Black History Month 2014 - Quinci Moody : Leaning In & Spreading The Gospel

Quinci Moody. I was lucky enough to meet her through her equally amazing younger brother, James, who has been one of my closest friends since he took the East High Jazz Band by storm in the fall of 1999. Quinci is one of the nicest, strongest people I’ve ever met and she’s always supported my blog initiative. So, you can imagine that I am more than excited to be featuring Quinci and the amazing work she is doing.

Quinci is a senior director at a nonprofit, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, and most proudly, a Woman of God. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and raised in Washington, D.C., she is a graduate of Florida A&M University with a degree in English and minors in Business Management and Secondary Education.　She then went on to graduate with a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from American University in 2005. She is currently in the process of completing yet another degree from the Spirit of Faith Bible Institute. All that right there is enough to make one go “WOW”, but we’re just getting started.

Quinci's passion for doing good came early on in her career. While pursuing her graduate studies, Quinci performed research and analysis for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Women’s Rights Department with a specific focus on how public policy regarding the federal budget, social security, and Medicaid affects working women. Simultaneously, she served as Management Specialist for Center for Minority Studies, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing the health literacy of underserved populations. While at Center for Minority Studies, Quinci launched her career in organizational development and capacity building by creating and implementing successful fundraising, human resources, and board development infrastructures for the upstart organization.

After graduate school, Quinci continued to strengthen organizations through her role as Program Associate at Fair Chance, an organization that provides nonprofit leaders with tools and knowledge they need to thrive. Her desire to provide more direct service to her community led Quinci to accept a position as Director of Programs and Evaluation at FLY (Facilitating Leadership in Youth), which helps Washington, DC youth achieve their educational goals while promoting leadership development and arts enrichment.

Today, Quinci is Director of Operations at The Fishing School, a nonprofit that provides year-round out-of-school-time academic and enrichment programs for Washington, DC youth and the families.

I know that by now you are probably thinking that Quinci is one of the most motivated individuals you’ve ever heard about, and you’re right. On top of all of this amazing work that she does to build people up and provide them with tools for success she is also the co-founder of virtuositee™, a clothing company and ministry hybrid that spreads the gospel of Christ through apparel that lets people know that being saved in Christ Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The company's mission is to ignite dialogue about Christianity with products that marry faith and fashion – what they like to call “wearing your faith.” Quinci is clear about why she and her partners founded virtuositee. She says, "Christianity isn’t a religion. It’s a lifestyle. Being Christian means, LIVING the Word, not just claiming it. And that’s what the virtuositee brand is all about."

If you are interested in learning more about virtuositee™ and the ladies that founded it please check out this radio program below or log onto www.myvtee.com.

Discover Youth Internet Radio with Teen Talk Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio

Thank you, Quinci, for inspiring others and continuing to do amazing things.

Black History Month 2014 - Yasmine Arrington

"The tassle is worth the hassle!" – Yasmine Arrington, founder of ScholarCHIPS

I found out about this lovely woman when I was researching the organization Black Girls Rock, Inc. She was featured as one of the M.A.D. Girls during the 2012 awards show. (See the video link here.) M.A.D. stands for `Making a Difference` and this phrase could not be more true for this wonderful individual. She and I have emailed back and forth less than 10 times and her spirit, joy, and overall awesomeness have blown me away. I can’t wait to actually get to know her so I can be transformed for the better. This is her story.

Yasmine Alexandra Arrington was born and raised in Washington, DC. She is currently a junior Strategic Communications and History double-major at Elon University in North Carolina. At Elon, Arrington sings and serves in the Elon University Gospel Choir, as president of Potter’s Poets, a radio personality on WSOE 89.3, and is an Elon Arts & Sciences College Fellow conducting independent research on “The Effects of Parental Incarceration on the Educational Outcomes of their Offspring in Washington, DC from 1970 to 1990.” She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Their principles are Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love, and Finer Womanhood.

Having been the child of a previously incarcerated parent, in 2010, Arrington founded the non-profit ScholarCHIPS to provide college scholarships and mentoring for graduating high school seniors of parents in prison, pursuing a higher education. To date, ScholarCHIPS has awarded over $19,000 in college scholarships.

If Yasmine’s personal story doesn’t resonate with you for the inspiration of this budding non-profit organization please take a look at this quote from Johnston, D. * "The Care and Placement of Prisoners' Children".

“An estimated 200,000 children in this country have an imprisoned mother and more than 1.6 million have an imprisoned father. With the nation’s incarcerated population growing by an average of 6.5% each year, the number of children with parents in prison will likely continue to increase. Parental incarceration — and the crimes and arrests that precede it — causes chaos in the lives of these children, including traumatic separations and erratic shifts from one caregiver to another. Most children with incarcerated parents live in poverty before, during, and after their parents’ incarceration.”

These facts coupled with Yasmine’s personal experiences as a child of an incarcerated parent are the reasons why ScholarCHIPS exists and the reason why we all have a stake in the success of the children of incarcerated parents. Yasmine is just finding her way to give back and help other young people achieve the dreams they have set for themselves.

Arrington’s latest projects are her blog entitled, “Young, Black, and Beautiful…In College,” and her YouTube channel “YazzieSpeaks the Truth,” both in which she examines the realities of being a black female attending a predominantly White institution, aims to excite Black youth about the vast possibilities of a collegiate experience, and gives her clean, humorous commentary on real life events. In addition, Arrington is a poet, motivational speaker, and plus size model. She aspires to be a Broadcast Journalist and TV show host; two occupations that will allow and empower her to inform the community about social injustices, recognize entrepreneurial businesses, and highlight positive changes taking place.

Check out Yasmine being featured in Essence Magazine, Empower Magazine, Teen Vogue, and the Washington Post.

This is just the beginning of Yasmine’s story and I CANNOT wait to see how bright her star shines.

Black History Month 2014 - Akua Willis

Akua Willis is taking　the　music world　by　storm.　　I　got　connected　to　Akua　through　my　good　friend　Asheley　and　man,　look　at　all she’s doing. This is her story.

Akua is a noted singer/songwriter, dancer and actress. From birth, this Dallas Texas native was destined for greatness. Akua, a Ghanaian name meaning born on a great day and will be great, has been devoted to the performing arts her whole life.

After receiving her BA in Dance and Drama from Spelman College, she's had the privilege of working with such famed artists as Eminem, Jamie Foxx, Nikki Minaj, Stevie Wonder, Debbie Allen (Fame, 3 time Emmy winner), Allee Willis (Grammy winner & Emmy nominated songwriter; September - Earth, Wind, & Fire "I'll Be There" - Friends Theme Song), Yolanda Adams, Miguel, Tichina Arnold (Everybody Hates Chris, Martin), Bone Thugs & Harmony, Carl Thomas, Chaz Shepard (7th Heaven, Set It Off), Gloria Gaynor, Abraham McDonald (Def Jam), and many more.

She has worked on major television shows like the X Factor, American Idol, Dancing w/ the Stars, The Grammy's, & the NAACP awards and has graced the stage, countless times, at such venues as The House of Blues, Foxx Hole Live, & RnB Live Hollywood. This talented singer/songwriter creates a great blend of R&B/Jazz/Gospel with her unique soulful sound, that keeps audiences captivated and wanting more.

She recently released her much anticipated EP on iTunes entitled No Other Love and will be touring in a city near you.



To find out more about Akua go to www.AkuaTheGreat.com, like her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, or tumblr.

Black History Month 2014 - Lonnie Bush

Lonnie Bush　is　strength personified.　Ms.　Bush　is　quickly　becoming　Kansas City’s premier guru on fitness authority. This is her story.

Lonnie Bush is the owner/fitness instructor of Lonnie Bush Fitness, Author, and Founder of a Non-Profit Foundation. She is an architect of the “Total Body Workout.” She is also a breast cancer survivor. Although, she makes it her lifestyle, Lonnie strives to be a motivator and a role model to all that seek to become physically fit and live a healthy life. She also avidly advocates for breast cancer awareness, education, and the continuous quality care of life for cancer patients.



As a triple negative breast cancer survivor, Lonnie Bush is 3 years CANCER FREE. As a mother, fitness trainer, and Ford Motor Company employee she has always been an inspiration for others in more ways than one. During her battle with cancer never once did she ask “Why Me?” She said to herself and others “if it can happen to me, a person that eats healthy, works out 6 days a week, and has no history of cancer on either side of my family then it can happen to anyone".

While fighting cancer, she decided to keep a journal of all the stages of the battle, the activities on a day to day basis, and the people who supported her during the struggle. The result of the journal is the manifestation of a book that became 26,000 words of inspiration during the fight against cancer. The title of the book is “Cancer Was My Blessing”. If you are interested in purchasing the book it can be found on Amazon.



Lonnie believes that this book will be an incredible inspiration for people that are battling cancer as well as their families & friends that seek to understand this struggle. It helps explain the different ways to deal with the daily ups and downs of the fight. She started a non-profit foundation called Celebration of Life. This foundation helps those in need of specific necessities. Upon receiving donations, the Celebration of Life Foundation goes to hospitals and clinics to pay co-pays for cancer patients discretely (Paying it forward). Also, the foundation receives and buys wigs, hats, scarves, and more to patients that lose their hair in the process of fighting cancer. Throughout the year, Lonnie sponsors many initiatives and drives which benefit cancer patients.

Lonnie would love to have people to get involved before cancer touches their family and help motivate others to keep fighting cancer. She asks, “If you know anyone who has cancer please share with them 26,000 words of inspiration, “Cancer Was My Blessing” and send them to her Gym where cancer patients get to work out for FREE.

Get tested, early detection is vital!

Inspired yet?

Check out more here.

Like the "Cancer Was My Blessing" Facebook page!

Black History Month 2014 - Shaleese Beasley-Rockett

Shaleese Beasley-Rockett has been one of my best friends since I first met her in 2002. Man, how time flies. We were from the same city (Des Moines, IA), but had never met until we went to school together at William Jewell College. We could have been unlikely friends since we both had such differing views of the city we grew up in. However, since we both love to listen and learn from others we could take our experiences and bring them together in a way that improved both of our world views. And we have been supporting and loving each other ever since. You can read a bit more about Shaleese and the awesomeness that resonates from her in the feature I did on her in 2012, here (in my blog archive).

I am now proud to say that Shaleese has taken the entrepreneurial route in a way that may not seem like she’s building up a business, but building up a community. After receiving her Masters in Social Work she started a women’s group called SnAP in the fall of 2011 with the purpose being to reach underserved women within the Kansas City community and shaping each mind to become stronger. Shaleese co-facilitates this program with Ms. Sylvia Goodloe, LMSW. It is part of Reconciliation Services.

Since it's conception, SnAP has served 75 women in the Greater Kansas City Area. Each group has 8 to 10 women and runs for 8 weeks. The sessions help participants identify distorted attitudes and alter perceptions. This process is obtained by applying awareness through journaling, narrative, self instruction, brain development activities, and imagery.

SnAP stands for Strength, eNergy, and Power. The mission statement is “to increase women’s understanding of how trauma and depression impact the mind, body, and soul.” And, with each session, Shaleese and Sylvia are definitely improving the lives of women in the Greater Kansas City Area, while inspiring their loved ones around them.

Keep it up Beaz. You’re a star.

Black History Month 2014 - Tyra Banks

When most people think of Tyra Banks they are probably thinking either Victoria's Secret or America's Next Top Model. You may even remember The Tyra Banks Show that ran from 2005-2010. This is really where she came onto my radar. The more I have learned about Tyra though, the more I have come to respect her.

Before we even get to her entrepreneurial feats let's also remember that she has had plenty of feats in the "Black Firsts" category. She was the first black woman to grace the covers of GQ, the Victoria's Secret Catalog, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

　　 As Tyra began moving out of the modeling world and into acting more she developed her own production company that started out as Ty Ty Baby Productions which turned into the present day Bankable Productions. This is the production company that has brought us The Tyra Banks Show and America’s Next Top Model. Bankable Productions also produced a film targeted at young women called ‘The Clique.’ I highly recommend it for parents with tweens and teens.



But where Tyra really hits my heart is her work with young women. She inspires them to be their true selves and reach for their dreams. She started a camp called TZone and it has since morphed into The Tyra Banks TZone and will have it’s permanent location in New York in partnership with The Lower East Side Girls Club.

Tyra is an entrepreneur that has put her life towards making the lives of young women a much bigger, better, and brighter place.

Black History Month 2014 - Kelli Wakili

Kelli Wakili. I met this girl in 2011 and haven’t forgotten her ever since. She is that awesome. She is talented, kind, compassionate, and beautiful (inside and out). I met Kelli at a wonderful event in Kansas City, MO called “Night of Love” where talents of all types came together to put on a show all about love. Kelli and her now husband, chief waKiL, were performing a song together and it was magic. Magic, I say. Here is her story.

Kelli is from Bowie, MD. She made her way across the big ‘ole United States and has placed her feet firmly on the ground in LA. She is a singer/songwriter/actress and more.

Her work has been featured on the E! Network. She is the writer and performer of the theme song for “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills” and has also been featured on and musically written for the E! Network programs "Total Divas" and "Eric and Jessie". Check out the first episode of "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" here.

On the acting side Kelli is a principal character in the upcoming independent film titled “Assassination of a Citizen” by Reflektiv Films. She has also been featured in multiple TV shows and commercials.

On an even more creative side, Kelli is currently working on publishing her body of children's books and recording her own music project in 2014. Could she get any more awesome? Oh yes she can. Aside from all of that she is also a math tutor and spends her days teaching and mentoring everyone from troubled youth to child actors and actresses.

This woman has been inspiring me with her positive energy and all the wonderful work she is doing since I met her that cold February day. Be on the lookout for more from this soon to be household name.

Want to know more about this awesome lady? Check out her blog: kellimykelli.tumblr.com

Black History Month 2014 - Mara Brock Akil

Hello Everyone! Welcome to Black History Month 2014! I am so excited for this year because I am featuring some amazing women who are going to blow your mind. This year is all about women entrepreneurs; past, present, and building the future. As always, a big thank you goes out to my amazing friend Asheley Brown who you will learn more about later this month. Until then, enjoy the awesome and be inspired. I know I am.

Mara Brock-Akil came onto my radar when I started watching Girlfriends. That show was so much fun! At this point I really only knew her name and that she was the creator and executive producer of the series.

I have since then discovered that she is not only a producing mastermind, but she grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Raytown South. Midwest girl. Yes. She continued on to Northwestern University and is also a Delta Sigma Theta.

She broke into the business as a writer for the short-lived series South Central. She started to garner attention as a writer on Moesha and The Jamie Foxx Show. This then led to her teaming up with Kelsey Grammer for Girlfriends. The Girlfriends spin-off, The Game, has moved from the CW to BET and continued to garner fans along the way.

Ms. Brock-Akil and her husband, Salim Akil, started their own production company called Happy Camper Productions and has since then been renamed Akil Productions. Their production company has achieved much success in both television and film. Along with Girlfriends and The Game, Akil Productions has worked on the Courtney Cox comedy Cougar Town (with Mara Brock-Akil being a writer and consulting producer). Most recently Akil Productions has been the driving force behind the new BET series starring the always amazing Gabrielle Union. It is called Being Mary Jane and from what I have heard it is amazing. I can’t wait to get my hands on a DVD copy when season 1 is available.

Akil Productions has being making a Hollywood splash as well. From the romantic comedy Jumping the Broom to the musical Sparkle. Jumping the Broom stars the gorgeous Paula Patton and Laz Alonso and was directed by Salim Akil. Sparkle stars the late, great Whitney Houston and the talented Jordin Sparks. It was written by Mara Brock-Akil and directed by Salim Akil.

Needless to say Mara Brock-Akil is a powerhouse in media, production, and business. We could all do well to take a page out of her book.