Cheryl Walker-Robertson, Founder and Chief Protocol Officer of Protocol International, enjoys national recognition for extraordinary talent as a speaker, trainer, workshop facilitator, executive coach, as well as for her leadership role with Odyssey Network Business Retreat.

Cheryl Walker-Robertson, Founder and Chief Protocol Officer of Protocol International, is a native of Philadelphia who grew up as a basketball-playing tomboy in West Philadelphia. Needless to say, at that time she had little regardfor the etiquette classes, her mother made her attend. Little did she know or imagine that those etiquette classes, along with years as a flight attendant with PamAm, would provide the foundation for a career that would catapult her to success in the business community as a renowned certified international protocol and etiquette expert.

Today, Cheryl Walker-Robertson enjoys national recognition for extraordinary talent as a speaker, trainer, workshop facilitator, executive coach, as well as for her leadership role with Odyssey Network Business Retreat. She earned a BS in Business Management from St. Augustine’s College; an Associate’s Degree from Harcum College; a certificate in Management from Penn State’s Executive Development Program; and a Certificate in Negotiation from the University of Notre Dame. Walker-Robertson is also licensed as a practitioner in cultural competence awareness and as a cultural navigator by Berlitz International.

Walker-Robertson has Capitalized on her vast training and 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, extensive experience in protocol and cultural competency – including studying under the direction of Dorothea Johnson, Protocol Advisor and Liaison to the Washington Diplomatic Community for the Joint Military Attaché.  In January of 2000, she launched Protocol International as a Business and Professional Development consulting company that delivers an array of training and coaching services for today’s executives and tomorrow’s business leaders. Walker-Robertson’s clientele represents Fortune 500 businesses, government, educational institutions, members of the entertainment industry, medium-sized businesses, social groups, as well as youth, teen and children based organizations. She is the protocol and etiquette expert for Count Me In, NBC 40, ProDiverse, and Odyssey Media, amongst others. Protocol International is also the protocol and etiquette consultant for the reality show, “Princess Perfect.”

Walker-Robertson’s broad-based knowledge and engaging approach enable her to present in a very interactive and interesting manner. In addition to her signature style, she has a unique ability to relate and present to multi-generational audiences. As a result, she is in great demand as a speaker and expert on issues facing today’s market. Walker-Robertson has been called the ‘ultimate networker’ and has trained finance, sales, and marketing experts in the art and science of networking. She is also co-author of  “The Power of Civility” and author of “Effective Networking” – The Ultimate Business Tool,” “Rules of Engagement – How to Win at Dining with Clients and Other Important People” and, a contributing writer to various national and international trade and business publications, online radio shows and podcasts.

You can check out Cheryl’s blog and get her weekly tips at WWW.4PROTOCOL.NET

Lydia J. Carlis, PhD helps significantly impact child outcomes by developing effective educational solutions and influencing education policy to raise expectations for programs serving children from birth through elementary school.

Lydia J. Carlis, PhD is Chief Eyemagination Officer for Eyemagination Enterprises, LLC, an education consulting (eyemaginED) and visual arts (Eyemagination Imaging | C-Suite Pics®) company based in Washington, DC. In her work, Lydia helps clients see what is, imagine what can be, and work creatively to get there, together.

Lydia is Principal Consultant for eyemaginED, the education consulting arm of Eyemagination Enterprises LLC, based in Washington, D.C.. eyemaginED exists to significantly impact child outcomes by developing effective educational solutions and influencing education policy to raise expectations for programs serving children from birth through elementary school. eyemaginED projects support children most at risk when schools and systems fail them through collaboration with schools, districts or networks, foundations and other ed-facing organizations.

Lydia has developed special education, ESL, and Response to Intervention training and resources for parents, teachers, school leaders, policymakers and funders. She has taught undergraduate and graduate-level special education and ESL courses at Johns Hopkins University, The George Washington University, and University of Maryland College Park. Lydia has successfully designed, written and directed several foundation, SEA and federal grants to support diverse learners, and served as a private, state and federal expert grant reviewer for various entities. Clients include Bainum Family Foundation, Bellwether Education Partners, Boston University, KIPP DC, Leading Educators, Martha’s Table, National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), The New Teacher Project (TNTP) and Versed Education Group.

In 2015, Lydia formed the C–Suite Pics® division of Eyemagination Imaging, which captures corporate and nonprofit events with a purpose, and on-location, dynamic professional portraits for busy executives, entrepreneurs, and creatives, to help them communicate their unique brand. She is especially passionate about helping female leaders of color use personal branding to show up as their best selves in the global marketplace. Corporate clients include PNC Bank, Radio One (now Urban One), Odyssey Media, Flourish Conference for Women in Leadership, Johns Hopkins University, and NonprofitHR.

Lydia serves as the vice-chair for the DC Special Education Cooperative, and as member of the United Planning Organization board of directors, DC’s only community action organization. She is the wife of Dr. DaNa Carlis and proud mom to Dia Dannielle, a rising college junior.

Lydia Kearney Carlis, PhD / Principal Photographer 
lydia@eyemaginationimaging.com / 202.297.8235

Eyemagination Imaging | C-Suite Pics
http://www.eyemaginationimaging.com

Educator Tiffany Whitaker is the founder of both the Saintsville Academy and Preparatory School in Fort Worth, Texas and the PTKO.club (For Parents, Teachers, and Kids Only).

Tiffany Whitaker is the founder of Saintsville Academy and Preparatory School in Fort Worth, Texas which serves over 175  students, 18 months through 5th grade. She has recently been ordained as The Lead Pastor of Saintsville Cathedral in Fort Worth, TX where her father, Milton Pace is Founder and Senior Pastor. She is a 1998 graduate of Florida A&M University. After graduation, Tiffany taught at the former World Renown “Marva Collins Preparatory School of Chicago” and worked very closely with The Late Great Marva Collins from 1997 until the year 2000. During the summer of 2000, she moved back to her hometown of Fort Worth, Texas and started a private school in the church founded by her father. Through her experience and leadership, the school has grown tremendously over a 19 year span.  

Outside her everyday profession as an educator, Tiffany is also the founder and sole proprietor for PTKO.club (For Parents, Teachers and Kids Only), a one stop shop for educational resources, a member of the Fort Worth Chapter of Links Incorporated where she leads the chapter’s NSBE Jr/STEAM Ahead Program, a scholarship outreach volunteer for UNCF North Texas, a 2019 recipient of the Eminent Citizen Award sponsored by Phi Delta Kappa,Inc (Alpha Sigma Chapter) a 2018 Recipient of The Fort Worth Business Professional Women’s Club Pioneer Award, A 2018 National Society Of Black Engineers “STEMulating Young Minds Institute” graduate, a recipient of the 2014 Female Success Factor “Top 25 Women of Dallas” and an honoree of Purpose Driven Youth Empowerment’s “Top 100 Educators of DFW.” Majority of her time is dedicated to empowering youth. During her free time she loves to read,write,travel and spend time with her children.  Tiffany is the wife of Montrose Whitaker and mother of two girls, Kemi (8 yrs old) and Khloe (5 years old).

Mykela Marshall has successfully grown her business into one of the fastest growing Greek paraphernalia companies

Mykela Marshall is a native of a small town known as Monroeville, AL.  In 2009, she earned her Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University. She also became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated while at Auburn University in Spring 2005. 

After graduating she made a very successful career by working as a process engineer, sales engineer, and an operations manager during the 8 years she worked in Corporate America. In fact, at the last company she worked for she was the first African American female promoted to Operations Manger to manage an all male production crew of a multi-million dollar process in that facility. Her work ethic and leadership ability was recognized by the senior level executives and thus she has received several presidential bonuses and awards. 

After attending her sorority’s regional conference in 2014, she realized that the majority of the Greek paraphernalia sold by vendors was the same. She always knew she had a love for fashion, so she came up with the idea to bring a boutique concept to the market. She wanted it to be comprised of fashionable products that change with each season. In October 2014, she started Fashionably Greek. Her collections are comprised of great quality products that are vintage inspired. All of the designs are chic, timeless and versatile for many occasions. 

As a military spouse, she faced the hard decision of having to find a new job or focusing on building Fashionably Greek when her husband received orders to relocate. She made the decision to take a leap of faith and started working full time with Fashionably Greek.  She has successfully grown her business into one of the fastest growing Greek paraphernalia companies. Her 1908 sweatshirt design has been seen on The View worn by non-other than the Oh So pretty Sunny Hostin. Other celebs such as Yvette Brown Nicole, Ebony K. Williams, Roland Martin, and Shamari Devoe have purchased products from Fashionably Greek.

She is a member of Delta Theta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Mobile, Alabama. She prides herself in giving back to the community through volunteerism and charitable donations. She is married to Jamon Marshall who serves in the United States Army.  They have a beautiful baby girl named London Belle. You can follow her on Instagram @BeFashionablyGreek and @FashionablyGreek on Facebook. You can also visit her website to pick up some must haves at www.BeFashionablyGreek.com

Noelle Jones helps to lead PR efforts for Fortune 500 companies around their sports and entertainment activations and initiatives.

Noelle Jones is a gifted writer, brand innovator, public relations practitioner and serial entrepreneur who has worked in many industry sectors over the past 5 years. A lifelong lover of the arts and culture, Noelle is currently the Public Relations Manager at Atlanta-based integrated marketing agency You Are Here. In her role, Noelle helps to lead PR efforts for Fortune 500 companies around their sports and entertainment activations and initiatives. Previously, Noelle worked as the Public Relations Specialist at the High Museum of Art, one of the largest arts institutions in the Southeast.

Recently named one of Atlanta’s “Top Young Professionals” in the Atlanta Tribune’s May 2018 issue and named as a “Mover and Shaker” in South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine’s latest edition, Noelle is honored to push the culture of her hometown forward through the arts and various community initiatives. Noelle is a graduate of Howard University where she earned a B.A. in Print Journalism. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the Public Relations Society of America. Noelle enjoys supporting small business marketing and PR initiatives through her consulting company We Thrive Media, LLC and dabblingin event production through family-owned business AEE Productions.

Erika N. Salter is revered as one of the most knowledgeable and reliable immigration attorneys in Texas.

Erika N. Salter is founder and managing partner of The Law Offices of Erika N. Salter, P.C., one of Dallas’s most highly sought and regarded immigration and criminal law firms. Erika is revered as one of the most knowledgeable and reliable immigration attorneys in Texas. Serendipitously, she learned her outstanding business acumen from her grandfather, Freddie Lee, who broke racial, educational and social barriers to become one of Tampa’s most successful construction business owners. Like Freddie Lee, Erika has positioned herself as an outstanding African American immigration attorney with the fastest growing, multi-million-dollar business serving thousands of immigrant families throughout Texas. With a success rate of more than 90% positive resolutions, her Dallas and Ft. Worth firms are honored to provide exceptional services in the most complicated areas of criminal, immigration and naturalization law. She is especially renowned in the areas of obtaining lawful status, deportation, citizenship, political asylum, green card applications and general immigration issues.

Erika, realizing the need to give as much as she receives, serves in many organizations. In addition to her legal services, she has an unfailing resolve to mentor young students. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Girl Friends, Incorporated, The National Smart Set, Incorporated ,The Ft Worth/Dallas Metroplex Chapter of Chums, Incorporated, The Moles, Incorporated and The Links Incorporated, where she served as the youngest member of the Executive Council and Foundation Board, as Fund Development Chair. In this capacity, Erika helped to raise over $3 million. As a testament to her continuous desire of excellence and drive for success, she is a proud graduate of The Links, Incorporated 2016 Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute.

In addition to participating in her many community service organizations, Erika is one of 238 businesses and non-profit organizations that has consistently supported the Dallas Mayor’s Intern Fellows Program. She has deligently supported one of the educational organizations within the Dallas School District and provided scholarships to students participating in the educational program entitled, “Educational Is Freedom”. Each year an intern from this program is given an opportunity to work at the law office and, once the intern completes the program and enters college, Attorney Salter provides financial assistance to students that have worked for the law firm.
Most recently, she was recognized by numerous non-profits as “Top Donor”, an award of distinction given to philanthropic individuals. She actively mentors many of the new and upcoming attorneys and is extremely proud of the cadre of young lawyers under her tutelage. When they succeed, she emphatically celebrates their successes and accomplishments. Erika does this in remembrance of her grandparents and parents, who helped develop her philanthropic, socially conscious mindset.

Erika N. Salter is a native of Tampa, Florida. She has a BA in English Education from Tuskegee University and a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She is a member of State of Texas Supreme Court, United States District Court, Northern District, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), State Bar of Texas Immigration Law Section, Tarrant County Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

Nataly Williams has turned her passion for sports into a successful professional career.

Nataly Williams is a charismatic professional in the sports industry, with over 8 years of progressive career experience in collegiate and professional athletics.  Nataly has used her different talents from being a sports broadcaster to currently working in athletic development at Michigan State University.  Her unique passion comes from her family roots.  Nataly’s father, Coach Bobby Williams was the first black Head Football Coach at Michigan State, and currently serves as the Special Teams Coordinator at The University of Oregon.  The William’s family previously were at The University of Alabama where they won five National Championships.

Nataly joined the Spartan Fund in December of 2016 in the role of donor relations, communications, and stewardship.  Nataly’s job focuses on sustaining positive relations between MSU Athletics and donors by effective stewardship, she also leads a variety of communications and marketing efforts to enhance the Spartan Fund brand. 

Prior to joining Michigan State, she served as the Assistant to the Director of Life Skills and Community Outreach at the University of Alabama.  While in Tuscaloosa, she coordinated media appearances and community service for athletes to build relationships around the local community. 

After earning her Bachelor’s from The University of Alabama, Nataly went on to New Jersey, where she interned with NFL Films, contributing content to the popular segments “NFL Films Presents”, NFL Top 10”, and “Inside of the NFL”.  She also worked as a freelance sports reporter covering teams in the SEC, for CBS Sports, and ESPN.

Nataly being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc has been an active in a wide variety of community service programs in the Lansing, and Tuscaloosa areas.

Instagram: nataly_williams

Twitter: NatalyYvonne

Shane Salter – accomplished non-profit leader – bring passion and experience to the March of Dimes mission.

Shane Salter

Accomplished non-profit leader brings passion, experience and personal connection to the mission. 

It’s hard to imagine that it was just two years ago that The March of Dimes appointed Shane Salter as its Executive Director for Atlanta – Central Georgia.

Salter joined the March of Dimes with 25 years of experience in leadership, advocacy and non-profit management. Most recently, he was the Brand Ambassador for the Charlotte Hornets, Founder & Executive Director of CASA DC, Chief of Staff for Health and Human Services, Director of the Freddie Mac Foundation and the National Director of the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities.

Shane Salter has a Masters in Management and Leadership from Webster University and undergraduate degrees in Health and Human Services and Healthcare Management from Elmira College and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He is also an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “Shane is an extraordinarily well-rounded business executive who has experience leading all major functions of an organization,” said Brett Bartlett, Chair of the March of Dimes Atlanta – Central Georgia board.

“His deep passion for the well-being of children and families, made him the clear choice as our Executive Director of Market Development. Our board looks forward to working with Shane to strategically develop new opportunities to fund research, services, education and advocacy that improve the health of mothers and
babies.”

As Executive Director of Market Development, Shane Salter oversees all community partnerships, fundraising and volunteer development for Atlanta and Central Georgia. Salter is the proud father of three adult children through birth and four by way of adoption. Beyond the challenge of raising great children with various disabilities, he now leads the phenomenal team of passionate advocates, leaders and community organizers.

“The March of Dimes is widely regarded as one of America’s most notable and accomplished nonprofit health organizations, having established its roots under President Roosevelt,” said Salter. “I am honored to lead the Atlanta – Central Georgia Market in our campaign for the health of all moms and the strength of all babies.” The rich history of the March of Dimes and the incredible milestones it has achieved, directly affects the health and lives of millions of people today. I enjoy finding new ways to secure the resources and public support we need to fund lifesaving research and to deliver programs and services to the community.”

About the March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading organization for pregnancy and baby health. The nonprofit group seeks to help moms have healthy pregnancies and give babies a healthy start, and works to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. It funds research, services, education and advocacy. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com (English) or nacersano.org (Spanish). Information on Georgia activities and programs may be found on Facebook (@marchofdimesgeorgia) and Twitter @marchofdimesga).

WALK TO HELP MORE BABIES BE BORN HEALTHY!

When: May 4, 2019 
Where: Atlanta, Georgia …. Historic Fourth Ward Park 
Time: 7:30am Festival Site; 9:00am 5K Walk

Marchforbabies.org/event/downtownatlanta

https://groupmatics.events/event/March4Babies

Denise Smith has coordinated enterprise wide projects for some of the most recognized brands in both technology and consumer products.

Denise Smith, a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a certified project management professional whose career spans a period of over seventeen years. With a focus on the management of complex business challenges, she has established a firm track record as a skilled strategist and project leader who has coordinated enterprise wide projects for domestic and international accounts involving some of the most recognized brand names in both technology, including Verizon, Amazon, Blackberry, and in consumer products, including Black&Decker, Coca Cola, Home Depot, Michelin, Wachovia, McGraw ­Hill and Western Union.

Her expertise includes business strategy development, project estimating, scope determination, gap analysis, business process reengineering, issue mitigation, configuration, custom code specifications, testing, training and post implementation support. She readily transforms a company’s strategic roadmaps and objectives into workable solutions and benchmarks performance against key operational targets and goals to aid the development of key internal processes and technology driven services. She is known for leveraging her cross-cultural skills and international experience to lead high performing teams.

After commencing her collegiate education at Northeastern University, Denise ultimately transferred to Spelman College where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in May 1999. In December 2014, Denise obtained a Master of Business Administration with a focus in the innovation of technology from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Denise is currently the HR Systems Portfolio Lead for Service Centre, CoreHR, and Reporting & Analytics with EY. Denise also serves as the innovation leader of EY Atlanta Unity as an supportive advocate for the LGBT+ community and helps to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBT+ employees through her words and behaviors. This in turn helps support an open and inclusive workplace for everyone. In addition, she has served as one of the Southeast Region Corporate Responsibility Champions that execute the firm’s Corporate Responsibility programs that are focused around education, entrepreneurship, and environment. She is active in several organizations: Technology Association of Georgia; Women In Technology (“WIT”) Volunteer Program Director for WIT Forums and Socials; United Way Cole Women United Cabinet: Vice Chair; Most Valuable Kids: Advisory Board.

Denise has always prided herself on being an active member in each community in which she has lived, a penchant, which found its start growing up in Guilford, Connecticut.  A resident of Atlanta for over twelve years, she has been an active participant in a wide variety of community service programs.  Along with her husband, son and daughter, she is a member of Buckhead Church where she served as an Volunteer Team Captain for the organization’s KidStuf program.

Meet Noelle Renee Hughley – Radio Personality, Multimedia Journalist, Public Speaker, Social Influencer and Model.

Noelle Renee Hughley is a free-spirit, with a genuine presence. Her innovative style as a Radio Personality, Multimedia Journalist, Public Speaker, Social Influencer and Model allows her to light up any room she walks into.

As the Radio Host for the fastest and largest growing digital urban radio station, Streetz 105.1. Noelle’s energy creates bonds with listeners through her content and production skills. Her capability led to the accomplishment of reaching over a million streams worldwide.  As early as 2014, Noelle captured the hearts of many, when she was crowned Miss Georgia Teen USA 2014 and has since earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism from Lindenwood University.

As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., National Association of Black Journalists, Atlanta Association of Black Journalists, and a mentor for B’Fly Girls Inc.; Noelle is on a mission to be of service to all mankind.

YouTube: NoelleReneeXo

Instagram: NoelleReneexo

Twitter: NoelleReneeXo

Facebook: Noelle Hughley

Website:  https://www.noellehughley.com/