word out. We are honored to do it again. Let me bring some of you up to speed. Zimbabwe means "house of stone." The country, formerly known as Rhodesia, has a rich stonecarving tradition and is loaded with hard stone deposits. Each sculpture is hand-carved from one piece of stone. Absolutely no machines are used. This is incredible, because many of the pieces weigh more than a ton and require a forklift to move. Be honest, how many of us have ever visited Daniel Stowe in Belmont? I had not until last summer, when the sculptures drew me there. More than 100 are strategically placed throughout the garden. It was so much fun. We (grandkids, et al) left our electronic devices behind, packed a picnic and enjoyed a blessed Sunday afternoon. Now, I'm so happy we all will have another opportunity to experience Zimsculpt. Don't miss it this time. (See back cover for details.) Strategic mission Pride is on a strategic mission to help African Americans and other minority groups understand the importance of STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math) education with regard to job readiness, entrepreneurial opportunities and overall future success. We started with the 2015 Pride Awards, which was themed "Inspiring Innovation with STEAM. (We added the "A" for arts.) The accomplishments of AA's in STEMrelated capacities were extraordinarily showcased for the entire community to admire. In addition, the gala donated a 8

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

total of $12,500 to three STEM nonprofits. Next, we included a powerful cover story in our January 2015 men's issue regarding trending jobs for the future. Parents, teachers, business owners, executives...you need to read this. (Call the office, if you need a copy.) This issue extends our quest to enlighten Pride readers about STEM careers, as we focus on women. Listen, ladies, these are male-dominated fields we definitely need to jump into. (Iâ€™m talking dollars and sense.) Please read the article on page 20 and meet some women who have taken the plunge. They are fantastic role models for you. Our STEM messaging will continue with articles in each issue this year and perhaps next. We want all of this to be a wake-up call for us, as minorities: WE NEED TO GET PREPARED. (Personally, I'm wondering if it's too late for me to become a welder. They make excellent money and don't have to write columns.)

Other great reads Moving on. We have some other terrific reads for you in this issue, as well. Foremost, Pride is weighing in on domestic violence with several features, including one thatâ€™s rarely thought of: financial abuse. Also our book review is a moving account of how one sister from Charlotte, Curtrina Pharr, overcame tremendous hardships related to these crimes. (Yes, domestic violence is a crime, at least in my book.) Finally, please enjoy our special advertising section featuring profiles of women in business. Whether climbing the corporate ladder or being one of the 2,934,500 women of color in the United States who own their own firms, women rule. Learn from them. Support them. Respect them. P

Take care,

You don’t need an appointment. Just a connection. 24/7 care from your phone, tablet or computer. Introducing Virtual Visit. Get anytime, anywhere care without an appointment. It’s just one more way you can see one of our medical professionals whenever, wherever you need to. So whether it’s urgent care, emergency care, primary care or now Virtual Visit, your health takes a system working as One. Get more information or enroll now at CarolinasHealthCare.org/VirtualVisit Available to Carolinas HealthCare System patients located in North Carolina at time of visit.

NotableNames By Patrick Burris

MATHILDE LEVESQUE

DERONDA METZ

JASLYN ROBERTS

BRENDA ROBINSON

Mathilde Levesque has joined Radio One as vice president, general manager of its urban media, including 105.3 FM Old School, Urban AC and Praise Charlotte, Inspiration. With nearly 30 years of experience in sales and operations leadership, Levesque has managed more than 200 people and helped bring several stations into top 10 rankings within the age 25- 54 market. “Levesque has a history of coaching winners and creating some of the most successful urban media products in the industry,” says Jeffrey Wilson, regional vice president and general manager of Radio One. “I am honored and extremely excited to become a member of the Radio One family,” says Levesque. “I look forward to leading the Charlotte team and making a positive impact on the community and market.” P

Jaslyn Roberts, director of talent engagement at Charlotte Works, oversees services benefiting unemployed and underemployed individuals. At Charlotte Works, job seekers have access to customized resources such as career coaching, networking and employability workshops. “Prior to working in the nonprofit field, I spent more than 25 years in human resources at several major corporations. I’ve always been passionate about people development, and this role utilizes everything I’ve done and learned in my career,” says Roberts, who has worked at Charlotte Works since 2013. Roberts holds a business administration degree from Sacred Heart University and a master’s degree in organizational change and leadership from Pfeiffer University. She enjoys gardening, baking, cooking, reading and sewing. P

Deronda Metz is a tireless advocate for homeless women and children. As the director of the Charlotte Salvation Army’s Center of Hope, her advocacy includes community support for affordable housing. “I feel very blessed to have a job that does not feel like work. The opportunity to see someone move from homelessness to housing brings me endless joy,” Metz says. Recently the YWCA of Charlotte presented Metz with its “Community Champion” award for transitioning individuals from homelessness into apartments within 30 days. A Charlotte native, Metz holds a bachelor’s degree from Gardner Webb University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of South Carolina. She enjoys physical fitness and traveling. P

When she was growing, aviation always fascinated Brenda Robinson. Encouraged to apply to aviation school, she earned her aeronautics degree at New York’s Dowling College. Aviation Officers Candidate school followed, and Robinson made history when she became the first black woman to achieve her wings of gold as a U.S. Naval aviator in 1980. During her naval career, she flew seven types of aircraft, logging approximately 3,800 flight hours. After retiring from the Navy, Robinson went on to become a commercial pilot for American Airlines. In total, she has accumulated 35 years of flying in 13 different airplanes. Today, Robinson is retired and lives in Charlotte. She’s a business owner, author and motivational speaker, encouraging others to reach their goals, using lessons learned from her life and career. P

DID YOU KNOW? Dr. Patricia Bath, an ophthalmologist, invented a laser surgical device in 1986 called the Laserphaco Probe to treat cataracts. Bath is the first African-American female doctor to receive a medical patent. 10

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ByFaith

By Rev. Dr. Dwayne Bond

n recent months, the stench of domestic violence has consumed the media as it continues to privately and publicly rear its ugly head. America is watching while both local and national sports heroes scurry to manage their tarnished brand identities. Meanwhile, the public tries to cope with the shock and horror of the incidents and the impending calls for justice. When will justice come? Although these violent and tragic incidents appear to be growing dim in the minds of many Americans and the media as the clock ticks, some are still outraged and awaiting justice. Needless to say, domestic violence continues to ravage homes, families, relationships and individuals’ lives; it’s a national and global crisis that needs to be exposed and ended. Exposing domestic violence is vital and necessary. Although complex in nature, domestic violence is narrowly defined as an act or threatened act by a perpetrator that is or has been in an intimate relationship with the victim. At random points in time, intimacy goes awry and is replaced by threats or violence in the relationship. Instead of love, respect and tender affection, the perpetrator uses his or her power and control to intimidate, often 12

Courage and Hope for

Domestic Violence leading to violent acts. Where do the threats, violence and acts of hatred originate? Domestic violence is a systemic problem rooted in a person’s unresolved, twisted and dysfunctional need for power and

man and woman in His image and likeness. This means that God created man and woman equally able to enjoy healthy relationships, think rationally, choose courageously and feel deeply as human beings with physical bodies. God created man and woman equal, yet distinct in function. However, due to sin’s entrance into the world, both men and women are sinfully thirsty for power and control in ways that oppose God’s original plan and design. Unaddressed, this sinful striving becomes the root of domestic violence (Genesis 3:16b).

convinced that the relationship is needed for survival, instead of seeing that departing is their only means of survival. If you are currently a victim in an abusive relationship, I urge you to stop ignoring the pain of what you are experiencing and pursue help. Please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for information and resources at 1-800-799-7233. If you recognize that you are an actual abuser, please seek help by calling the hotline for assistance. If you’ve never experienced domestic violence, I’m glad. I challenge you to offer a helping

Domestic violence is a systemic problem rooted in a person’s unresolved, twisted and dysfunctional need for power and control. By placing unrealistic demands on those who he or she is in a relationship with, one becomes an abuser who sometimes unknowingly seeks to secure and maintain power and control. control. By placing unrealistic demands on those who he or she is in a relationship with, one becomes an abuser who sometimes unknowingly seeks to secure and maintain power and control. Is there any hope against domestic violence? Does the Bible address domestic violence? God is opposed to any destructive acts, violence or abuse against another person. He desires that humans live in harmony under His reign. In Genesis 1:26-27, God created

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

Let’s face it: Once a victim is entangled in his or her twisted perception of a “love” relationship, it’s one of the most difficult things to escape. Typically, loved ones are the first to recognize the dysfunction and emotional danger, while the victim is convinced that he or she is in a healthy and safe, loving relationship. Feeling imprisoned and stuck in quicksand, the victim is fearful of leaving and facing life outside of the relationship. Over the course of time, he or she has grown

hand to someone who has been or currently is being victimized. There are no winners in domestic violence. Everyone experiences pain, but God sees all, knows all and grieves over all domestic violence. He has not abandoned you, nor will He. My prayers are with you as you courageously and decisively pursue health and freedom for your future. P Rev. Dr. Dwayne Bond is the lead pastor of Wellspring Church.

TheMindfulParent

Virtual Parenting Requires C

24-hour Access

ommunities have certainly changed over the decades. Comedians often joke endearingly of the old-school mothers who disciplined the community’s adolescents. These loving jeers typically focus on the actions of mothers who took “neighborhood watch” to heart, ensuring that the guilty were punished. Whether they spoke over the phone

leaving the neighborhood and most importantly, allowing visitors into the home while parents were away. Admittedly, I loathed the neighborly intrusion and reviled the added efforts that prevented us from enjoying our youth. Now, time has taught me the true value of a mother’s efforts to protect her children. Although my adolescent ignorance had no appreciation for the intrusiveness

changed the landscape of the community, making way for the virtual community. While different in many respects, the virtual community still offers the same cast of characters as the community of old. We have the promiscuous, rebellious, sheltered, wealthy, poor and the bully. In addition to the endless and often unsavory friendships forged in this new community, there are stores for shopping, arcades for gaming, movies for entertaining and notes in the form of texts to be “passed” during class. Despite technologically astute parents’ efforts to enable parental controls designed to replicate the neighborhood watch of old, this virtual community, with its 24-hour access, necessitates a more vigilant version of parenting. This parental upgrade requires that we view each piece of technology, i.e., cable television, gaming devices, cellular phones, computers, iPods, etc., as a new street in the community. Each new street or device includes a row of houses and a multitude

While different in many respects, the virtual community still offers the same cast of characters as the community of old. We have the promiscuous, rebellious, sheltered, wealthy, poor and the bully. or at the end of the driveway, agreements were made to ensure the well-being of the community’s youth. Unfortunately for us, these verbal contracts typically restricted us from visiting certain houses,

of my neighbors, the mother I now am defines my existence, sees my own neighbors as hidden treasures, allies in a common fight. Not only has time changed my perspective, but it has also

of new, unknown neighbors with unknown beliefs and behaviors. Consequently, parents should not allow their children to venture down certain streets or rather engage with certain devices. Such

By Christina Christian, PhD

restrictions placed on children then and now are due to the need to carefully shape your child’s belief system. While our own parents’ actions may seem overzealous, they were based on the understanding that the houses we visited and the friends we made had the potential to shape our thoughts and behaviors. This truth is revealed in decades of research investigations conducted on the adolescent brain. Although it was once believed that the only difference between the brains of adolescents and the brains of adults was life experience, research provides us with a better understanding of the differences between the two. According to neurologist Francis Jensen, “Nature made the brains of children and adolescents excitable. Their brain chemistry is tuned to be responsive to everything in their environment.” (Knox, R. 2010, The Teen Brain: It’s Just Not Grown Up Yet). An additional report by the National Institute for Mental Health (2011) expounds upon this finding by revealing that the part of the brain that regulates impulsive responses is not mature until the early 20s. For this reason adolescence have a tendency to act on impulse; regardless of the risks (The Teen Brain Still Under Construction). In reflecting on the communities of old, it’s time we exercise our parental responsibility; restricting our children from visiting virtually every home on every street in their new communities. P Christina Christian has worked as an educator for 20 years. She is the author of “Re-Engaging the Village: The Essence of Parenting.” March-April 2015 | Pride Magazine

BookReview

By Angela Haigler

‘Confessions of an

Abandoned Child’

he face on the cover is that of a smiling, brown-skinned woman with deep topaz eyes. Emblazoned across her forehead is the title of the book, "Confessions of an Abandoned Child." A single sparkling cross dangles from one ear, while the other earring is barely visible. The face does not reveal pain or sorrow; only joy and happiness from deep within. Faces can lie. This memoir, however, sets the record straight. Curtrina Pharr is the author of the book and the face on the cover. Her story takes place in Charlotte and her truth is revealing. Life can be very difficult when you are one of five children born to an alcoholand drug-addicted mother with a pimp for a father. Pharr’s work reads like a journal, full of significant events

and the very important people in her life. The pieces feel disjointed at first, but later the scattered sections form a patchwork quilt of her experiences, missing only a deeper narrative thread and certain storytelling elements. The writing style is sparse and compact; just the facts in this piece. There is no sweetness and light here, mainly graphic, painful realities. Pride caught up with Pharr to learn more about the motivation for her eye-opening book. PM: Your book is entitled, “Confessions of an Abandoned Child.” What does abandonment mean for you? CP: After my parents and grandparents passed away, I felt abandoned by my remaining relatives, the community and the government. My cousin promised to take care of (us), but in the end, she was only interested in our Social Security checks and EBT cards. PM: You've been through so much, losing a mother, grandparents and a sister. What gave you strength during those tough times? CP: I was only three

years old when my father died, and barely eight years old when my mother died. Family members were dying every few months. I became immune. We couldn’t show our emotions, so I poured my feelings into my writing. But when my sister Shavonta passed

CP: My mind is completely made up. I do not want to live that life anymore. I am 29 years old, almost 30, and it’s not worth it. I made it out with my life intact and without HIV. I don’t need any of that stuff. All I need is God and my

All I need is God and my son. I love who I have become and I love my life right now. away, I went numb. She was the mother I never had. I dealt with her death by turning to drugs and prostitution. PM: What was the greatest lesson you learned from your trials? CP: I learned that if you want to lead a different life, you may have to leave your former friends behind and gain the courage to find new ones. PM: At certain points during your life, you would go into “survival mode,” going back to some of your old habits temporarily in order to make ends meet. These days, do you ever feel the need to go back to your previous lifestyle?

son. I love who I have become and I love my life right now. PM: What are your plans, dreams and goals? CP: My dream is to be a writer and to produce films and to bring my writing to life. I want to inspire other people who may be living like I lived, but who want to change. I want to make my son proud. Want to learn more about Curtrina Pharr’s struggle and triumph? Visit www. curtrinaprojects.com P Angela Haigler explores the literary world at www.angelicmusings. wordpress.com and on Twitter @angelicmusings.

Family members were dying every few months. I became immune. We couldn’t show our emotions, so I poured my feelings into my writing. But when my sister Shavonta passed away, I went numb. She was the mother I never had. 14

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‘Hands on’ Family Volunteering

FamilyNotes Compiled by Lee McCracken

his is a great time to get outside and help make the community cleaner and more beautiful. Families with children as young as 6 can register with Hands On Charlotte to participate in weeknight or weekend project at a variety of organizations and locations throughout the area. Hands On Charlotte, founded in 1991, is a nonprofit volunteer organization that provides such services to the community as cleaning up outdoor spaces, feeding the hungry, helping homeless families, guiding at-risk youth and tutoring disadvantaged children. Visit handsoncharlotte.org and click on “Volunteering” and then “Families.”

Danger: Poison Do you know what’s poisonous and what isn’t? Many liquids and plants around the house are toxic to children and adults. More than two million poisonings are reported each year to U.S. poison centers, and more than 90 percent of these occur in the home. The national poison help hotline phone number should be saved in all parents’ cell phones. Parents also are wise to carefully store cleaners and furniture polish, insecticides, artificial nail remover, perfume and mouthwash (just to name a few) out of reach of children. Buy small quantities and always discard nearly-empty containers. March 15-21 is National Poison Prevention Week, which was established by Congress in 1961. Most nonfatal poisonings occur in children younger than 6, but deaths due to poisonings currently are the leading cause of unintentional injury in adults. For more information, visit www.aapcc.org.

Less Cheese, More Veggies Pizza seems like a no-brainer when parents want a quick-and-easy meal for the family. New research reveals moms and dads might want to think again. With 20 percent of U.S. children eating pizza on any given day, they're eating too much of that yummy crust with sauce and gooey cheese. A new study from the Illinois Prevention Research Center found that pizza is the second-highest source of calories for kids ages 2-18 (the top calorie-laden foods were grain desserts, like cookies and donuts). The study, published in January in the medical journal Pediatrics, found that on days children eat pizza, they take in much higher amounts of calories, fat and sodium than the days they don't. The researchers said not only do children need to eat pizza less frequently, but also that pizza needs to get healthier. Lisa Powell, associate director of the Health Policy Center at the Institute of Health Research and Policy at the University of Illinois, says, "It's a very common and convenient food, so improving the nutritional content of pizza ... could help lessen its negative nutritional impact." Making pizza at home can be a fun family activity. Registered dietitians recommend giving pizza an upgrade by choosing a thinner, whole-grain crust and opting for veggie toppings. Also, consider buying low-sodium sauce and low-fat cheese.

Theatrical Drama About Friendship “Interrupting Vanessa” runs March 28-April 4 at the Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn. Parents and children (recommended for ages 8 and older) are sure to enjoy this humorous show about Vanessa, a 10-year-old with an overactive imagination. To help her cope with her father’s death, her mother invites Timmy Fibbins over to play, and Vanessa is horrified. Nobody talks to this school nerd, who’s thrown up 17 times since the beginning of the year. Yet, an unlikely friendship grows. Everyone will applaud as the classmates learn about courage and self-reliance. Audience members can meet the cast following the opening performance on Saturday, March 28, at 1 p.m. Tickets start at $14. For all show times and more details, visit www.ctcharlotte.org. March-April 2015 | Pride Magazine

By Angela Lindsay

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

FACTS • Every 9 seconds in the U.S. a woman is assaulted or beaten. • Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women— more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. • Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually. • Everyday in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. • Ninety-two percent of women surveyed listed reducing domestic violence and sexual assault as their top concern. Source: Domesticviolencestatistics.org

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When we think of domestic abuse, the images that often come to mind are black eyes and bruises. However, the financial abuse in these relationships can also inflict devastating and long-term injury to victims.

ccording to Domesticabusestatistics. org, domestic violence victims lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the United States alone— the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs. The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) reports states that financial abuse is a common tactic used by abusers to gain power and control in a relationship. Its research indicates that financial abuse is experienced in 98 percent of abusive relationships and that survivors’ concern over their ability to provide financially for themselves and their children is one of the top reasons for staying in or returning to an abusive relationship.

Power Over the Purse

Economic abuse and the control of money is one of the spokes in the wheel of domestic violence that allows the abuse to continue, says Jane Taylor, clinical supervisor at Safe Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter in Charlotte. She typically hears stories about the abuser not wanting the victim to work and wanting to be the sole provider, giving the abuse victim an “allowance” instead. In other cases in which the victim is employed, she may be forced to pay all the household bills as well as the abuser’s expenses, and then end up with nothing saved for herself. Taylor says some women even find themselves in jail for writing bad checks or for misuse of food stamps. Common methods batterers use to gain financial control over their partner can include: not allowing the victim access to bank accounts; not including the victim in investment or banking decisions; ruining the victims’ credit score; manipulating the divorce process by drawing it out; refusing to pay or evading child support; and sabotaging employment by stalking or harassing the victim at the workplace. “A woman will lose so many days a month (from work) because of abuse. Either he’s kept her up arguing all night or he gave her a black eye. Not too many businesses are going to want their front people with a black eye meeting the public,” Taylor explains. “So it’s hard to keep good jobs when he’s calling 50 times a day, and when he does show up, it’s embarrassing.” Whatever the tactic, it all adds up to the same thing: control. This is when seeking the consultation of a financial advisor can be beneficial. Robert Rowell, financial advisor/vice president, investments at Wells Fargo Advisors, says that there should never be a situation in which the other spouse doesn’t know anything about the household finances. “When it comes to domestic violence—and it doesn’t have to be physical; it can be verbal, which is just as bad—a lot of times, men feel like because they are (providing financially),

“A lot of times, men feel like because they are (providing financially), they can do whatever. If (the abuser) is the breadwinner, some women feel like they have to stay in it.” - Robert Rowell

New Clinic offers Medical Care and Hope By Angela Lindsay Safe Alliance has continued to uphold its commitment to being a haven of hope and healing for those struggling with domestic and sexual violence, child abuse and emotional trauma. According to its 2014 annual report, the organization has served 913 clients at the Clyde & Ethel Dickson Domestic Violence Shelter, which opened in winter 2012-2013; its Shelter Hotline fielded 11,452 calls (3,000 more calls than last year); and its Victim Assistance Team accompanied clients to court on 4,284 separate occasions, among many other successes. Now, Safe Alliance has an exciting upcoming initiative—a brand new health care clinic. “When we built the shelter, we built it with a clinic in mind, because we know that women that suffer from trauma in terms of domestic violence tend to have more chronic issues and more chronic health challenges than the rest of the population,” explains Kathy Gauger, director of residential services at Safe Alliance, adding that women who experience trauma tend to have hypertension, diabetes, anxiety and depression. The clinic will operate two days a week in the shelter and will be run by the nonprofit organization Shelter Health Services, with oversight from Carolinas Medical Center. Services offered include HIV and STD testing, Pap smears, acute care such as treating a rash or cough as well as helping patients manage chronic diseases through medication and education. Since many of the women who seek refuge at Safe Alliance also have children, the clinic can also provide children with immunizations and school physicals. And best of all—the services are free. “It’s a safe place for people to go. So, for somebody who is fleeing a domestic violence relationship to have to get on a bus to go to a hospital or to a doctor’s office puts them more at risk, exposes them more, than if they’re able to walk downstairs and go to the clinic,” Gauger says. “So, we’re able to provide a safe environment for them to access this medical care, to get informed, and help manage and get educated about their health and their children’s health.” P March-April 2015 | Pride Magazine

they can do whatever. If (the abuser ) is the breadwinner, some women feel like they have to stay in it,” Rowell says. He adds that if there are children present who witness the abuse, it can illustrate to them that such abuse is acceptable and may cause them to emulate the behavior later on. Rowell warns it can “breed a generation of things being repeated.” Taylor agrees

Putting A Plan in Place

Rowell offers some peace of mind solutions for victims, suggesting they always contribute to a 401K plan whether the employer matches it or not. He also encourages victims to keep some “rainy day” money in a savings account and not to touch it other than for emergencies. The key is to do something, even if it is saving a little at a time. “They can privately set up their own account, and I’ve had women to do this—where they have their (banking) statements go somewhere else other than their home” he says. “It was sent to a post office box or a friend’s address, and that way the other individual won’t know what’s going on. Once they are in a position to leave and they feel like they’re financially set where they can get out of it, then flee.” Safe Alliance is connected to other organizations in the community such as Dress For Success and The Urban League that provide services and programs to help victims get ahead. For those who have been married for some time or are homeowners, Taylor advises they consult with an attorney to determine their entitlement to assets. Even taking small steps can go a long way, such as making copies of important papers (birth certificates, marriage certificates, Social Security cards and the abuser’s pay stubs as proof of income), especially if you’re married or if he’s the father of your children. “Often women come here without a thing, and we have to start from the very beginning…and all of that costs money,” Taylor adds. “So, try to have that suitcase or that bag aside when you have to get up and walk. You have to be prepared for the worst. It’s more important to walk out safely than to wait until all your ducks are in a row.” P

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Summer

play.learn.create. 2015

AT PROVIDENCE DAY SCHOOL

PROVIDENCEDAY.ORG/SUMMERPROGRAMS

CAMP DATES

JUNE 1 - AUGUST 7

March-April 2015 | Pride Magazine

By Tonya Jameson

TEM - which packages longstanding as well as new fields in science, technology, engineering and mathematics - is the new career buzzword, thanks to national initiatives to improve education in math and science to ensure the U.S. workforce will have qualified applicants to work in these fields. Yet, as companies and communities look to capitalize on this economic trend, women and minorities risk being left on the sidelines. The statistics are disheartening. Women make up 47 percent of the workforce. Yet, they accounted for less than 30 percent of workers in science and engineering in 2010, according to the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). They accounted for only 18.4 percent of graduates receiving bachelor’s in engineering in 2011, according to ASEE. African Americans, American Indians and Hispanics between the ages of 18 and 24 are 34 percent of the population, but only 12 percent of the undergraduates receiving engineering degrees, according to a report by Online Universities.com. African -Americans make up about 2 percent of all doctoral students in STEM. Reasons vary from straight-up racism to unconscious bias to perception. Women who study STEM subjects in college are often steered toward educational and medical fields, experts say. Even in the portrayals, women aren’t represented in STEM careers outside of medical jobs. Fewer than 21 percent of female characters in family films, prime-time or children’s shows are depicted as working in STEM fields, according to the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. The headline-grabbing role models for African American youth are entertainers and athletes. African-American parents, especially those in the middle class, typically encourage their children to be doctors and lawyers. Charlotte is among the top 20 metro areas for STEM professionals, according to a recent WalletHub report. Meet an entrepreneur, an educator and a corporate executive who are changing the face of STEM. Their journeys to STEM careers range from owning an ice cream factory in Mexico, to being a single mother who took a test that changed her life, to a visionary educating the next generation. They share the challenges in their fields and a few secrets to success. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Way In STEM

The

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Sharrell Howard

Sharrell Howard is on the frontline of exposing a new generation of youngsters, especially girls, to STEM fields. Her credits including getting academy certification for Project Lead the Way at Mallard Creek High. She is the co-director and lead engineer at Academy of Engineering for CMS’ Charlotte Engineering Early College, based at UNC Charlotte. Harrell’s work earned her the honor of being selected as a 2015 winner of Lowe’s Pride STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Awards. PM: Why do you call yourself at “builder/ innovator”? SH: I’m a builder of programs. I build connections. I build ‘people’ in terms of helping. One of things that brings joy to my heart is to help students see themselves in the field of engineering who didn’t see themselves in engineering, and especially girls. I show them how STEM is incorporated in their lives every day. For girls, shopping is a big deal, [but] you can’t go shopping if you can’t do math. Women are masters of math. I make connections between the things they do every day and the subjects they learn. PM: What prevents more women from entering this field? SH: Girls and women have been shunned from the engineering industry. They are not encouraged to go into those types of industries. Minorities are pushed into service-type industries and educational industries, things that a woman should be doing. Women have a lot more to offer. Minorities have a lot more to offer. PM: Why are you passionate about minorities and women entering STEM fields? SH: Minorities have a different knowledge base and different set of experiences that have not been present in engineering. They can drive new innovation and creativity in the engineering industry. PM: How did you get into STEM? SH: My uncle was director of a STEM program at Georgia Tech. Throughout elementary and middle school, I had a passion for how things work and how to make things look pretty. He encouraged me to go to a math and science camp. I attended programs at Georgia Tech and the University of Michigan. I learned that I could design, make things look pretty and put things together in engineering. PM: Biggest challenge you faced getting into your career? SH: I was not the smartest girl nor did school come easy to me. I had to work very hard for the grades I received. I was an A/B, occasionally C, student. Even though I wasn't great in math and science, I liked it a lot. I was also a

Fabiola Martina

Fabiola Martina is the generator engineering business administration head at Siemens Charlotte Energy. She is in charge of the finances of the engineering department globally for the generator business unit. Her team consists of people from Brazil, America, Italy, Canada and Germany. Martina is a native of Mexico City.

PM: How did you get into your field? FM: My father inspired me. He worked in manufacturing facilities. I liked what he was doing. He traveled all over Mexico. PM: What prevents more women from getting into STEM fields? FM: Maybe they’re afraid. Maybe there are too many men. I think it intimidates many women. PM: Why is it important to have women and minorities in engineering fields? FM: It’s very important to have diversity. It actually brings a lot to the team on how to do things better. Their personalities help improve things in the team. It influences the other ones in a very good way. PM: How did you start? FM: I started as an entrepreneur. I owned Hilagos Gilbran, an ice cream factory, in Mexico City.

PM: What languages do you speak? FM: Spanish, English, German, Portuguese and Italian. PM: Personal fight song? FM: Pitbull’s “Fireball.” PM: Best advice? FM: You have to always do something that you like. When you go to the business world, you have to really, really enjoy what you are doing. If not, don’t do it. You have to see it as if it were your own business. Martina, 42, has been married for 13 years. She and her husband share two beautiful cats, Machu and Picchu. She is a Mexico City native, but her family traveled every couple of years for her father’s job.

cheerleader and a beauty queen. My biggest challenge became proving to those around me that a beauty pageant queen/cheerleader without straight A's could be an engineer. PM: Biggest hurdles? SH: As a woman in the architecture/engineering/ construction industry, it is difficult to persuade men that you know what you are talking about. Therefore, I had to take on a dominant-type personality in order to prove my worth in the industry. I knew if I let this thought process exist outside of the office, it could destroy my marriage and my relationships. So my biggest hurdle was making sure to maintain balance and to understand how to operate in different roles in order to lead a well-rounded life. PM: Best advice you received? SH: Do not be afraid to fail because sometimes it will happen and you just have to pick up and keep going. PM: What advice do you often give? SH: Don’t wait for anybody to tell you what the opportunities are or to tell you what you can do. Create your own opportunities. There is no age minimum to exploring your opportunities and your passion. PM: Something that might surprise people? SH: My husband and I are ordained ministers and

have a church called Growth Outreach Ministries. PM: What do you do that makes you happy? SH: I am a true girly-girl. I like to get my nails done. I like to get my hair done…You have to take brain breaks. You have to turn your brain off and give yourself a chance to recharge. It’s important. You will live a miserable life if you never take the time to let your hair down. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for just a little while. Howard, 30, has been married for nine years. She and her husband have a six-year-old and two-year-old. March-April 2015 | Pride Magazine

hello angel

Nicole Dobson-Moore

Nicole Dobson-Moore owns Cannell Graphics, an Ohio-based reprographics company. Her company manufactures, reproduces and orchestrates the production and distribution of construction documents. She recently moved to Charlotte with her husband and three children. She commutes to Ohio frequently. PM: What do you do? NM: I’m not an architect. I’m not an engineer. What I am is the person that orchestrates and communicates how to effectively achieve the goal from managing a bid, to disseminating information to multiple people for multiple reasons. PM: How did you get into this field? NM: I brokered printing opportunities, such as in-store signage, with retail stores for a Columbus-based printing company. My retail customers needed reprographics in addition to in-store signage. An accountant told me about Cannell Graphics, which was going bankrupt. I purchased the company, which is one of the oldest reprographics companies in Columbus, Ohio.

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PM: Was it a scary move? NM: I’m willing to jump off any bridge and see what happens. I ended up buying a company that was in a lot of trouble. I started with seven employees. I went from not knowing much to 10 years later, I’m still standing. PM: What prevents more women from entering this field? NM: They have no idea it exists. Everyone goes through their day-to-day function, not really stopping to appreciate what it takes to do what they are doing. Everything has to be made. When it comes to technology and engineering, it’s making things. It’s one of those things we were not taught to think about as women, as minorities. PM: Biggest challenge you faced getting into your career? NM: It is very different culturally. It’s just very different. What you have is a bunch of white men that are used to having their way when they want it, how they want it and determining who will be excluded with or without cause. The challenge is understanding that every single time you go into an opportunity, you have to keep in mind, they already think you’re stupid without there ever having a conversation. How do you twist that without coming across as narcissistic or arrogant or to act like the stereotypical black female that they see on TV or a character that their wife sees on TV? PM: Biggest hurdle? NM: Ultimately, I am in a man’s industry. That is something that you’re always going to combat, no matter what. You have to wake up every day understanding this is my business. I know what I’m doing. You work diligently and

strategically. I have a brain just like the person that is doing the work that I am requesting an opportunity to do. PM: Best advice received? NM: Know what you don’t know and make sure you hire someone that knows it the best. PM: What advice do you give? NM: Stay positive. I am a true believer in energy. A true believer in what you put out is what you will receive. The thing about being an entrepreneur and being in business is every day is not roses. There are ups and downs. If every time there is a down and that’s what you want to focus on, you would never be successful. That’s what wakes me up every day, the thought of what’s yet to come. PM: What do you do every morning before work? NM: Play with my children for the first hour of their morning. PM: Fave app? NM: I’m not a real big techie. When I’m not working, I don’t even check my phone or my email. When it’s family time, it’s family time. Working time is working hours. One of the things I’ve learned to do is turn it off. PM: How did you get to that point? NM: Having two small children, you’re just forced to. They really don’t care that you have to keep working. In their mind, you’ve been working all day. It’s dinnertime; you have to reconnect with them. They forced it. Initially, I was trying to do both, but I kept making mistakes on work projects. Dobson-Moore, 38, has been married for five years and has three daughters, ages 16, 3 ½ and nine months. She was raised in Syracuse, N.Y.

Jacqueline Patterson

Jacqueline Patterson is founder and principal of Sheercom, which provides energy and wireless telecommunications services throughout the country. She developed the Project Lead The Way engineering program at North Mecklenburg High. She recently participated in the prestigious Executive Education for Sustainability Leadership program at the Harvard School of Public Health. PM: How did you get into STEM? JP: I have always been drawn to areas that were non-traditional. I started as a packaging engineering major at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, but I didn’t finish. After working for a construction firm, I took the owner’s advice and pursued a career in facilities management. After graduating from Iona College, I went on to manage federally leased and owned commercial buildings. I worked in a variety of fields dealing with facilities management, infrastructure and real estate. PM: What prevents more women from going into STEM fields? JP: We’re missing women in leadership roles in non-traditional areas such as telecommunications and energy. The first reason is exposure. The second reason would be access. The third is perception. It’s the myth: ‘Oh my God, if I want to study STEM, I have to be a math whiz.’ When we

make it simple, when we make it exciting, make it sexy, (students) are all over it. It’s wide open. A biology major would usually go into education or a medical field, but that major can lead to all types of opportunities in the energy field. PM: What is the trend in STEM? JP: Helping people to understand that your social skills are equally important as your technical skills. We’re not tapping into all of our resources, all of our talent. PM: Favorite App? JP: Our Daily Bread (daily devotionals). PM: What advice do you often give? JP: It’s OK to think outside the box. Come up with an idea. Whatever it is, there’s value to it. Your gifts and talents are extremely important. PM: What’s the best advice you received? JP: Don’t second-guess yourself. Just

do what you do. Follow your instincts. Somebody once asked, ‘“Why can’t you be normal? Why can’t you do look like everybody else: get a 9-5?’” But that’s not my calling. My calling is to be outside the box, to push it. Patterson, 51, was the single mother referred to in the introduction. She is a native of Syracuse, N.Y. Her 25-year-old and 20-year-old daughters followed her footsteps in STEM. They are pursuing careers in engineering. P

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By Simone McDowell

Girl Time: Getaways

for You and Your

Besties

here’s nothing like taking a weekend with your favorite girlfriends for a few days of girl talk, rejuvenation and fun. From relaxing spa days to hiking in the mountains, we’ve found ways that you can get away for a weekend (or more if you’re lucky) and unwind with your best gals.

Childress Klein Winery Stroll through Childress Klein Vineyards, located in Lexington, for a weekend of delectable wines and delicious food. The property includes tours, tastings and special events such as Paint and Sip and Dancing and Music in the Vineyards, in which live music is played on the lawn. The vineyards span 72 acres and produce more than 30 wines for every palate, from the novice to the seasoned taster. childressvineyards.com

Staycation

(Tourist in your own city)

There’s so much you can do in your own backyard, so why not be a tourist in your own city? Have you always thought about taking a Queen City history walking tour, or do you envy the people cruising around uptown on Segway tours? Think about looking at your own city with new eyes and consider a staycation with friends. From walking tours to shopping and much more, Charlotte has so much to offer, and who better to explore with than your girlfriends? charlottesgotalot.com

Grandover Resort Overlooking the Allegheny foothills and a world-class golf course, the Grandover Resort offers amenities that are perfect for the active or relaxationcraving guest. It has activities that are sure to appeal to each one of your friends. This premier resort, located in Greensboro, offers tennis and golf lessons, a luxurious spa and five restaurants and lounges, including Di Valletta, an Open Table Diner’s Choice winner. grandoverresort.com

Take it to the Beach The off-season is a favorite among many and provides a tranquil setting with a beautiful backdrop of nature. Charlotte is strategically located near some of the best beaches in the Southeast, including Folly Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach and many more. So plan a getaway to your favorite beach (or get even more adventurous and try a new one), wrap up in a blanket and put your toes in the sand for a serene trip with your girls. 24

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Enjoy Asheville This cool mountain city boasts fine shopping and dining and will leave you wanting to see what else it has to offer. Enjoy a meal at Early Girl Eatery or Limones, and shop till you drop at Virtue, Frock or L.O.F.T. No visit to the city is complete without a tour of the Biltmore Estates, an 8,000-acre architectural masterpiece. exploreasheville.com

Food and Wine Festival on the Outer Banks

Truly a foodie’s dream, the Food and Wine Festival allows you to take part in an elegant four-course meal one night, and the next, you could participate in a cooking class with world-renowned chefs. The four-day extravaganza includes more than over 60 events at nearly 40 different venues. Some chefs come from big cities, while others are homegrown, but all are food artisans. Experience wine tastings, brewery tours, cook-offs and more while attending this festival full of appetizing food and beverages. Let your food digest by sightseeing at some of the nearby historical and cultural attractions, such as four lighthouses located in the Outer Banks. obxtasteofthebeach.com

Great Smoky Mountains Grab the girls and “rough it” through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including 800 miles of trails for hiking, exploration and plenty of sightseeing, as well as photo opportunities along the park's scenic routes. With more than 500,000 acres of Southern Appalachian wilderness, you’ll see wildlife, beautiful streams, waterfalls and foliage. Stay at one of the campgrounds inside the park or stay at one of the nearby hotels. www.nps.gov/ grsm/index.htm

Delight in a Bed and Breakfast

Book several rooms at the Morgan and Wells Bed & Breakfast in Shelby and have a girlfriend takeover. Everyone will enjoy the modern and fun ambiance, four-star restaurant and customer service that caters to each guest. The quaint place includes rooms with wraparound porches, original vintage details, contemporary flatscreen TVs, upright showers and more. morganandwells.com P

March-April 2015 | Pride Magazine

By Charles Kelleher Harris

Beyond T

Bullying

hree decades ago, a schoolyard bully was somebody who occasionally knocked a student’s books out of his or her hands or offered taunting jokes. But in the last decade, bullying has escalated to a much more serious, at times even deadly, level. A 2013 a youth risk behavior survey, which allows students to respond anonymously on the level of safety in the CharlotteMecklenburg school system, shows that, on average, acts of bullying and violence in CMS schools are slightly higher than the state average. “Some of the long-lasting effects on children who are bullied are low self-esteem, poor communication skills, anger and frustration, substance abuse, teen violence and suicide,” says Cynthia Seaforth of the Conflict Resolution Center. Seaforth is also a licensed family therapist. Experts agree most incidences of bullying occur during middle school. “Some 70.6 percent of teens have seen bullying occurring in their schools. Thirty percent of young people admit to bullying themselves,” says Arlene Berkman, co-founder of the Foundation for Respect Ability located in Cornelius.

Cyberspace, the new threat

In recent years, there have been rashes of homicides and suicides among underage students directly linked to bullying that goes beyond the schoolyard and into cyberspace. “I find it interesting that many parents do not monitor what their children do on the electronic devices they have access to,” says Seaforth. “Social media has played a role in opening the doors so wide that our youth have no trouble sending pictures, have conversations with people all around the globe at all times of the day and night.”

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“Being bullied is generally a shameful event and most of us, adults and children alike, do not want to admit being bullied.” —Debra Kaclik, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Seaforth adds that parents must take the lead in monitoring their children’s use of electronics. “That means setting parental guidelines,” Seaforth says. “Definitely take computers, or other devices [with Internet access] out of children’s bedrooms and put them in public place in the house. Parents need to be alert and aware.” “Bullying through social media has the potential to be extremely detrimental with a few keystrokes and hidden online anonymity. Threats of violence, explicit sexual messaging, pornography, and photos can corrupt privacy and personal character in an instant,” Debra Kaclik, director of arts, health, physical education and curriculum support programs for CMS concurs. Along with John Concelman, character development initiatives specialist for CMS, Kaclik has developed antibullying programs and policies for the entire district. According to Concelman, even if bullying takes place via social media, CMS still gets involved. He says: “CMS has a responsibility

when they become aware of a situation that causes a disruption in the climate at the school.” www.makingitbetter-cms.tv, Most sources agree that www.foundationforrespectability.org, bullying often goes unreported www.stopbullying.gov by victims. “Being bullied is generally a shameful event and most of us, adults and children alike, do not want to admit being bullied,” Kaclik says. Honey Massenburg, the mother of a CMS middle school student, was stunned when her son told her a year after the fact that he had been bullied. “[The other student] was calling my son the ‘N’ word,” says Massenburg. “I was sad and upset that it had bothered my son that much, but he didn’t come straight home and tell me.” Parents need to be aware of the warning signs of a child being bullied. “Lost items, bruises or scratches, changes in friends, loss of friends, reluctance to join in activities, feelings of sadness or anxiousness, headaches or stomach aches, a decline in grades, depression or thoughts of suicide, asking for help with relationships, problems with eating or sleeping, are all red flags,” says Berkman. Once parents are made aware that their children have been bullied, the school should be contacted immediately. Experts caution, however, that parents should not approach teachers or administrators in an emotional or accusatorial manner. “I think people mistakenly believe that teachers would automatically be aware of any bullying,” says Massenburg, “It is very difficult to go to the school without being emotional, because your child is being hurt.” After the problem is identified, there are numerous routes to take in dealing with the issue. But what if your child is not the victim but the perpetrator? “Children bully for several reasons. They can be angry and frustrated. They may be bullied in their environment [at home] and develop a desire to exert that same type of control. They think it’s funny [or] they are influenced by their friends,” Seaforth says. Kaclik points out that two very different things can lead to bullying: “Some children are well connected to their peers, have social power, are overly concerned about their popularity and like to dominate. Others are more isolated from peers and may be depressed, have low self-esteem, be less involved, be easily pressured by peers or not identify with the emotions or feelings of others.”

For more information on bullying visit:

Help, my child is a bully

If your child is identified as a bully, what can be done? “The parent should try to get an understanding of the child’s thoughts and feelings that lead them to take this type of action,” says Seaforth. “Teach the child how to communicate thoughts and feelings. It really helps to teach the child about respect for self and for others, regardless of their ethnicity and race.” Says Kaclik:“When a student has bullying behaviors, it is important to recognize and stop the behavior. There needs to be an understanding that the behaviors are wrong and that they harm others.” Seaforth notes that many times parents are reluctant to accept that their child is a bully, or don’t take the behavior seriously. “If the aggressor comes from a home where violence and fighting is the norm, then to that person it is acceptable behavior in and outside of the home,” says Berkman. Parents, school staff and organizations all have a role to play. “[Adults should be] educated on the restorative approach and help coordinate [and] make sure the child knows what the problem behavior is, show kids that bullying is taken seriously, use consequences and involve the child who bullied in making amends or repairing the situation,” says Concelman. Happily, most authorities agree that when adult intervention and education are implemented, bullying can be stopped and both the aggressor and victim can be “restored,” therefore avoiding long-lasting negative traits. P March-April 2015 | Pride Magazine

By Angela Lindsay

Taste:

Navigating C the Food and Wine Scene

hicago is chic, and Napa is nice. But the next time you get a hankering for exceptional food and great wine, cancel those travels plans and take a step right outside your front door instead. With new eateries popping up on every corner and unique festivals occurring every year, Charlotte has transformed itself into a food and wine lover’s paradise—and it is poised to be the nation’s next chow town and go-to city in which to sip.

Wine with friends

Started in 1989 by a small group of friends, Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. This fundraising event has become one of the Southeast’s most respected food and wine events, generating more than $4 million for area charities in the process. Beginning with about 100 attendees its first year and distributing about $16,000 then, CWFW raised in excess of $300,000 this year, with attendance approaching about 4,000 people. “We are just at the beginning of what may well become one of the centers in the U.S. for culinary and wine enjoyment,” says Chuck Richards, executive director of Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend and one of the founding members. “Simply put, Charlotte will compare, if not lead the way, in the enjoyment and appreciation of wine and food in the Southeast.”

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Recently ranked as one of the top five must-visit spring food festivals by Forbes Travel Guide, CWFW runs for five days in April with over 35 different events, ranging from wine tastings to private in-home dinners. Adding to its success and Charlotte’s growing food and wine pedigree is the fact that wine personalities from all over the world attend, including David Frost—one of only four people to hold both Master of Wine and Master Sommelier degrees. “It's always great to be recognized by such great publications as Forbes,” Richards says. “Obviously, this gives great credibility to CWFW, especially to those outside our community of supporters, and helps reinforce our position in the wine and food industry as we approach attendees and sponsors for continued support.”

Outings galore

Another popular event is the casual outdoor wine tasting in October known as the Great Grapes! Wine, Art & Food Festival. Both novice drinkers and expert wine lovers convene at SouthPark’s Symphony Park with their souvenir wine glasses to partake in endless samples from vineyards all over the state. Additionally, Sip and Stroll in September at the EpiCenter offers art, music, seminars, a wine dinner, a Taste Like a Pro presentation, a Moet champagne tasting, and a VIP wine sampling. Speaking of sampling, the annual Taste of Charlotte in June allows residents to wander among vendor booths in uptown, nibbling vittles from a variety of local restaurants. However, those wanting to enjoy a full, sit-down meals can do so without spending a fortune during Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week in January and July. This eating extravaganza is a hit with residents, who can enjoy a three-course meal for $30 at over 100 restaurants across the metro area’s broad culinary landscape. Still other festivals celebrate alternative eating lifestyles, such as the Charlotte VegFest in May, featuring vegan desserts, local vegetarian/vegan restaurants and food trucks, local vendors, speakers, raffles with prizes, gift bags and more.

Food truck fare

The city has also become home to one of the hottest culinary crazes—the food truck. Take a stroll around downtown during lunch hour; food vendors are staked out at every corner. And we’re not just talking hot dogs. There’s all manner of niche, gourmet-type offerings that would make the Food Network proud. The popular Food Truck Friday in South End has the area hopping, with people standing in lines for inordinate amounts of time just to get a taste of unique eats, ranging from edged-up American classics to international fare and fancy cupcakes. Kevin White, owner of the Maryland Crab & Co. food truck, says Charlotte has definitely embraced the food truck movement just like

a lot of other thriving, hip cities, and the response has been great. “Charlotte is truly a culinary city from (its) barbecue background to Johnson & Wales culinary school to the multitude of people from all over that now call Charlotte their home. It’s a Southern melting pot,” he says. “I enjoy being able to give people a taste of home or just give them our spin on some fresh seafood DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) style.” So what’s with all the hubbub around wine and grub? Richards says it’s a result of several factors. “Certainly the resurging economy, but Charlotte has become such a diverse community, with the growth of industry and individuals moving in from all over the world,” he explains. “Couple this with our local universities turning out high-quality food service people leads to a strong food market.” He cites the culinary programs at Johnson & Wales University, Central Piedmont Community College and The Art Institute of Charlotte as “breeding grounds for future food and wine enthusiasts” and “helping raise the level of service and food experiences in Charlotte.” Art Institute of Charlotte graduate Joshua Swinney is a product of such training and has seen the transformation firsthand. “As a chef and future business owner, (I find that) Charlotte is the perfect market,” he says. “The city is rapidly growing and there are many opportunities to bring something unique to the market,” he says. “I think the city of Charlotte supports the culinary arts community very well. From Speed Street to Food Truck Fridays, the community is heavily involved in what we do. I remember the very first food class I

“Charlotte is truly a culinary city, from (its) barbecue background to Johnson & Wales culinary school to the multitude of people from all over that now call Charlotte their home. It’s a Southern melting pot.” – Kevin White taught; there were 15 people in attendance. When it came time for the second food class, the audience had grown to nearly 50 people. This example alone demonstrates the level of support and excitement the city shows to our local culinary community.” Another occurrence that Chef Swinney has recognized as contributing to the city’s gastronomic growth is that people are venturing into more “experimental eating”. “When I first came to Charlotte in 2010, it seemed as though most of the restaurants were offering similar menu items,” he says. “Now, the market has developed to offer more innovative food and beverage options. The uprising of

new restaurants has allowed chefs to creatively express their personalities through their food instead of solely relying on Southern tradition. The recent trend of community culinary experiences such as food tours, wine and beer dinners and other food events have exposed the community to what local restaurants have to offer, thereby highlighting local talent, creating awareness about good food and breeding excitement within the community.” Chef Kelly Patkus agrees, saying, “I think that, slowly, people in Charlotte are opening their minds to new food experiences. I think we owe a lot of this new way of thinking to great chefs in the area that make dishes more approachable for patrons. Also, great chefs that people watch on TV are using unique ingredients that are making people more curious to try them.” As a chef instructor in the College of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University, Chef Patkus also credits the many farmers’ markets in the area for helping increase the quality of dishes and feels that “people are starting to catch on to the idea that local food is not only better for the economy, but in most cases, better tasting.” No matter your preference, the city is brimming with events, tastings, classes and even Meet Up groups dedicated to all things food and wine related. While Charlotte may not yet be as recognizable as New York, Charleston, or New Orleans as a major market, Chef Swinney feels “we are definitely on the cusp.” “I feel that this city is up and coming,” he adds. “I think that within the next five years, I can see us taking a major leap into becoming known as a national "foodie" city.” P

Where to Eat & Drink Food Truck Friday in South End – Ongoing Green Market Saturdays at 7th Street Public Market – Ongoing Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week –January and July Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend – April Charlotte Taste of the Nation ¬– April Charlotte VegFest – May Taste of Charlotte – June South End Soul – June Bacon & Brews Cruise-In – June Sip and Stroll Wine, Arts and Music – September Charlotte Oktoberfest – September Great Grapes! Wine, Art & Food – October Q City Charlotte BBQ Championship – October

Food Tours Tour de Food in Uptown Bars and Bites in South End Local flavors of NODA tour Dives to Dining in Plaza Midwood Brewery Tour Charlotte Treehouse Winery Girls’ Day Out Wine Tour in Yadkin Valley March-April 2015 | Pride Magazine

MakingItCount

hen a microscopic intruder slips underneath a mollusk’s shell, the soft animal secretes a protective substance to seal off the threat. Then sometimes, the layers of protection form into a rare and beautiful pearl. Pearls for Creative Healing in Charlotte helps victims of domestic violence with the second feat, making something beautiful out of something ugly. The nonprofit organization helps women go beyond merely surviving to thriving.

By Angie Moses

Post-crisis outlet

Pearls empowers survivors through creative art programs and raises community awareness through public art displays. While several local shelter-based programs help women in the midst of crisis, Pearls helps women in the post-crisis phase. Pearls fills the void that many survivors feel long after their abuse has ended. Pearls founder and president Sandra Guynes says, “A lot of women come out of domestic violence, but they never really talk about it because of the stigma related to it. They never really deal with the issues of domestic violence to move forward and move on with their lives.” A victim of domestic violence herself, Guynes created Pearls in 2012, to give women an outlet for expression in order to help them heal. Pearls offers art workshops, retreats and an annual End the Silence photography event.

Therapeutic release

Domestic Violence Survivors Find Healing Through

Art

Domestic violence survivor Grashia Connelly poses for the 2014 End the Silence exhibit in Charlotte. The sphere represents her pregnancy, during which she was abused. Photo courtesy Odell Guynes

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Christine Davis, one of the workshop instructors, whose story was in the 2014 End the Silence exhibit, started painting silk scarves after she left an abusive relationship in 1989. “It was the usual,” Davis says. “My ex-husband was controlling me, not allowing me to have a job, not allowing me to take the car. I had to go donate plasma so I could afford diapers for our daughter. “The triggering moment,” she says, “was when he pushed me as I was holding our daughter, and we both fell to the floor. I followed the line I was taking, and I thought, ‘I’m not having my daughter grow up like that. After escaping this abusive relationship, Davis found that silk scarf painting was a great way “to let out feelings and thoughts without using words.” She now likes to help other women tap into this alternative form of expression that perhaps comes straight from the subconscious before passing through the filter of language. “Painting on silk—you’re not always in control,” she says. “Once the dye meets the silk, they interact together and do their own thing. For me, it’s that you don’t always have to be in control.” Sandra Guynes calls this “therapeutic release.”

The decision-maker within

When women first attend an art workshop, Guynes says that many get

Aside from the art, Pearls helps women end the silence about domestic abuse. And when women end their silence, they discover other women who have experienced similar trauma, and they help one another heal. Guynes says that healing comes partly from the art and partly from the conversations that are happening around the table. In other words, survivors of domestic abuse, when they gather together to make art, can become part of a strong, radiant strand of pearls.

Survivor LT Dixon holds up a sign highlighting her strength.

To learn more about Pearls for Creative Healing, visit www.pearlscharlotte.com.

Photo courtesy of Picture This Photography

stressed about their creations. “They take about 30 minutes just to decide on paint colors,” she says. “A lot of times, they’ll ask the facilitator what color to use.” Guynes says, “When you have somebody making decisions for you, even deciding something so simple as what paint color you want to use, (you) can feel fearful. You’ve never had that kind of freedom before. And if you did make a decision, someone was judging you.” But the creative process seems to release the decision-maker within. And workshop instructors encourage the women not to worry about perfection, neatness or prettiness. “Part of what we do in our workshop,” Guynes adds, “is focus on how to tap into the inner child. No matter what I create, no matter how it looks, we don’t fix anything. You put it on the paper, and it’s there, and we have to accept it.” Kind of like the past.

Art workshop teacher Christine Davis shows painted silk scarf to Baseemah El-Amin Hasan, during an End the Silence photo shoot. Photo courtesy Rae Images.

March-April 2015 | Pride Magazine

SceneandSeen presents

PRIDE AWARDS 2015

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

The 2015 Lowe’s Pride Awards celebrating “Inspiring Innovation with STEAM” was held on January 17 at The Westin Charlotte.

March - April 2015 | Pride Magazine

CreativeArts By Angela Lindsay

Step Up for Photo by Peter Zay

Dance

he dreams of many gifted Black dancers are being realized in Charlotte. Charlotte Ballet, the region’s premier dance company, raises funds each year through the Step Up event to recruit, train and retain professional dancers of color – an initiative that significantly benefits the arts in the Queen City. Step Up is in its fifth year and, says Kobi Kennedy Brinson, the event founder and co-chair, it is a “marquis performance” for Charlotte Ballet. Nearly $90,000 has been raised so far.

Diverse Dancers, Audiences

Inclusivity and access are two of the organization’s core values, also shared by Charlotte Ballet President and Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, says Douglas Singleton, executive director of Charlotte

Ballet. “Jean-Pierre works to make sure the company is relevant and representative of the community we serve. Step Up provides partnerships that result in resources to support Jean-Pierre’s vision.” The ballet company became a passion of Brinson’s in 2007, when she saw a performance that featured the West Charlotte High School Drum Line and noticed the audience was overwhelmingly white. Brinson joined the Charlotte Ballet’s board of trustees in 2010 with a determination to impact change. “I was inspired that night to help Charlotte Ballet attract more African-American patrons to support our extraordinary resident ballet company,” explains Brinson. “Step Up grew from my passion for this amazing organization that represents the entire community, as evidenced

Dreaming to Dance By Angela Lindsay

The very first Step Up event raised money to create The Dancers’ Fund, which now provides financial assistance to diverse young dancers and to promote recruitment and retention of diverse talent. Jordan Leeper, who had just started as a pre-professional student with Charlotte Ballet company, was the first to receive assistance from The Dancers’ Fund. Proceeds from Step Up’s second and third events were used to create a Step Up scholarship, underwritten by Wells Fargo. The first recipient was a young man who always had dreamed of becoming a

Photo by Christopher Record

by its incredibly diverse company and repertoire. The diversity that Jean-Pierre has achieved onstage should be reflected off stage.”

A National Model

Step Up draws 200 attendees on average and while several are loyal patrons, many are new to Charlotte Ballet. Last April, the event netted some $40,000. The money funded the first year of the organization’s threeyear partnership with Dance Theatre of Harlem, which was conceptualized by Bonnefoux and Virginia Johnson, DTH’s artistic director and a former colleague of Bonnefoux at New York City Ballet. Two graduates of DTH’s school join Charlotte Ballet’s second company each year and perform at community events, as well as participate in such performances as “The Nutcracker” and “Peter Pan,” said Singleton. Brinson says Step Up attendees are “amazed at the incredible diversity of the dancers and dance genres,” and the event is the first ballet experience for

professional ballet dancer. “Charlotte Ballet recognized the potential of (dance student) Jared Sutton and awarded him the merit scholarship for two years,” says Douglas Singleton, executive director of Charlotte Ballet. “Jared’s mother has since spoken about how receiving the scholarship the second year was the defining moment in Jared’s journey. Jared continues to pursue his dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer.” He started dancing through Charlotte Ballet’s REACH Program, a nationally recognized outreach dance scholarship program and at 14, Jared now is attending the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He was on a full scholarship with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School last summer.

many. The company’s dancers are nationally renowned classical ballet dancers, who also are talented in many other forms of dance. “You haven’t seen the ballet until you see (company dancers) Jordan Leeper and Pete Walker pop lock, or (ballerina) Amanda Smith do Beyoncé and Balanchine in the same program,” Brinson adds. Public support for the event is essential and must grow every year, says Singleton. As important as Step Up is to the dancers, the events reach goes beyond Charlotte Ballet’s mirrored walls. “Step Up is important to Charlotte and the city’s arts community, because it’s imperative for the entire arts sector to strive for inclusivity and access,” Singleton says. “Charlotte Ballet hopes to be a model among (arts organizations), not only in Charlotte but also across the country — working to attract diverse talent that reflects Charlotte’s and the nation’s dance community.” Singleton adds, “Charlotte Ballet and the entire cultural community have a lot of work to do. Charlotte Ballet, from the board to the artists to the staff, realizes we must remain relevant and adapt to serve our community. We all hope when audiences attend performances, each individual is able to connect and be inspired by the dancers on the stage and the artists in our community.”

Photo by Christopher Record

His mother says Step Up has changed Jared’s life, describing her son as disciplined, timely, prepared and open-minded. “The Step-Up award has allowed Jared to consider an alternate future for himself,” she explains. “It has given him permission to be exceptional at something that sometimes does not get much support.” P March - April 2015 | Pride Magazine

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PrideBusiness

Innovation at Work

Doggy Bus Expands Day Camp’s Offerings By Eren Simpson Photos courtesy of Sheba's Doggie Day Camp

Robin Jac k owner of son, Sheba's D o Day Cam ggy p and Bus with tw of her resc o ue dogs.

Sheba's Doggy Bus can transport up to 30 canine campers at a time to the camp, shown here, where the dogs have the room to run and play freely.

heba’s Doggy Day Camp was designed with particular people in mind – the kind of people who don’t want to leave their dog with just anyone, or just anywhere. Being one of those people, Robin Jackson purchased a farm in York, S.C, where she and her co-owner, Janet Pirie, set up Sheba’s Doggy Day Camp – named after Jackson’s rescue dog that she had for 13 years – and their business has grown from word of mouth for the last 10 years. Jackson wanted a camp that was home-style, meaning the dogs felt at ease, safe and at-home when they were away from their owners, which is why the farm has designated, spacious outdoor play areas and a staff that is available to the dogs around the clock. In June 2014, Jackson and Pirie decided it was time to expand their offerings. The day camp, which has provided pickup and drop off services since its inception, rolled onto the scene a magical, whimsical, refurbished school

bus, which Jackson aptly named Sheba’s Doggy Bus. The bus can transport up to 30 dogs safely in crates and is outfitted with heat and air conditioning, and classical music to calm the pups on their journey to camp. The artwork on Sheba’s Doggy Bus was created by artist Mike Ferreira and reflects Jackson’s love of all things natural, with things such as calendula, echinacea and a fig tree painted on the side. “The bus has definitely helped the business, just with exposure alone,” Jackson said. To keep up with demand, Jackson is trying to coordinate larger group pickups for dogs in the areas the camp serves: Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Rock Hill, York and South Charlotte (Arboretum, Stone Crest and Ballantyne). The bus has also given Sheba’s a chance to give back to the community. Last fall Jackson and her team used the bus to provide a free shuttle for a pit bull rescue to a spay and neuter clinic. “I’d love to do more of that in the future,” Jackson said. “Also,

becoming registered in North Carolina – to take her bus to events where she serves up culinary treats such as ‘Doggy Sushi’ and a ‘Doggy Snowball,’ both made with ingredients that are safe for dogs. It’s that entrepreneurial spirit and her love of dogs that keeps Jackson working to make her campers and their owners happy. She recently attended a doggy day camp conference to make sure she was up on the latest trends and met Robin Bennett, “the guru of doggy day camps. The focus was on creating a physically and mentally positive experience for dogs. Creating that positive atmosphere is vital for Jackson, and because her farm in York is also home to cows,

It’s that entrepreneurial spirit and her love of dogs that keeps Jackson working to make her campers and their owners happy. in 2015, I’d like to do a program for kids and dogs … where we can teach [kids] how to care for dogs and how to approach dogs. Kids love seeing that bus.” And while the major role of the bus is transporting pups to day camp, Jackson added, “In 10 minutes I can break it down and run it as a K-9 treat truck.” Jackson is registered in South Carolina – and is working on

goats, chickens, roosters and her own dogs, the camp also safely broadens the horizons of the pups she cares for. “The dogs get exercise, socialized and meet all kinds of dogs and people,” Jackson said. “It helps work out some of the dogs’ issues to be exposed to new things like that.” To learn more visit www. shebasdoggydaycamp.com. P March - April 2015 | Pride Magazine

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

AMY M WILLIAMS DIRECTOR, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION BELK, INC.

my joined Belk, the largest familyowned and operated retailer in the US in May 2014, with over 300 fashion department stores across 16 states, employing 24,000 people, assuming responsibility for enterprisewide Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). For Belk, Modern Southern Style is more than a tagline; it is a way of life, inclusive of all the rich diversity that exists in the South. Embracing diversity and striving to build an inclusive culture through their customers, associates, vendor partners and communities is simply a part of how they do business and understand it is critical for future growth. Amy joins Belk from Sears Holdings Corporation (SHC), the nation’s largest integrated retailer with more than 200,000 employees, made up of iconic brands including Sears, Kmart, Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard. During her tenure with SHC, Amy launched a corporate-wide employee Charitable Giving and Volunteer Program as well as reinstating the Sears-Roebuck Foundation. Amy was a stratigic partner to business unit executive teams, HR, SHC’s 10 Employee Resource Groups and national nonprofit partners providing 38

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leadership to strengthen and leverage an inclusive work environment, engaging associates to support overall business performance. Prior to SHC, Amy was with Cargill, Inc. the privately held multinational agra/ food business employing over 140,000 people with operations in over 60 countries, holding key roles in Corporate Responsibility (CR)/Community Engagement and D&I; she partnered with multiple business unit executive teams to develop and cascade global CR strategy, local community engagement goals and D&I strategies, building the organization’s brand and reputation. While in the D&I role in Wichita, KS, the local business units were honored with the Equal Opportunity Corporate Diversity Award by the Urban League of KS, as well as the recipient of the Community & Justice Award by the National Conference for Community & Justice of KS. Amy has been an active leader in the community with specific interest in hunger relief and the education and leadership for first-generation and/ or traditionally underrepresented college-bound youth. As a newcomer to Charlotte, Amy is quickly becoming

engaged in the community serving as a newly elected board member to the Latin American Chamber of Commerce – Charlotte. During her time in MN, Amy served on the Greater Twin Cities United Way Food Acquisition Steering Team and worked to coordinate the first two Hunger Forum/Food Summits and Taste of the NFL “Let’s Kick Hunger” Day telethons. While in KS, she served on the boards of Junior Achievement, Diversity KS (formerly NCCJ), and Amigos de SER. Amy has enjoyed working with student organizations at universities and high schools, including Students Against Prejudice, Hispanic American Leadership Organization, Multicultural Student Business Association, Black Student Union and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences. Amy has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from Wichita State University and is a KS native, relocating to Charlotte, NC from the greater Chicago, IL area. 2801 W. Tyvola Road Charlotte, NC 28217 belk.com

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9716-B Rea Road, #180 Charlotte, NC 28277 704-256-4717 www.cybertary.com/charlotte charlotte@cybertary.com

mma hails from Eastern North Carolina, where she completed her degree in Early Childhood Education. Emma has over 37 years of professional experience, 23 of which were spent in the hospitality industry managing and building Marriott Hotel brands both on the corporate and franchise side. Emma left her role as Vice President of Operations and Sales in 2009 at a Charlotte based franchised company to pursue her dream of entrepreneurship. Emma takes pride in being of service to her church, family, friends, and community. She currently serves as President on the Board of Directors for Arrowood Business Association,

Southpark Referral Partners and Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter. For nearly 6 years, Emma and her daughter Aisha have successfully managed their Virtual Assistant business – Cybertary Charlotte. Cybertary has a team of highly skilled professional virtual assistants (VA’s) that provide business and administrative support to businesses, entrepreneurs, and executives. Our team can help with bookkeeping, client retention, data entry, web/graphic design, personal assistance, internet research, social media management, newsletters and so much more. Let Cybertary help you grow your business by providing the precise help you need, when you need it.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

JOYCE PALMER MANAGING PARTNER/ CEO JP FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC

J SouthPark - 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 1200, Charlotte, NC 28210 704 543-6269 www.jpfinancialgroupllc.com joyce@jpfinancialgroupllc.com

oyce Palmer started JP Financial Group, LLC with the idea of helping women with the financial questions that most have. Will I run out of money in retirement? Am I making the right rollover choices? Can you help me reduce my taxes? As a safe money specialist and financial educator, Joyce helps discover ways to protect assets, increase retirement income, reduce your taxes and eliminate confusion. At JP Financial Group, having fun and keeping the environment non-threatening is important. This is achieved through workshops, dinner seminars and client events including their signature "Women, Wisdom, and

Wealth~Why Not!" and "Savvy Women Invest On Purpose" seminars. JP Financial Group's mission is to empower and educate women on what their options are with regard to asset protection. A small firm with a big heart, their primary goal is to always exemplify the highest standards of business ethics and personal integrity, while providing clients with the resources to make smart financial decisions. The products and services offered focus on protecting the client’s principal first and foremost, followed by reasonable rates of returns and protecting future income from market fluctuations and inflation.

March - April 2015 | Pride Magazine

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

FABI PRESLAR PRESIDENT

SPARK PUBLICATIONS

abi helps entrepreneurs promote themselves and their businesses through custom-published books and magazines. Each month, the firm hosts smallgroup workshops designed to help you get your book out of your head, written, edited, designed, produced, printed, distributed, marketed, and promoted to your target audience. The firm also produces b2bTRIBE, a magazine for and by small business owners and entrepreneurs. Business owners who sign up for the magazine have an opportunity to appear in a future issue. Visit SPARKpublications. com and look for the orange buttons at the top for more information on the firm’s book workshops and b2bTRIBE.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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ary Nicole Douglas is an innovative entrepreneur who creates new ideas and solutions to the financial dilemmas that plague many households. An experienced professional, she has spent more than fourteen years addressing a variety of tax and financial issues. Her company has offices in Charlotte, NC and Buffalo, NY. They service individuals and small businesses across the U.S. She has a passion for helping others develop the competencies required for a lifetime of good financial health. Her focus is not only on her adult clients, she also focuses on helping young adults learn the habits required for sustainable financial success. 3472 North Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205 info@mndaccounting.com • 866.774.9447 www.mndaccounting.com

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Getting ready to buy a home? Make financial education the first step on your path to buying a home. By Glenda Gabriel, Neighborhood Lending Executive at Bank of America

If you think buying a home means you need a down payment, a good credit score, a reasonable debt-to-income ratio, and a loan pre-approval — you’re right. But you should also know how mortgages work, what happens during the application process, and what home loan options are available. Bank of America is here to help make the homebuying process more clear and more straightforward every step of the way — starting with informative educational materials.

Bank of America can help you achieve financial literacy

Understanding your options

We have online tools and resources that can help make the homebuying process easier to understand:

• FHA loans with down payments as low as 3.5%1 including the FHA 203(k) Renovation Loan which provides the funds needed to finance the purchase of the home plus improvements.2

• Bankofamerica.com/homeloaneducation is a complete home loan guide that provides information about types of available loans, loan requirements, and much more. • Visit bankofamerica.com/downpaymentcenter, you can find down payment and closing cost programs we participate in to help make buying a home more affordable. • At bankofamerica.com/webinars, you’ll find financial education webinars that can help you learn more about money management and buying a home. • Visit bettermoneyhabits.com for tools and resources on everything from how to manage your money to how to buy a house.

When it comes to home loans, you’ll find many options:

• VA loans for U.S. veterans with up to 100% financing and zero down payments for qualified buyers.3 • There are many down payment and closing cost assistance programs in which we participate and these programs can be combined with many loan products to help make buying a home more affordable.4 Financial education is just the first step on your path to buying a home. Contact your local Bank of America mortgage specialist to find out more.

For help every step of the way, talk to an experienced Bank of America mortgage specialist near you. Visit mortgage.bankofamerica.com or call 1.800.344.9403.

Minimum credit scores will apply. Not all applicants will qualify. Monthly mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) and Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premiums (UFMIP) apply. Maximum loan amounts vary by county. Available on a 30 year fixed-rate product only. $5,000 min. loan amount. The minimum down payment for single family residences must equal 3.5% of the sales price or the appraised value. Maximum loan amount limits apply and vary by county, ask for details. FHA Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium and Monthly Insurance Premiums apply. HUD guidelines apply. Where required, work must be performed by a licensed contractor. Timing of resale of property subject to restrictions. Renovation construction must begin within 30 days of closing and all work must be completed within 6 months of closing. Not available for investment properties. Restrictions on secondary financing may apply. State restrictions may apply. Minimum credit scores apply. 3 VA loans require a VA funding fee at closing. The fee is higher with a zero down payment. If a down payment of 5% or more is made, the fee is reduced. The VA funding fee is nonrefundable. Maximum loan amount varies by county. 4 Down payment and/or closing cost assistance programs may not be available in your area. Down payment and/or closing cost assistance amount may be due upon sale, refinance, transfer, or repayment of the loan, or if the senior mortgage is assumed during the term of the loan. Some programs require repayment with interest, and borrowers should become fully informed prior to closing. Not all applicants will qualify. Minimum credit scores may apply. Sales price restrictions and income requirements may apply. Homebuyer education may be required. Owner-occupied properties only. Maximum loan amounts may apply. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ©2015 Bank of America Corporation. ARFKKDDP 02-2015 AD-02-15-0245 1

PrideHealth By Tiffany Bell Photos courtesy of Charlotte B-cycle

Charlotte Bike Share Program:

Biking It

Around Town

s populations in rapidly growing cities continue to increase, so do issues associated with transportation; specifically, traffic congestion and associated stress. While efforts to handle transportation challenges increase, one solution is bike sharing, a program quickly gaining momentum in Charlotte. The Charlotte B-cycle program came about by way of Charlotte Center City Partners, the organization responsible for identifying and helping to implement strategic projects in the city. According to Dianna Ward, executive director of Charlotte B-cycle, “Center City Partners was instrumental in helping to create the 2020 vision, a major initiative that was adopted by the city council. The 2020 vision calls for Charlotte to 42

become a city of bikes.” The Charlotte B-cycle system is comprised of 24 stations and 200 bikes located in high density areas such as within uptown, along the light rail line, and along the greenway. There are also stations at each of the uptown universities including Johnson C. Smith University, Central Piedmont Community College, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Johnson & Wales University. Bikes may be checked out anytime between 5 a.m. and 12 a.m.– 12am. “The stations range in size from nine9-bike stations to 22-bike stations, depending on the area. The one at Freedom Park is our largest,” says Ward. This increasingly popular mode of transportation is quite successful in densely populated areas. “Bike shares do great where there are

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

Tanisha Myers Patterson Charlotte B-cycle program rider.

lots of apartments, condos, along greenways,” says Ward. “The goal is to have them so you can get from one station to the next in less than 30 minutes, so that you

can never be in danger of being charged a usage fee. Bike share is an extension of the transportation system, so there are people who ride the train, ride the bus, get

off, hop on a bike share bike and use that as part of their transportation in to work.” One of the key conversations in the bike share world is how to make sure that the bike share is available to everyone. This will allow individuals, regardless of income level, to take advantage of the bikes and public transportation to get to their destinations. There are three different types of membership. The first is a $65 annual membership, which includes one hour of ride time per checkout. Student memberships are $15 for a five-month period and include one hour of ride time per checkout. The third membership is a 24-hour pass for $8 and is intended for people who are tourists

or who don’t need an annual membership; it includes 30 minutes of ride time per checkout. There are 700 annual and student members and 8,000 24-hour pass holders’ year to date. The impact of the bike share program on health and wellness is undeniable. Convenience coupled with the benefit of exercise is very appealing to many. The top riders, people who have fully integrated the B-cycle system into their daily routines, such as Tanisha Myers Patterson, have benefitted from the program. “As a B-cycle member, I can take a quick ride to South End Charlotte to grab lunch while exercising and enjoying the scenic views of the city,” Patterson says. “After work, I can take a ride

on the greenways to Freedom Park. I never thought I would ride a bike, but there are so many hidden gems in our city that are not easily visible when driving or using [other] public transportation.” Recently, the program received a grant from the Knight Foundation, to be used specifically for outreach purposes. “Our big initiative in 2015 is to get more people in the community to participate in the program,” says Ward. “We have a Friday commute that we’re going to be promoting. If we could get people on the most casual day of the week to try Charlotte B-cycle, then we’ve accomplished something.” For more information on Charlotte B-cycle, visit www.charlottebcycle.com. P

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PrideHealth

Tooth Decay Prevention By Dr. Brandi Jackson

for

aby bottle tooth decay, medically known as “early childhood caries,” is the condition in which cavities occur in infants and young children. Baby bottle tooth decay can be a very serious problem and lead to tooth development and problems well into adulthood. Infant teeth serve as tools for your little one to speak, chew and smile. They also serve as placeholders for adult teeth, so proper care for them is of the utmost importance. If a tooth is lost too early or if tooth decay is

Children

left untreated, pain and infection can occur. In addition, if baby teeth do not develop properly, your baby may develop poor eating habits and have speech problems, and adult teeth may grow in crooked or crowded.

What causes it?

Contrary to its name, baby bottle tooth decay is not always caused by a baby sucking on a bottle. The term baby bottle refers to the fact that infants who are too frequently put to bed with milk or juice in a bottle are likely to develop tooth decay.

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Toddlers also can be affected by giving them juice or milk in sippy cups throughout the day and night. Another major cause of decay in young children is giving them milk or juice after they brush at night. It is best to brush just before your child goes to bed and avoid giving him or her anything other than water after he or she brushes.

Symptoms

Although the tooth decay can start soon after your child's baby teeth appear, the problem is often not noticed until about one year of age. The earliest signs are white spots or brownish pits on the front of the baby teeth, so proper pediatric dental care is vital. Unlike adult cavities, which are usually hidden from view,

baby tooth decay strikes the most visible portion of the front teeth. But parents are lulled into complacency or overlook the decay because during the months the teeth are gradually weakening, the damage is invisible. We don’t expect parents to be the experts. In order to truly diagnose baby bottle tooth decay, early tooth decay can be observed by careful inspection by a dental professional and must be treated by a dentist. Although treatable, the teeth typically remain damaged until they are replaced by permanent teeth. This tooth decay may not seem like a big deal, but keep in mind, these are the only teeth your baby will have during the years when much of his or her personality and self-image are formed.

“Baby bottle tooth decay can be a very serious problem and lead to tooth development and problems well into adulthood.” How can I prevent it?

• Never put your baby to bed with a bottle filled with milk or juice. • Never dip your child’s pacifier in honey or any other sugary substance. • Do not allow your toddler to “liquid-graze” – or walk around with a sippy cup filled with juice or milk all day. • Do not give your child milk or juice after brushing at night. If you do, you should brush again.

• Do not give infants or toddlers soda, tea or coffee. The sugars and acids in these drinks are very harmful to baby teeth – which are much softer than adult teeth.

Call your child's health care provider if:

•Y our child cannot give up the bottle. •Y ou see white spots on the baby teeth. •Y ou think your child

might have baby bottle tooth decay. • You have other questions or concerns. Remember, every day the decay progresses only makes it worse for your child. P Brandi R. Jackson, D.D.S., M.S., of Northeast Pediatric Dentistry and SouthPark Children’s Dentistry can be reached at 704-895-6445. For more information visit www.npdsmiles.com.

Taking Care of You is Taking Care of Her Good prenatal care reduces the chances of birth defects. Many birth defects can be prevented. Don’t smoke. Don’t drink. Don’t use drugs. See your physician regularly. Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions can help if you need assistance for mental health or substance use issues.

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cardinalinnovations.org/redefining March - April 2015 | Pride Magazine

PrideHealth

By Kelley Carboni-Woods

oga has been around for more than 5,000 years and is practiced in every part of the world, but as a teacher, I often hear a range of reasons why people of color have not taken or will never take a yoga class. Some people may feel they have physical limitations or just don't feel drawn to take a class, but more often than not, people are resistant because they lack understanding of what yoga really is, some even thinking it conflicts with their religious beliefs. Practicing yoga is an excellent way to cultivate your senses, strengthen your body or deepen your understanding and caring for yourself and others. Despite the misunderstandings based on Internet images of people with their bodies contorted and balancing on the tops of their heads, yoga is much more. I became a teacher to make yoga accessible and less intimidating to people in our community. The poses are beneficial to building strength and increasing flexibility, but a regular yoga practice can mean much more. Here are some tips to ease you into practicing yoga.

Yoga:

Changing Your Life for the Better well as increase endurance for other physical activities.

Deepen your connection to your beliefs. Yoga means union of mind and body and the practice is about finding harmony with your thoughts, deeds and

Learn to breathe. Any person with the ability to breathe can practice yoga. There are eight (limbs) of yoga; one of them is pranayama, the control of prana (or life force) through the breath. Yoga can help you develop the ability to deepen your breath and control and regulate your breath on and off the mat. Better control of breathing can regulate issues such as lack of focus, sleeplessness and high blood pressure, as 46

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actions. Yoga and meditation offer tools to help quiet the mind, giving you the clarity to study, learn or pray more effectively. The yamas (restraints) and niyamas (observances) are two more limbs of yoga that highlight ethical ways of living

Practicing yoga is an excellent way to cultivate your senses, strengthen your body or deepen your understanding and caring for yourself and others.

that can be found in any belief system. They each focus on ways to be peaceful, honest, compassionate, grateful and loving. Increased understanding of how to apply right living and having time to focus on it are what yoga is all about.

Build a strong community. "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu," which means "may all things be happy and free and may my life be complement to that freedom and happiness for all,â€? is a frequently chanted phrase in countless songs, meditations and readings. Practicing yoga regularly helps you connect with your mind and body, bringing deeper understanding to your past, clarity to the present and hope for the future. It also brings into focus how to connect with and be useful to the world around you. While the practice will teach you lessons about yourself, it will also highlight ways to make the world around you better with your thoughts, actions and deeds. When people state the reasons why they haven't tried yoga or why they did try it and didn't enjoy it, I understand. It may all seem overwhelming at first, but donâ€™t be afraid to give it a try. Yoga has taught me to be a better person and make the world around me a better place, and who doesnâ€™t want that? P Kelley Carboni-Woods is a registered yoga teacher, blogger and salon owner. For more information about her classes and private sessions please visit www.iaminfectiouslyhappy.com or call 704 807-2613.

Our open house will open more than doors for your child. It will open a world of opportunities beyond their imagination. Our focus on students with learning differences and all types of ADHD means your child receives an education that helps close the gap and provides a path to educational success. OPEN HOUSE DATES March 6, Mini Tour 8:15am - 9:30am March 20, Mini Tour 8:15am - 9:30am April 15, 8:30am - 10:30 am

RSVP: 704-365-5490 or peley@johncroslandschool.org JohnCroslandSchool.org

5146 Parkway Plaza Blvd. • Charlotte, NC 28217 • 704.365.5490 •

/JohnCroslandSchool

Crosland does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, marital status, disability, religion, creed, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions, financial aid policies or employment practices.

March - April 2015 | Pride Magazine

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News and Notes Compiled by Patresha Williams

learner, I am greatly looking forward to the knowledge I will gain through my connection with other educational leaders in the Headmasters Association.”

Project Scientist Wins Pride Award

Mark Reed

Congratulations to Project Scientist. The STEM-based organization was the winner of the 2015 Lowe’s Pride Awards Non-Profit Commercial Challenge. The black-tie gala was held in January at the Westin Hotel in downtown Charlotte. The theme of this year’s gala was inspiring innovation through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and its impact in the AfricanAmerican community and beyond. Three nonprofit organizations competed in a friendly, creative competition for the chance to win the donation of $10,500. The nominees were asked to create and perform a one-minute commercial promoting their nonprofit and its relevance to STEAM. Sticking to the theme of STEAM, audience members voted from handheld polling devices for their favorite act.

CMS Ranks High in National Board-Certified Teachers

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools ranks fourth in the nation in number of National Boardcertified teachers. So far, 1,995 of the district’s teachers have earned the certification. There are 20,611 National Board-certified teachers in all; North Carolina has more certified teachers than any other state. CMS is ranked second in the number of certified teachers among districts in North Carolina, trailing behind Wake County, which leads the state and nation. The National Board seeks advancement of the quality of teaching and learning by setting

Charlotte Country Day School’s Head of School Elected into Headmasters Association

Charlotte Country Day School’s Head of School Mark Reed was elected into the Headmasters Association, a highly selective organization of 100 secondary school educational leaders from across the nation. He is the only member from Charlotte, and one of just two members in the state of North Carolina. “Mark Reed’s visionary leadership and strategic approach have pushed our school to expand in ways that have benefited our students, faculty, staff and the community,” says Ann Caulkins, vice chair of Country Day’s board of trustees. In six years, Reed has done quite a bit at Country Day. Under his leadership, campus safety has improved, a multi-year Strategic Plan has been developed, endowment has increased to $46 million, several public art exhibits have been hosted, athletic fields and campus aesthetics have improved, an all-school convocation has been established and programs such as the Parent Speaker Series and the Science Outreach Program have been started successfully. “Each year at commencement, I advise our graduating seniors to continue learning and to follow their passions by sharing one of my favorite sayings: ‘Learning is the lifeblood of the human existence,’ ” says Reed. “As a lifelong 48

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Lowe’s Pride Award winner Project Scientist.

Project Scientist is a 501(c)(3) organization whose promise is to educate, coach and advocate for girls and women with an aptitude, talent and passion for STEM. Through community support, various STEM programs and opportunities, girls ages four and beyond are fostered and encouraged to be today’s scientists who will lead the world in solving tomorrow’s greatest problems.

rigorous standards and advocating for educational reform. “We have a strong history of our teachers earning National Board certification and that is clearly continuing,” said Deputy Superintendent Ann Clark. “The rigorous process of certification, combined with the many opportunities to reflect on teaching practice and collaborate with others, helps our teachers improve instruction. We’re very proud of our NBCT teachers.” P

A part of your life. SUBSCRIBE: 1.800.532.5350 OR CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.COM

EventsCalendar March 5 New South for the New Southerner: ‘Purses, Platforms & Power’ Get a chance to meet two of Charlotte’s most influential women - Bea Thompson and Betty Chafin Rash,-as historian Dr. Tom Hanchett exhibits slides from the 2005 awardwinning exhibit: “Purses, Platforms & Power.” Levine Museum of the New South. 200 E. 7th St. 5:30 p.m. Free for museum members, $12 for non-members. Includes program, wine and a Southern chicken dinner from Mert’s Heart and Soul. Registration required. 704-333-1887. museumofthenewsouth.org March 6 Jazz at the Bechtler: Charlie Parker A Tribute to Bird The Ziad Jazz Quartet will be playing a few selections from the legendary, Grammy Award-winning jazz musician, Charlie “Bird” Parker. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. 420 S. Tryon St. Concerts are at 6 and 8:15 p.m. Each concert is performed without an intermission in the museum lobby. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. show and at 7:45 p.m. for the 8:15 p.m. show. Seating is first come, first served. Tickets are $8 for museum members and $14 for non-members. 704-353-9200. bechtler.org March 7 Electric Circuit Building Uncover the laws of motion while learning how to build electrical units with Snap Circuits™. This family science workshop is for families with children in grades 3 - 5. Discovery Place, Windows on Tryon, Level 2. 301 N. Tryon St. 10:30 a.m. – noon. $12 for one adult and one child, $5 for each additional participant, museum admission and parking fee for Discovery Place Parking Deck not included. 704-372-6261. discoveryplace.org March 8 Spring National College Fair Charlotte 2015 The National Association College Admission Counseling's Spring National College Fair is coming to Charlotte. Students and parents will get a chance to meet and greet admission counselors from various post-secondary institutions. The Park Expo & Conference Center. 2500 E. Independence Blvd. 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Free and open to the public; register before attending. Visit website for information. nacacnet.org 50

March 14 The 19th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival Come out and be Irish for the day. The two-part event begins with the 19th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade The parade starts at 11a.m. at N. Tryon and 9th streets in uptown Charlotte. Then it marches south to 3rd Street, where it takes a left and marches down 3rd to Caldwell. The festival is located on S. Tryon Street between 3rd and Stonewall Streets. The festival hours are 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Free. Visit website for additional details concerning parking. 803-8021678. charlottestpatsday.com March 19 Disney Live! Mickey's Magic Show, Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt Witness the impossible as Mickey Mouse and friends perform magic tricks from classic Disney films. Ovens Auditorium. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 800-745-3000 or 704-372-3600. ovensauditorium.com March 20 An Evening with the Robert Glasper Trio with Special Guest Reggie Sullivan, Presented by Jazz Diva & Sol Kitchen Spend a special evening with Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Robert Glasper and special guest Reggie Sullivan. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. 8 p.m. Tickets range from $34.95 - $45. 704372-1000. blumenthalarts.org March 21 Charlotte Spring Jam Party and reminisce with some of hip-hop and R&B’s biggest acts: Keith Sweat, Ginuwine, Dru Hill, SWV & Slick Rick. Bojangles Coliseum. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. Doors open at 7 p.m. show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $60. 800-745-3000 or 704-372-3600. bojanglescoliseum.com March 20-22 Better Living Home Garden Lifestyle Expo Come see the latest in home décor and gardening; get a chance to speak with experts and experience thousands of products and services. Metrolina Expo, 7100 Statesville Rd. Friday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. $5., children under 14 free. 888-214-6607. betterlivinghomeandgardenshow.com

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March 24 A Woman's Place 2015 Join the Levine Museum and Charlotte Woman of the Year as they announce the 2014 Charlotte Woman of the year. Karen Pop, former White House counsel and chair of UNC Charlotte's Board of Trustees, will give a lecture following the presentation. Wells Fargo Playhouse, ImaginOn. 300 E. 7th St. 7 p.m. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. 704-333-1887. museumofthenewsouth.org March 25 Ledisi with Raheem Devaughn and Leela James Best known for her R&B hit “Pieces of Me,” R&B and soul songstress Ledisi will be gracing the stage along with two of R&B and soul’s favorite acts: Raheem Devaughn and Leela James. The Fillmore. 820 Hamilton St. Doors open at 7 p.m. show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. 704-916- 8970. fillmorecharlottenc.com

contact Jennifer Chisolm at nhaa_ charlotte@yahoo.com or 706-577-3815. April 11 Nephew Tommy Comedy Tour Actor, comedian and entrepreneur Thomas Miles, better known as “Nephew Tommy” from the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show, will be hitting the stage for his first national theater tour. Ovens Auditorium. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 7:30 p.m. 800-7453000 or 704-372-3600. See website for pricing. ovensauditorium.com April 18 STEMLYMPICS 2015 Open your child’s eyes to the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics). Robotic demonstrations, competitions and workshops as well as hands-on STEM activities and exhibits will be onsite. Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon Street. See website for pricing. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. stemcareerpathproject.com

March 27 Rennie Harris Puremovement RHPM debunks the negative stereotypes of hip-hop culture by allowing you to experience the true essence of hip-hop through dance. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts. 130 N. Tryon St. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $20. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org

April 23 The Opportunity Expo-Veterans Job Fair Veterans will get a chance to speak and network with various employers and exhibitors in the Charlotte area. Charlotte Motor Speedway. 5555 Concord Parkway South. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free. events.recruitmilitary.com

March 28 Color Vibe 5K Cross the finish line with flying colorsliterally! Round up your family and friends and come out and run the colorful, funfilled 5K. Concord Mills. 111 Concord Mills Blvd. See website for race time and pricing. thecolorvibe.com

April 24 ‘The Price is Right’ Live! Your favorite daytime television game show is coming to Charlotte.! “Come on down” for a chance to win big! Ovens Auditorium. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40. 800-745-3000 | 704-3723600. ovensauditorium.com

April 3 Soul of the South Uptown Tour Experience true Southern hospitality as you take a succulent tour by foot of Southern cuisine and locally- made spirits, throughout uptown Charlotte. 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. $49 per person, Advance ticket purchase required. For additional information visit website. 980-2589992. feastfoodtours.com Annual Hampton University High School Day Bus Trip Registration includes round-trip bus fare, a T-shirt, and breakfast in Hampton University’s state of the art cafeteria. Parents are also welcome to join their child on this trip. However, there is a slight cost difference. Visit website for more information http:// tinyurl.com/HU2015HSDBusTrip or

April 25 March for Babies - Charlotte 2015 3.5 miles March of Dimes will be holding its 2015 “March for Babies” walk, in an effort to raise money to help improve the health of babies in our community. 208 S Poplar Street, Across from Romare Bearden Park. Registration time: 9 a.m., start time: 10 a.m. 704-377-2009. marchforbabies.org April 25-26 Kings Drive Art Walk by Festival in the Park Fine art from up-and-coming artists will be on display at Little Sugar Creek Greenway. 600 S. Kings Dr. April 25, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., April 26, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free. 704-338-1060. festivalinthepark.org

Presenting Sponsor Media Sponsor

ZimSculpt the sensational international sculpture exhibit is coming back to Daniel Stowe Botanical

Open May 1 to July 12

Garden by popular demand. ZimSculpt features the work of some of the worldâ€™s best artists practicing

6500 S. New Hope Rd.

the art of Shona sculpture. It features more than

Belmont, NC 28012

100 sculptures on display plus, two of Zimbabweâ€™s artists will make the Garden their home for this very special exhibition.

(704) 825-4490 www.DSBG.org

PRIDE |

MARCH - APRIL 2015

THE WOMEN AND FAMILY ISSUE