Dr. Kay Taylor Oliver writes a true love story.

WEBSITE:  www.KayTOliver.com 

Dr. Kay Taylor Oliver is the author of Winter’s Love a real life story about how two people found love after each experienced a devastating loss. In the prologue of the book she stated, “People say that when you want to write about something that has great meaning for you that you should write from the heart. That is, just start writing and let your thoughts flow through your fingers.” Well, that is what I attempted to do. I wrote from my heart about the most significant thing that happened to me in the winter of my life.

I won’t set a stage for you by giving the time or place, simply an accounting of what now seems to be the hand of God on the lives of two people who accepted their fate to live the rest of their lives alone although content and busy with their families, friends and social organizations.

I felt that I was destined to write this book, and I did for a number of reasons. I wrote it for those who doubt that “it” can happen for them, and who continually fall prey to the negative chorus: It’s too late for me; I will never find someone to love me; Why am I looking for the perfect person who does not exist? I will settle for what is in my life now…in other words, as Luther Vandross sang, “Love the one you’re with.” I believe that we just need to open our eyes and look around. Better yet, we should look at ourselves and see the beauty that God created; a unique gift that some wonderful person is waiting for. 

I wanted women to know that love, real love, is possible at any age. It’s never too late for love. If you put away your pretentious list of qualities he must have and focus on the qualities you have, then you will attract the man who will love you unconditionally. 

I wrote the book in humorous vignettes to demonstrate how hilarious the dating scene is when you settle. I believe that we must never settle. Instead, I encourage women to discover who they are and move forward with their lives, unapologetically. 

I wrote the book to identify serious issues in relationships like, children, sex, finances and property that require time and lots of conversation to clarify what is important to each person. And finally, something I have not shared often, I wrote Winter’s Love to debunk the stereotypes often communicated by the media and showcase the love that African Americans have for each other.

About Dr. Kay Taylor Oliver 

Dr. Kay Taylor Oliver is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is married to Walter Oliver and resides in Phoenix, Arizona. She has served as Executive Director for Professional Development for Detroit Public Schools; Associate Superintendent for Philadelphia Public Schools; and Associate Professor in the College of Education at Temple University in Philadelphia. She has served as president of The Phoenix Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center Board of Directors in Phoenix. She was honored to serve as Vice President of the Board for Research for Better Schools. Kay has also been an advisory member for “The Learning Classroom: Theory into Practice” presented by Mort Crim Communications and Stanford University, an advisory member of the external Coordinating Council for Michigan State University’s Teachers for a New Era Program and the National Advisory Board for the College of Education. She is a founding member of Coaching for Results affiliated with Learning Forward, formerly the National Staff Development Council. She is a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; a Lifetime Member of the NAACP and Chairperson of the H. LeBaron Taylor Scholarship allocated through the Boule Foundation of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.  Kay and her husband are philanthropists and give generously to public and private initiatives. To learn more about Kay visit www.KayTOliver.com 

Winter’s Love is a best seller on Amazon with a five out of five star rating. Kay is busy attending Salons (her term for book signings) around the country and is thrilled that her book intended to appeal to women over the age of 50, is now attracting women under 40.

TO PURCHASE BOOK CLICK THE LINK BELOW

 https://www.amazon.com/Winters-Love-Kay-Taylor-Oliver/dp/0692032088/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506882615&sr=8-1&keywords=kay+oliver+winters+love

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This larger than life smile displays my LOVE for living and how life is a celebration every day!  

Meet multifaceted recording artist and writer Kathleen Bertrand.

http://www.kathleenbertrand.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGl7G5Dig20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbHY_m7Q75Q

http://bronzelens.com/

Multifaceted recording artist and writer Kathleen Bertrand is a native Atlantan and Spelman College graduate, whose performances have ranged from two Olympic Games to performances before two presidents, and appearances at jazz festivals world-wide. Bertrand toured and recorded as vocalist with jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers.

This three-octave vocal artist has received numerous honors including the Kuumba Award given by East Point/College Park Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, the inaugural Impact Award from Black Women In Jazz, as well as recognition by the United Negro College Fund as one of “Atlanta’s Legends” and by Spelman College with its distinguished “Alumnae Achievement Award for the Arts & Entertainment.” Most recently, she was named the 2015 “Jazz Vocalist of the Year” by the Black Women in Jazz organization. She has been an invited performer at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland on three occasions and has made multiple appearances at the Atlanta Jazz Festival (AJF), including as a 2012 headliner and this year as part of the AJF’s Main Stage tribute to Nina Simone. In September of 2015, she performed to a sell out crowd at the historic Blues Alley in Washington, DC.

As a songwriter, she penned the national theme song for the 100 Black Men of America – What They See is What They’ll Be – as well as several songs on her CDs All of Me, No Regrets, Reasons for the Season, New Standards, and Kathleen’s most recent CD Katharsis, which was released in June 2011 and is still receiving nationwide and world-wide airplay, including 14 weeks on the UK Soul Chart top 30, 6 weeks in the UK Soul Charts Top 10, and 2 weeks at #1.

She has recently returned to the studio in preparation for her next CD release. Bertrand has opened for many of America’s finest jazz artists, including Ray Charles, Will Downing, Rachelle Ferrell, Najee, Roy Ayers, and Kenny G. Her fan base includes radio and internet listeners across the USA as well as in England, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, New Zealand, France, the Netherlands, and Brazil among others.

She is the Founder and Executive Producer of the BronzeLens Film Festival. The BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is a non-profit organization, founded in 2009, that is dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color. In fact, the mission of the BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is two fold: to promote Atlanta as the new film mecca for people of color; and to showcase films and provide networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers.

http://www.kathleenbertrand.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGl7G5Dig20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbHY_m7Q75Q

http://bronzelens.com/

Multifaceted recording artist and writer Kathleen Bertrand is a native Atlantan and Spelman College graduate, whose performances have ranged from two Olympic Games to performances before two presidents, and appearances at jazz festivals world-wide. Bertrand toured and recorded as vocalist with jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers.

This three-octave vocal artist has received numerous honors including the Kuumba Award given by East Point/College Park Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, the inaugural Impact Award from Black Women In Jazz, as well as recognition by the United Negro College Fund as one of “Atlanta’s Legends” and by Spelman College with its distinguished “Alumnae Achievement Award for the Arts & Entertainment.” Most recently, she was named the 2015 “Jazz Vocalist of the Year” by the Black Women in Jazz organization. She has been an invited performer at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland on three occasions and has made multiple appearances at the Atlanta Jazz Festival (AJF), including as a 2012 headliner and this year as part of the AJF’s Main Stage tribute to Nina Simone. In September of 2015, she performed to a sell out crowd at the historic Blues Alley in Washington, DC.

As a songwriter, she penned the national theme song for the 100 Black Men of America – What They See is What They’ll Be – as well as several songs on her CDs All of Me, No Regrets, Reasons for the Season, New Standards, and Kathleen’s most recent CD Katharsis, which was released in June 2011 and is still receiving nationwide and world-wide airplay, including 14 weeks on the UK Soul Chart top 30, 6 weeks in the UK Soul Charts Top 10, and 2 weeks at #1.

She has recently returned to the studio in preparation for her next CD release. Bertrand has opened for many of America’s finest jazz artists, including Ray Charles, Will Downing, Rachelle Ferrell, Najee, Roy Ayers, and Kenny G. Her fan base includes radio and internet listeners across the USA as well as in England, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, New Zealand, France, the Netherlands, and Brazil among others.

She is the Founder and Executive Producer of the BronzeLens Film Festival. The BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is a non-profit organization, founded in 2009, that is dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color. In fact, the mission of the BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is two fold: to promote Atlanta as the new film mecca for people of color; and to showcase films and provide networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers.

Photo Credit: Cat Max Photography https://styleblueprint.com/atlanta/everyday/kathleen-bertrand-faces/

Katrina’s style has been described as eclectic and is often called upon to offer style advice, source products, and create fun looks for themed events.  

Katrina L. Slaughter is known to many as “KLSSTYLE” for her love of fun fashion in particular statement accessories that will entice even the most conservative dresser to compliment her liberal fashion sense!  As an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Katrina is often called upon by her sorority sisters and other sisters in Greekdom to offer style advice, source products, and create fun looks for themed events.  Katrina’s style has been described as eclectic!

How does Katrina finance “KLSSTYLE”?  Katrina holds two degrees – a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s in Business Administration and has nearly 25 years of work experience within the Professional Services Firm industry.  She has managed, directed and provided consulting services in key firm areas such as Corporate Finance and Human Resources Management. While the culture of some firms only allow for professional dress codes, Katrina’s style is embraced within the Architecture and Interior Design firm where she is currently employed as a Controller/Human Resources Director.  Several partners within the firm have commented on Katrina’s style…. “I love your style”, “Can I wear your cool shades?” My wife would love your shoes”, “Your necklace makes me happy”, just to cite a few.  Katrina’s fun “Outfit of the Day” (OOTD) makes juggling the demands of her role less stressful and more enjoyable!  You’ll often hear Katrina say “wearing a pretty necklace makes me smile”.  Katrina feels blessed to have a career that allows her to express her individuality through fun fashion!

Katrina’s sense of style dates back to her childhood as early as age 4.  She would miss the school bus because she would re-do her ponytails if she didn’t like how her hair was styled.  According to Katrina’s mom, she’d get dressed and go outside to play but would be found sitting on the doorsteps because she didn’t want to get dirty.  Katrina was born to be prissy. Her friends and colleagues will tell you that Katrina’s love of fashion has always brought and continues to bring people together for social and civic causes. 

Katrina often purges her closets and donates these items to local women’s shelters and high school students during Prom season.  In April 2017, she launched “KLSSTYLE Accessories Pop-Up Shop” and SOLD OUT of over 400 accessories and 50 pairs of shoes! Katrina is not just fashion conscious during the workday, you’ll also see her “sweating pretty” while climbing Stone Mountain or at local run/walk races.  Katrina wanted to share her love of fun accessories and designed a headband for her sorority’s chapter with the tagline “Chi Tau Omega Sweats Pretty”.

Katrina resides within the metro Atlanta area and is a family woman married 25 years to Randall who allows her to be the Fire buff SHE is through HIS career as a Fire Chief.  She’s the mother of two sons – Omari who is a Staff Sergeant currently serving in the United States Air Force and Corey a recent college graduate of Kentucky State University.  She is also the proud grandmother of 2 year old, Madison. 

As Katrina approaches her 50^th birthday in 2018, she plans to continue to live her life unconventionally through fashion while inspiring others to do the same. #KLSSTYLE is FOREVER!

Katrina’s fun facts: favorite color is pink, collector of fire department/station patches, collector of hearts, loves frogs, favorite candy is gummy bears.

Katrina’s favorite hashtags: #KLSSTYLE #funaccessories #jewelryaddict #prettynecklaces #fashionfun #shoesrfun #sweatpretty #luvpink

Social media:  @shoesrfun (Instagram)

“Chief BOSSpreneur Becky A. Davis is known as the “Entrepreneur’s Secret Weapon”

Website:  www.beckyadavis.com

Social media:  @Bosspreneur (FB, Twitter, Youtube)

“Chief BOSSpreneur Becky A. Davis is known as the “Entrepreneur’s Secret Weapon” for her straight-forward coaching skills that develop individuals into well-rounded business owners.  As a member of the prestigious Forbes Magazine Coaches Council, official private coach for the ultra-exclusive Odyssey Media Company, and national entrepreneur spokesperson for The Coca-Cola Company. Becky is one of the most in-demand experts for small businesses.

It isn’t her education or impressive resume that makes Becky stand out.  It’s that in Becky’s 20+ years of coaching and speaking, her real-life, in-the-trenches experience gives her a radically different view on nearly everything.  Becky realizes that every business has a unique code that unlocks a flow of clients and cash. Mentally, Becky never removes herself too far from remembering the days when she experienced the trials and tribulations of fighting to get clients and make profits to stay in business. As a speaker, Becky is known for her practical, street-savvy style; Becky’s fusion of real-life stories and her conversational techniques connect with her audience at an intimate, intense and individual level.

Becky is a Certified Executive Coach of The Leadership Circle and provides a 360 Leadership Profile Assessment.  She is also certified by Gallup for the Entrepreneur Talent Profile Assessment and a Facilitator of the Discover Your Entrepreneur Talent Workshop and continues to work with the best and brightest aspiring and veteran entrepreneurs around the world.  She hosts, workshops, teleseminars, webinars, masterminds, and private coaching to women entrepreneurs all over the world.  Becky was selected to be a member of the Forbes Coaches Council.  She was the featured entrepreneur speaker on 15-city National Tour for Odyssey Media, a marketing & communications company, focused on connecting and empowering influential and affluent multicultural women around the world.  Her national partnership with The Coca-Cola Company’s initiative to help serve five million women entrepreneurs by 2020 aligns with her heart’s purpose and mission to empower entrepreneurs. 

Before her success as an entrepreneur, in her last corporate position, Becky was Regional Vice President, responsible for Operations and Sales at Sears Optical, a division of Luxottica Retail the largest optical company in the world. She has 20+ years in retail management where she advised Regional Vice Presidents, Training & Development, Human Resources and coached employees at all levels.  MVPwork LLC is a certified woman and minority owned business with Women Business Enterprise National Council and National Minority Supply Diversity Council.

Becky has been featured in media for her contributions to entrepreneurs including ABC, FOX, Forbes, Essence, Black Enterprise, and   Huffington Post.  She has been recognized as one of 25 Women Who Inspire by Hope for Women Magazine, Woman of Excellence by Atlanta Gospel Fest and recognized as a Woman of Influence by Radio Love 860 am and Best Motivational Speaker for 2015 by Examiner.com.  She is also the author of 5 books.

Becky is an advocate for domestic violence.  She is the founder of Leading In High H.E.E.L.S., a non-profit organization that focus on provides shoes and resources to women of domestic violence and abuse.

Becky is married and lives in the metro Atlanta area.

Website:  www.beckyadavis.com

Social media:  @Bosspreneur (FB, Twitter, Youtube)

“Chief BOSSpreneur Becky A. Davis is known as the “Entrepreneur’s Secret Weapon” for her straight-forward coaching skills that develop individuals into well-rounded business owners.  As a member of the prestigious Forbes Magazine Coaches Council, official private coach for the ultra-exclusive Odyssey Media Company, and national entrepreneur spokesperson for The Coca-Cola Company. Becky is one of the most in-demand experts for small businesses.

It isn’t her education or impressive resume that makes Becky stand out.  It’s that in Becky’s 20+ years of coaching and speaking, her real-life, in-the-trenches experience gives her a radically different view on nearly everything.  Becky realizes that every business has a unique code that unlocks a flow of clients and cash. Mentally, Becky never removes herself too far from remembering the days when she experienced the trials and tribulations of fighting to get clients and make profits to stay in business. As a speaker, Becky is known for her practical, street-savvy style; Becky’s fusion of real-life stories and her conversational techniques connect with her audience at an intimate, intense and individual level.

Becky is a Certified Executive Coach of The Leadership Circle and provides a 360 Leadership Profile Assessment.  She is also certified by Gallup for the Entrepreneur Talent Profile Assessment and a Facilitator of the Discover Your Entrepreneur Talent Workshop and continues to work with the best and brightest aspiring and veteran entrepreneurs around the world.  She hosts, workshops, teleseminars, webinars, masterminds, and private coaching to women entrepreneurs all over the world.  Becky was selected to be a member of the Forbes Coaches Council.  She was the featured entrepreneur speaker on 15-city National Tour for Odyssey Media, a marketing & communications company, focused on connecting and empowering influential and affluent multicultural women around the world.  Her national partnership with The Coca-Cola Company’s initiative to help serve five million women entrepreneurs by 2020 aligns with her heart’s purpose and mission to empower entrepreneurs. 

Before her success as an entrepreneur, in her last corporate position, Becky was Regional Vice President, responsible for Operations and Sales at Sears Optical, a division of Luxottica Retail the largest optical company in the world. She has 20+ years in retail management where she advised Regional Vice Presidents, Training & Development, Human Resources and coached employees at all levels.  MVPwork LLC is a certified woman and minority owned business with Women Business Enterprise National Council and National Minority Supply Diversity Council.

Becky has been featured in media for her contributions to entrepreneurs including ABC, FOX, Forbes, Essence, Black Enterprise, and   Huffington Post.  She has been recognized as one of 25 Women Who Inspire by Hope for Women Magazine, Woman of Excellence by Atlanta Gospel Fest and recognized as a Woman of Influence by Radio Love 860 am and Best Motivational Speaker for 2015 by Examiner.com.  She is also the author of 5 books.

Becky is an advocate for domestic violence.  She is the founder of Leading In High H.E.E.L.S., a non-profit organization that focus on provides shoes and resources to women of domestic violence and abuse.

Becky is married and lives in the metro Atlanta area.

Andrew Young – The Importance Of HBCU’s Part 1 from Eleven16 Media on Vimeo.

Andrew Young – The Importance Of HBCU’s part 2 from Eleven16 Media on Vimeo.

Andrew Young – The Importance Of HBCU’s part 3 from Eleven16 Media on Vimeo.

{VIDEO PRODUCTION CREDIT: DAMON L. THOMAS}

HTTP://WWW.ANDREWJYOUNGFOUNDATION.ORG

First impressions can have the most lasting effect with every event, every experience, and every introduction to a new life, new school, and new “family”, and be extraordinary.

http://www.andrewjyoungfoundation.org

Carolyn McClain Young

They say first impressions have the most lasting effect on us. Well, my first impression of Clark College, now Clark Atlanta University, impacted me for a lifetime. It was freshman year orientation week, and it was the most amazing week of my life. Every event, every experience, and every introduction to my new life, new school, and new “family” was extraordinary. By the end of the week, we had all bonded; we became brothers and sisters. Whether my classmates were from in the city or outside of the city, we came together as one and accepted each other into our new lives and this new adventure. That experience taught me a lot about sisterhood, caring for others, and accepting others as they are. It grounded me and set my footing on accepting people from all walks of life, a quality that has served me well in my work, personal and social life, and enabled me to become the woman I am today.

I was fortunate to have wonderful mentors in my life, and they all led me to Clark. There was Ernest Pharr, my homeroom teacher for five years beginning in the 8th grade. He was the yearbook and newspaper editor and used to bring his work to school to show me. My English teacher, David Stanley, was a Clark alum, as was Moses Norman, who always had me quoting great writers. My high school counselor, Eula Cohen, was also very influential on my decision to attend my illustrious alma mater. Coming full circle, it has been my passion and privilege to serve on the Board of Trustees for Clark Atlanta University for many years now.

I am fortunate to have met the love of my life. I married my husband, Andrew J. Young, in 1996 in Cape Town, South Africa. My wedding was officiated by Bishop Desmond Tutu, who spoke the ceremony in Xhosa, and Bishop McKinley Young, who spoke it in English. It was attended by family, friends and dignitaries from all over. In March of 2016 my husband and I will be traveling back to South Africa, along with a cohort of friends and associates, to celebrate our 20th Anniversary and renew our vows. Bishop Tutu will preside once again.

Attending Clark, becoming a teacher, and marrying my dear husband were the best decisions I have ever made. Because of these three choices, my life has been amazing.

Biographical Sketch:

Carolyn McClain Young is a life-long educator, civic leader, and the vice chair of the Andrew J. Young Foundation. She also serves as the executive director of “Andrew Young Presents,” the Foundation’s Emmy-winning nationally syndicated series of 20 documentaries highlighting Africa, the Civil Rights Movement and other social issues.

A dedicated fund-raiser and philanthropist, Young is a major force behind the success of the Foundation and other causes and organizations she cares deeply about supporting. She raised an endowment of more than $1.3 million for the Andrew Young School of Public Policy at Georgia State University; used her influence to raise and is the sponsor for the Carolyn Young Mentor Walk, held the last two years at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia.

Previously, Young was an executive with the Atlanta-based GoodWorks International, LLC, a leading global advisory firm offering international market access and political risk analysis in key emerging markets within Africa and the Caribbean. In this position, she was co-owner for Protocol Contact for Foreign Dignitaries, and was responsible for planning logistics for guests and event planning for staff and corporate sponsors.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Elementary Education from Clark College in 1966 and a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education from Georgia State University in 1971. She was instrumental in desegregating the faculty of the Atlanta Public Schools – East Lake Elementary School – as a first-year teacher.

During her teaching career, Young was recognized with several awards and honors including the 1976 Atlanta Area II Teacher of the Year, Georgia Teachers Incentive Award for Intermediate Grades, and the Southern Bell Black History Calendar as a “Teacher of Excellence.” She retired after 30 years of distinguished service with the Atlanta Public Schools.

Following her retirement, Young joined GoodWorks International, LLC with her husband, Ambassador Andrew Young, serving as Partner and Protocol Contact for Foreign Dignitaries where she played a major role planning and hosting social events, meetings, and private affairs.

Young has volunteered her time, talent and influence to a host of local, national and international civic and community service organizations holding leadership position. Some of the organizations she has served include G-Capp (founded by Jane Fonda); Steering Committee for the King Center’s King Week Activities; National Committee for the Arts; Finance Committee for the City of Atlanta Celebration of Older Citizens Month; Atlanta Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Buckhead Cascade Chapter of The Links, Inc.; Union Baptist Church; the Ebony Fashion Fair scholarship fundraiser; the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Women’s Board; the Clark Atlanta University Guild; and the Sophisticates, Atlanta Chapter. Her international work includes serving as co-sponsor of the Bethesda House (an orphanage in Soweto for children with AIDS).

She currently serves on the following boards: Clark Atlanta University Board of Trustees; United Negro College Fund; Andrew & Walter Young YMCA; Atlanta Area Technical College; WestCare; and the Board of Advisors for the Andrew Young School of Public Policy at Georgia State University. Previous board affiliations include the Governor’s Reform Commission for Education; Georgia Human Relations Commission; Board of the Georgia Council of Abused Children; Apex Museum; Fernbank Museum; Rabun Gap/Nacoochee School; Starlight Foundation and Literacy Action, Inc.

A full list of Young’s experience in civic, community and board service, as well as awards and honors, is as follows:

Current

Co-Sponsor of the Bethesda House, which is an orphanage in Soweto for children living with AIDS – raised money for the children and the facility.

Raised an endowment of more than $1.3 million for the Andrew Young School of Public Policy at Georgia State University and served as Honorary Chair of a weekend of events honoring the school and Andrew Young.

Co-Chairman of the Patron Committee for G-Capp, which was founded by Jane Fonda to halt teen pregnancies.

Founding member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Women Board, as well as the following positions:

Served as Chair of Enrichment for Children for 10 years,

Served as the key organizer of a Christmas party for 10,000 children of Atlanta for 10 years, and

Participated and volunteered at a dinner for 2000 Atlanta seniors for 10 years.

Member of Southern Regional Leadership Team of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Co-Chair for 10 years of the Founders Day Committee of the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Co-Chair of 80th Celebration for the Southern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Co-Chair for the Welcoming Committee for the National Convention for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. that was held in Atlanta, Georgia in July, 2002.

Member of the National committee for the Arts

Member of the International Taskforce and the Arts Committee for Buckhead Cascade Chapter of the Links

Member and 2005-2006 Co-Chair of 5th Annual Gala for the Buckhead Cascade Chapter of the Links.

Member of the Finance Committee for the City of Atlanta Celebration of Older Citizens Month.

Past

Founding member, Co-Chair for 3 years, and Chairman for 3 years of the Clark Atlanta University Guild

Member of the National Arts and Letters Commission for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Co-Chair for ten years and a leading fundraiser for the Ebony Fashion Fair, which is an event that raises funds for scholarships sponsored by the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Founding member and Vice-President of the Sophisticates, Atlanta Chapter

Member of the Steering Committee for the King Center’s “Celebrate a Difference” King Week Activities from 1985-1989

Superintendent for 10 years of the Union Baptist Church Sunday School

Director for 10 years of the Union Baptist Vacation Bible School

Sunday school teacher for six years

Board Positions

Current

Clark Atlanta University Board of Trustees

Atlanta Area Technical College

Board of Advisors – Andrew Young School of Public Policy at Georgia State University

Board of WestCare

Past

Governor’s Reform Commission for Education

Georgia Human Relations Commission

Board of the Georgia Council of Abused Children

The Apex Museum

The Fernbank Museum

Board of Directors for the Rabun Gap – Nacoochee School

Board of the Starlight Foundation

Literacy Action, Inc.

Honors

Recognized as the Atlanta Area II Teacher of the Year in 1976 and 1994

Received Southern Bell Black History Calendar Teacher of Excellence 1993

Received Georgia Teachers Incentive Award for Intermediate Grades in 1993

Honored by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Women as a Faithful Servant in 1993

Received first MASKED Award (Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams) in 1989

Recognized as an Outstanding United Negro College Fund Volunteer in 1989

In 2010 received the Lady Who Leads Award

2010 Honored at the Legacy Ladies Tea

Paula Diane Cunningham’s dedication to education, small business and community have been recognized by many organizations.

Noni Ellison Southall, Brilliant Legal Mind

Ms. Noni Ellison Southall joined W.W. Grainger, Inc. in February 2015 as Associate General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary and is responsible for leading the support on finance, treasury and governance issues worldwide. 

Prior to Grainger Ms. Southall was with Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc., a Time Warner Company in roles of increasing responsibility, often handling licensing and other intellectual property matters.  She was the head of Turner’s music division and a lead marketing attorney for Turner’s entertainment networks. She also completed a long term assignment in Turner’s Hong Kong office, negotiating international joint venture and licensing deals. In 2014, she delivered the keynote address at the 25th Golden Melody Awards (Chinese equivalent to the Grammy Awards) in Taipei, Taiwan.

Throughout her twenty year legal career, Ms. Southall has been a catalyst in the workplace. She has distinguished herself as an innovative, strategic, thought-provoking leader who has influenced the lives of employees, young professionals and students and has spearheaded efforts to create a more productive and cohesive work environment. She currently serves as a mentor for the University of Chicago’s Doctoroff Business Leadership Program and was previously a T. Howard Foundation mentor and a Turner Women Today Circle mentor. She was a founding member of the Working Parents at Turner and Black Professionals at Turner business resource groups and also represented Turner’s Legal Department on the Supplier Diversity Council Taskforce.

Additionally, she is a dynamic and sought after speaker, often serving on panels at colleges, law schools and conferences around the nation, including the University of Chicago Women’s Leadership Summit, National Summit of Black Women Lawyers, Corporate Counsel Women of Color, Savoy Women’s Leadership conference, Minority Corporate Counsel Association’s Creating Pathways to Diversity conference and Inside Counsel’s Women, Influence and Power in Law conference. In March 2017, Ms. Southall will serve as a featured speaker for the Chicago Network’s Launch Pad for Women Senior Leaders Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

Before Turner, Ms. Southall worked at Scripps Networks, Inc. and with two prominent national law firms.  During this time, she worked on a variety of distribution, finance, bankruptcy, corporate governance and business formation issues. 

As a respected leader in the community, Ms. Southall is actively engaged with numerous organizations that span diverse interests. Currently, she serves as a member of the University of Chicago Law School’s visiting committee and serves on the board of the Atlanta Speech School and the Fulton County Public Access Channel.  She recently completed a five year term as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), the nation’s ninth largest transit system ($6 billion net worth), and she is the immediate past two-term Chair of the Board of Directors of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. Ms. Southall has previously served on other local and national boards to include the Emory University Board of Visitors, the National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), the Southern Center for Human Rights and the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA). She is a founding member of Black Women in Entertainment Law and is an active member of The Links, Incorporated (the Dogwood City Chapter), Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (Atlanta-Buckhead Chapter) and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Atlanta Alumnae Chapter). Ms. Southall is a member of UNCF’s “A Mind Is” Giving Society and previously served as Vice Chair of the Annual UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball. She has also served as a member of the National Black Arts Festival Gala Steering Committee and a member of the Host Committee for the American Jewish Committee’s National Human Relations Dinner.

Ms. Southall’s contributions to the legal and civic communities have not gone unnoticed. She received the Georgia Diversity Council’s “2016 Multicultural Leadership Award” and was featured in Inside Counselmagazine as a member of the 2015 and 2014 R-3 100 list of women poised for prominence, Diversity & The Barmagazine as a “2013 MCCA Rising Star in the Legal Profession” and The Atlantanmagazine as a “Woman of Influence and Power”. Ms. Southall was selected by the YWCA as a “2012 YWCA Woman of Achievement” and was named as the City of Atlanta’s “2012 Powerpreneur in Media and Entertainment”. The Atlanta Business League selected her as a “Woman of Influence” and the National Bar Association named her as one of the “2011 Nation’s Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40”. Ms. Southall is a member of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2012, the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2014 and is a recipient of the State Bar of Georgia’s 2012 Justice Benham Service to the Community Award, the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorney’s 2014 Founders Award, the National Council of Negro Women’s Tribute to Black Women Community Leaders Award, the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.’s 2013 Torch Award, the Trumpet Awards Foundation’s High Heels in High Places Award, the Virginia Union Alumni Association’s 2014 Service to the Community Award and has been featured in Who’s Who in Atlanta. Additionally, she was selected by AIPAC as a 2013 American Israeli Education Foundation Fellow.

Ms. Southall simultaneously earned a Doctor of Law, Master of Business Administration and Certification in Health Administration and Policy, from the University of Chicago, where she was taught by President Barack Obama and United States Supreme Court Justice, Elena Kagan. She graduated magna cum laudefrom Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice and Communications. She is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the District of Columbia Bar, the State Bar of Georgia and the Illinois Bar.

Ms. Southall, a native of Lafayette, Louisiana is the proud mother of two children, Kenneth, Jr. and Kourtney Rose. Ms. Southall recently served as the keynote speaker for Lafayette, Louisiana’s 11th Annual African-American History Gala, where she was presented with a key to the City of Lafayette and received the Louisiana House of Representatives’ expression of commendation.

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http://www.law.uchicago.edu/alumni/accoladesandachievements/noni-ellison-southall-97-so-much-her-plate-it%E2%80%99s-become-platter

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http://schoolsofthought.blogs.cnn.com/2013/02/25/my-view-when-the-president-was-my-professor/

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http://www.blackgivesback.com/2010/06/monique-honored-at-atlanta-urban.html#.WLV2Ljvys2w

Cheryl Lawry, Black Excellence

http://www.loweryinstitute.org/

Cheryl Lowery is Executive Director of the Joseph & Evelyn Lowery Institute for Justice & Human Rights. A product of the 5th district and Atlanta Public Schools in Atlanta, Georgia, Cheryl graduated from the University of Maryland, with a B.S. in Business Management and concentration in Marketing. Cheryl is a servant leader. She is also a proud and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated. The Atlanta Business League has recognized her in their “100 Most Influential Women of Atlanta”.

At the Lowery Institute, Cheryl and her incredible team connect high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students with elementary, middle and high school students in Atlanta’s historic Westside community. These Change Agents, from Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Agnes Scott College, and Candler School of Theology, focus on principles of non-violence of the Institute coupled with conflict management, alternative dispute resolution and peer mediation training. CA’s encourage the younger students through daily interactions to de-escalate potential conflict. The curriculum is structured to reinforce topics including: respect/disrespect, use of violence, anger management, emotional intelligence, positive relationships, trust building, discipline, active listening, friendship, acknowledgment, teamwork and problem-solving. Change Agents also manage Mimi’s Pantry, a campus pantry which currently serves 100 full-time students from the AUC weekly who do not have full meal plans. Translating the legacies of Joseph and Evelyn Lowery to a new generation is a full time calling. Cheryl loves traveling across the United States and abroad in her free time.