2023 Black Excellence Symposium Edition, Issue #24

BIZCON 2024

WILL BE HELD AT THE SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER SATURDAY, MAY 11TH!

Dignitaries, community leaders, and official Young Black & N’ Business Members will be in attendance!

EVENT INFORMATION:

Date: Saturday, May 11th Time: 9:00am- 6:00pm Location: San Diego Convention Center 111 Harbor Drive

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OFFICIAL MEMBERS

DR. ASHANTI HANDS, PRESIDENT, SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE She is an equity-minded practitioner with a deep commitment to equity, diversity, justice, inclusion, belonging, and student success. She purposefully pursues areas of access, completion, and post-college success with an emphasis on closing equity gaps for minoritized students. Dr. Hands’ ‘why’ is rooted in creating conditions that matter for students to succeed. She is a faith-based, family-centered, equitydefending, disruptor of status quo.

Dr. Hands has provided leadership for the college-wide initiative to become the leading college of equity and excellence. Her leadership has launched student equity, guided pathways, Promise, and basic needs programs focusing on the minoritized and underserved and is creating space for courageous leadership amongst her team.

Prior to joining Mesa College as dean of student affairs and vice president for student services, she served as dean of student affairs at the University of California, San Diego. A native of Inglewood California, Dr. Hands earned a doctorate of education in educational leadership from San Diego State University. She also has a master of arts in education with an emphasis in multi-cultural counseling from SDSU and a bachelor of arts in sociology with a minor in ethnic studies from the University of California, San Diego.

Dr. Hands is married to her Inglewood High School classmate and community college educator, Ronnie Hands, and is the proud mother of two young adults. Her son is a professional athlete and her daughter is pursuing a Master’s degree in education.

VICE PRESIDENT

Larry Maxey Larry Maxey serves as the Vice President of Student Services at San Diego Mesa College, Mr. Maxey oversees a comprehensive student services division made up of nearly 40 programs and services which fall under three schools; the school of Student Affairs, the school of Student Development and the school of Student Success and Equity. Equity is an overarching principle that guides the work of Vice President Maxey. Mesa College prides itself on being the “Leading College of Equity and Excellence.” Under his leadership the college has advanced intentional programs and practices that have deep roots in equity, diversity and inclusion.

The “Black Leadership Fellows” is one such program, VP Maxey developed the program for the purpose of creating intentional spaces to support Mesa’s Black student population. The program fosters a sense of community while providing academic support centered around cultural awareness.

Mr. Maxey has served in the field of higher education for nearly 25 years, prior to serving as the VP, he previously served as the Dean of Student Success and Equity at Mesa. He has worked in various leadership assignments throughout his tenure with the San Diego Community College District. As a former colligate athlete (Football) Larry earned his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from San Diego State University and his Master’s in Leadership from Bellevue University. He is a native San Diegan who proudly attended Morse High School.

Robyn Bolden

I'm Robyn Bolden, a devoted mother of four and a first-generation college student hailing from southeast San Diego. My passion for higher education was a constant flame, but I didn't begin my academic journey until the age of 39, starting at San Diego Mesa College and ultimately graduating from UCSD with a major in Communication and a minor in African Studies. Recently, I completed my M.A in Education/Counseling at SDSU, earning a Certificate in Restorative Justice Practices and Trauma-Informed Care.

Along the way, I assumed leadership roles in student organizations, such as Vice President of the Associated Student Government at Mesa College and President of Umoja at UCSD. My unwavering dedication to family and education has shaped a truly rewarding and enriching path.

A key part of my journey has revolved around my work at San Diego Mesa College, specifically at The Stand, a food pantry and professional clothing resource. I'm also engaged in an initiative to support Black students, the Black Leadership Fellows program. These roles enable me to assist students facing basic needs and insecurities, challenges I've personally encountered. Giving back to our campus community is a genuine blessing.

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Community MEMBERS

Ishe

ISHE is a "Creative Visionary".

Artist, Speaker, Facilitator and Author/Illustrator of an awardwinning children's book entitled "Sol The Super Hairo", which is a story celebrating the glory of natural beauty for children.

She is also is the Co-Author of "I AM", a multigenerational book of self-validating affirmations. ISHE has dedicated over 20 years to empowering diverse audiences through the arts.

Her purpose is to inspire women to fearlessly and fiercely embrace their creativity, authenticity and inner-beauty!

Starla Lewis Starla Lewis is a woman on a mission.

She is a Professor Emeritus, transformational speaker and life coach who has developed lectures and facilitated seminars in the areas of Diversity, Life Mastery and Women’s Empowerment, both nationally and internationally. She is the founder and CEO of C.E.L.L. (Celebration of Everlasting Life & Love) consulting.

Starla Lewis’ 40+ years of research and experience in African American Studies, Oral Communication and Women’s Studies, have enhanced her ability to engage diverse communities.

Yaya

At 9 years old she began lecturing and performing on college campuses.

Through her artistry and community work YahYah uplifts herself and others by motivating them to affirm themselves, stand in their power, and expand their knowledge of self.

Dr. Janue Johnson I am a tenured Associate Professor and oversee Professional Learning for the campus community at the Learning Opportunities for Transformation (LOFT) at San Diego Mesa College. In my role, I lead the design and development of professional learning with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Cultural Competence as core competencies for faculty and campus employees.

Also, I coordinate opportunities for students to join campus employees at conferences to highlight their voices. My philosophy about teaching and learning is influenced by the work of bell hooks. I believe equity can be demonstrated by linking awareness to practice by affirming validating, and investing in students.

Judy Sundayo A former art major, Judy enjoys using the expressive arts to help people uncover their potential. Several of her works are published in poetry anthologies. As a Professor in the Counseling Department at San Diego Mesa College for over 30 years, Judy has enjoyed mentoring students and sharing her journey of self-discovery with them. She does the same as a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, in her role as a Program Case Manager for the National Football League's Substance Abuse Program, one of 6 professionals in the country so honored.

Autumn Woodruff

Autumn has a Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University in Psychology. Autumn has a background working with military personnel who suffer from chemical dependency and

psychological issues.

Dr. Veronica Gerace is a distinguished leader who advances diversity, equity, inclusion and access by uplifting others in support as they grow as leaders. Dr. Gerace is the 2023 Recipient of the California Dr. Stanback Stroud Diversity Award. Recognized by her peers, Dr. Gerace is a professor at San Diego Mesa College, and also serves as a community leader and consultant. She also developed and leads the San Diego Community College District’s Black Student Success Institute. Dr. Gerace truly practices inclusion in all that she does, while creating special opportunities for Black individuals.

As a true leader, Dr. Gerace works hard to ensure that people are invited and feel welcome to participate in making decisions and making change in the community and at institutions. She has developed and implemented numerous initiatives and has authored a broad range of publications.

Dr. Gerace is available to lead diversity, equity, inclusion, and access training, as well as team building professional learning opportunities, for organizations and civic groups.

Photos Courtesy SDMC Office of Communications

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OFFICIAL MEMBER

Lavada S. England, a multifaceted individual, embodies the roles of woman, minister, business owner, mother, mentor, sister, lover, uplifter, and poet. She is the accomplished author behind "Travailing’s A Journey Through Depression, Motivation, Frustration, and Resilience" as well as "The Art of Remaining: Balancing The 2 Cultures." With an unwavering commitment to maintaining healthy boundaries and an open-door policy, Lavada recognizes that the foundation for anyone's future lies in the actions taken today. Her dialogue revolves around guiding women back to their elevated selves by reclaiming mental, spiritual, and emotional connections, thus guiding them in their quest for authentic and inner truth living.

Lavada's journey encompasses transformative experiences, from overcoming teenage motherhood and battling functional alcoholism to establishing her own thriving business and championing mental health. Fueled by dedicated study and extensive practice, she introduces a profoundly effective tool, "The Potted Plant Method," aimed at facilitating personal growth. Through this method, she empowers women to harmonize their emotional intelligence via the profound influences of parental guidance and introspective contemplation.

This, in turn, emboldens them to pursue their life's purpose with self-assurance and self-acceptance.

Born in San Leandro and nurtured in San Diego, Lavada's life mission is aligned with her deep connection to spirituality. For more than five years, she has made impactful contributions in the realm of substance use disorder, while her mentorship of women and young women spans over two decades.

Engage with Lavada on Instagram through @VadaJInspire or explore her diverse platforms via Add a subheading.

Student

VOICES

Greg McKnight Jr. I will cap off my Graduation in 2024 as Black Grad’s Commencement Speaker. It is truly an honor and a privilege to have been a part of the BSU for the duration of my Tenure, with two years of experience as the Treasurer, spearheading fundraisers and raising multiple thousands of dollars for the Black Student Union to my past year as the Vice President of the Black Student Union, with the aspirations of one day becoming a Black Studies Professor myself. I am also a Spoken Word Artist who won a National Award in 2019 for the Nation’s Best Spoken Word Entertainer.

Alexis Groves

Renisha Gates As a dedicated barber, passionate community leader, Gates brings a unique blend of talent, determination, and social engagement to every aspect of their life. Currently pursuing studies as a Umoja student at San Diego City College, Gates is not only dedicated to personal growth but also actively contributes to the community as a Volunteer Coordinator at the San Diego World Beat Center.

Alexis Groves, “DJ AG” is an up and coming DJ who has a passion for mixing music and bringing the vibes to her community/peers.

Additionally, she is also a SDSU alumni with a BA in communications.

Bernard Bethel is a working student carrying a 3.2 GPA while holding 20 years of Corporate work experience. Bernard currently attends San Diego Mesa Community College, where he plans to graduate with a degree in Political Science; I’m off to Concur Law School.

For the start of his 2nd Academic year at Mesa College for the 2023-2024 term, Bernard was elected President of the Mesa Law Club. A young man, shy & quiet growing up in Miami, Florida, the son of immigrant parents, Bernard always knew the core to anything good was “Hard work will pay off.” With many professional and academic accomplishments, he leads his club with #Pride #Vigor & #Strength as he soars on his journey into the land of Law. Follow us on Social Media @mesalawclub.

Black Out Room SPEAKERS

ROOSEVELT WILLIAMS, III Mr. Roosevelt Williams, III is a native San Diegan who is an industrious, conscientious, disciplined and self-motivated small business owner. He is also the 2023 CEO and President of Young Black & ‘N Business, also known as YB&NB. YB&NB is a community organization devoted to serving and motivating the overlooked and the underserved majority working together as one to be healthy, happy and successful.

He has also written policies and ordinances for the City of San Diego to benefit the low to moderate income communities and underserved populations in San Diego County and drafted The Responsible Banking Ordinance to help eliminate Red Lining by big banks to restore Environmental Justice and Equal Opportunity for all. It was passed unanimously by San Diego City Council in 2008.

Lead consultant for the Reinvestment Task Force Board of the Fourth Council District from 2009-2012 Liaison for the San Diego Youth Commission from 2009 - 2012. During this same time period, Mr. Williams served as a Council Representative and Community Liaison to 18 different communities within Council District Four using his consulting services and leadership skills to positively impact his community.

In 2011, he was inducted into the Walls of Excellence on Imperial Ave and Willie James Jones Avenue, San Diego, CA. In 2012, he was afforded the opportunity to spend three months in Washington, D.C. participating in an internship called the Presidential Classroom where he was able to learn about the political process and its effect on the nation.

One of his personal goals is to remain a teachable, life-long learner and a man of noble character. He has been encouraged and mentored by city officials, dignitaries and industry leaders to be both a servant leader and a change agent. Although grateful for their sage wisdom, he is most indebted to his great grandfather whom he credits with making him into the man he is today, as well as the one he will become in the future. His life is govern by the self-coined phrase “start with a commitment, deliver with quality and finish with success.”

YBNB

FOUNDER & CEO

Sonia A. Maxwell Wealth Coach

Sonia is a Regional VP/Broker with Primerica Financial Services.

She helps families keep, grow, and preserve their wealth.

She also recruits and mentors’ ambitious individuals for a rewarding career in the financial space!

For almost 20 years, she has been educating families on timeless financial concepts that helps them eliminate debt, save and invest, be properly protected… build financial independence and ultimately change their financial legacy!

Prior to working in the financial space, she worked for over 15 years in higher education; Annual Fund Director at San Diego State University and Associate Annual Fund Director at UCLA. Her experience raising millions of dollars a year for the Universities was the beginning of the unspoken question: how does the average person create lasting wealth?

Sonia currently holds her Life Agent license in 6 States, Investment License (Series 6, 63 & 26) in 10 States and Mortgage Lending license. She obtained her Business Administration, B.S. degree from California State University, Los Angeles.

She is a single mom, an immigrant of Panama and passionate about helping others learn win the money game!

Black Out Room SPEAKERS Jonas Royster

Jonas Royster is the embodiment of unwavering resilience and personal growth. From overcoming self-doubt and a troubled past that led to prison, he evolved into a four-time award-winning author with "Bangin': The Making of a Y.G." His journey signifies the extraordinary potential for transformation.

Today, Jonas Royster continues to inspire through his books, workshops, and keynotes, reminding us that no challenge is insurmountable and a life devoted to empowering ourselves and others leads to remarkable success..

YBNB

OFFICIAL MEMBER

Dr. Tanis Starck

Dr. Tanis Stark

Ronald Clark Ronald Preston Clark is a former Humanities teacher at Urban Prep, an all-Black male public charter high school in Southside Chicago. Clark most recently served as Dean of Students at Vista La Mesa Academy and was a 2022-23 Aspiring School Leader Fellow with Teach for America.

Dr. Tanis King Starck’s expertise has led her to be sought after to provide training workshops all over the United States as well as in Brazil, Africa, Dubai, Nepal, Bahamas, and Canada. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to Humanity and was recognized by the California State Assembly, and the California State Senate.

Dr. Tanis King Starck is currently the President and CEO of TKS Consultants, and Founder of the Cultural Proficiency Institute

Black Out RoomRichard SPEAKERS

Trispy

Business Owner Grounds Maintenance Manager City of San Diego Game Officiant: Football; Basketball’; Announcer Cheer Competition

Mayasa

Monica Woodruff

Monica is an author, educator, and therapist.

She is currently a mental health therapist at San Diego Mesa College where she has been for over five years.

She believes the mental health of students is a priority and goes the extra mile for them so they may complete their education.

Monica has always had a passion for help others. While working as a Sheriff she began to realize the importance of mental health. Many people were incarcerated for PTSD and other traumas in which they should have received some mental health assistance. She believes no one should be incarcerated with mental health issues.

Dr. Thekima Mayása is a longtime resident of San Diego, Black Studies Professor and Co-advisor to the Black Student Union (BSU) at San Diego Mesa College. As an educator, community activist and equity advocate for over 38 years, she has committed herself to cultivating knowledge of self as a foundational and necessary key to success, academic excellence, civic responsibility, and life mastery. This has led to her current roles in advancing Ethnic Studies within the academe as Co-Chair of the California Community College Ethnic Studies Faculty Council and strengthening community relations as a Co-Founder of the San Diego Ambassador Roots Scholars Program.

Gratitude goes out to all the High School, Mesa, City, and Miramar College students.

We thank our Keynote speaker, Sade Burrell, Black Out Room Speaker/Guest, our Dean, Leticia Diaz, VP Larry Maxey, and our President, Ashanti Hands. A special thank you is also extended to San Diego Mesa College Health Services, Derrick White, Robyn Bolden, Libation Elders, Facilities, Staff, Faculty, Business Department, Outreach, Student Affairs, Commons, San Diego Mesa College Student Services, DJ Alexis, and Mesa College.

We also want to express our appreciation to YB&NB. We are deeply grateful for all the extraordinary Black individuals who shared their biographies, pictures, and valuable work at their colleges and communities.

Sponsored by: CCCC Office of Mental Health Grant.

Entrepreneurs of all stages choose Young Black & N’ Business for their networking needs because we intentionally curate a membership body with an intense interest in growth and success. Our programs range from live Zoom Webinars livestreamed to Facebook, to black tie affair galas. As an officially recognized member you will have access to photoshoots, speaking opportunities, local media exposure, and recognition for your work in the community.

Join a networking organization led by real entrepreneurs and business owners.

INDIVIDUAL LEVEL MEMBERSHIP, $250.00 Member’s Only T- Shirt Annual Subscription to the Quarterly Manuscript 10% off General Attendee Ticket Options, Banner and Quarter Sized Ads, and Merchandise Promotions SMALL BUSINESS LEVEL MEMBERSHIP , $500.00 Small Business Member All the benefits of the Individual Level Membership 25% of VIP Attendee Ticket Options, Half Page Sized Ads, and Merchandising Sponsorships Recognition in the Online Small Business Directory as a Small Business Member Access to Private Members Only Facebook Group COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER, $750.00 Three (3) Small Business Memberships One Bonus Ticket Redeemable at the VIP Level to the even of your choice Includes (1) commemorative token of appreciation while supplies last

Business Deduction Series

Generally, you can deduct the full amount of a business expense if it meets the criteria of ordinary and necessary and it is not a capital expense Recovery of amount deducted (tax benefit rule). If you recover part of an expense in the same tax year in which you would have claimed a deduction, reduce your current year expense by the amount of the recovery. If you have a recovery in a later year, include the recovered amount in income in that year. However, if part of the deduction for the expense did not reduce your tax, you do not have to include that part of the recovered amount in income.

Payments in kind. If you provide services to pay a business expense, the amount you can deduct is limited to your out-of-pocket costs. You cannot deduct the cost of your own labor.

Limits on losses. If your deductions for an investment or business activity are more than the income it brings in, you have a loss. There may be limits on how much of the loss you can deduct.

Net operating loss (NOL). If your deductions are more than your income for the year, you may have an NOL. You can use an NOL to lower your taxes in other years This is not tax or legal advice. It's important to note that tax laws and regulations can vary, so it's always a good idea to consult with a tax or legal professional for specific guidance tailored to your situation.

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