20 – Rachel S. Jackson | Clark Atlanta University
A hometown hero, Rachel S. Jackson is an alumna of Clark Atlanta University, class of 2013. Graduating with a degree in marketing, “Rachie” as she is affectionately known has shown her support for her community by being heavily involved in public service, mentoring students at the Boys and Girls Club where she attended as a child and serving as one of the lead organizers for community events such as the Annual LudaDay Weekend. A Decatur, GA native, Rachel lives each day to help make the lives of those around her greater! Ms. Jackson is dedicated to the success of the youth and has used her marketing skills to serve as a role model as well as a supporter for the community. In her professional life, many would refer to Rachel as an entrepreneurial powerhouse!
The 24 year old is the owner and creator of RJackson, LLC under which she has created avenues of opportunity for herself and young entrepreneurs such as myself. Rachel recently created RJackson Party Bus under her company brand “RJackson, she formerly served as the Executive Marketing Assistant for Jackmont Hospitality, and currently serves as the Events Assistant for 92-9 The Game (ATL’s Newest Sports Radio Station, CBS Radio that showcases all things special events and promotions that pertain to the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves & Atlanta Hawks). Ms. Jackson also serves as a swim instructor at the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club where she believes it is her responsibility to serve there since it is where she too learned how to swim (and recently taught her 100th student to swim). In the near future, Rachel hopes for her company R. Jackson, LLC to align with Atlanta Public Schools and the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute’s Camp Exposure “to create lasting programs for middle school girls that encompass the fundamentals of mental, physical, educational, financial and spiritual strength; while exposing them to entrepreneurship. Middle school finds young ladies at a stage in life where they are very impressionable and I believe it’s our job as women to equip the younger visions of our essence with the tools they need to transition into productive, positive adults.
19 – Dior Ginyard | Bowie State University
Dior Ginyard is a alumnus of Bowie State University, graduating in December 2011 with a bachelor’s of science degree in public relations. Dior also earned a master’s of science degree in management marketing from University of Maryland University College.
He currently holds a communications and public affairs position at Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company and 59th Fortune 500 company. In this role, Dior is the sole communicator for Lockheed Martin’s Information Systems & Global Solutions (IS&GS) Exploration and Mission Support business; managing day-to-day media relations operations. With more than 600 communication-focused employees in the company, Dior’s work as a communicator was recognized with a COMET Award, a Lockheed Martin award that recognizes best practices in communications and exceptional contributions to the business.
Not only does Dior have a passion for communications, he also is very passionate about giving back to the community. Over the past year, Dior has lead numerous community service projects aimed at providing food and resources to those in-need in the Wash. Metro-Area. In August 2013, Dior worked with the National Center for Children and Families to raise more than $500 worth of back to school supplies. In October 2013, he kicked-off the Brown Bag Project, which provided 83 bagged lunches to homeless persons throughout Washington, D.C. To wrap-up the year, he partnered with the Children’s National Medical Center to collect more than $450 worth of toys for patients at the medical center. For his contributions to the community, Dior received the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award, which is issued by President Barack Obama and the White House. This award recognizes outstanding contributions in community service in the United States.
18 – Anthony Johnson | Morgan State University
To meet Anthony in person is to come face-to-face with the embodiment of calculated style; punctuated with a charisma likened to the Paul Robeson’s and Damon Johns of the world. An invention of his, the critically acclaimed “Magnepel” has not only brought a revolutionary accessory to men’s fashion, but spurred an aesthetic renaissance of sorts for men in Baltimore. Ranging at about inches in circumference the “Magnepel” employs a magnet to clasp a lapel flower to suits as an improved alternative to the pins we have toiled with over the centuries. Not only has Anthony co-created a market of his own, he has obtained the voluntary endorsement of leaders such as Pastor Jamal Bryant who fervently believes in the mission that is Anthony Johnson. Apart from his own entrepreneurial ventures Anthony has taken it upon himself to ensure that enterprise in any sort be a community and nationwide effort amongst men of color.
Male Enterprise Network (MEN) is an organization built to empower promising businessmen. MEN is a non-profit that provides resources in efforts to uplift minority male professionals towards higher achievement in the business world. No secrets are abundant when trying to understand that minorities are still a struggling populace of the business world. Only with pioneering efforts like those of Mr. Johnson can African Americans in particular begin to make the calculated leaps and bounds necessary to create and capture markets nationally and internationally. This vision of interlinking professionals is one which has him conduct events such as the annual MEN’s brunch, in which he refused to employ the conventional lecture model of meeting but created simulations of brainstorm between men of varying backgrounds that today still ruminates with all 100 or so men present. This upcoming year Anthony will be buttressing his instincts with a MBA degree from Morgan State University
17 – Terron Armstead | University of Arkansas–Pine Bluff
Armstead wasn’t only a very good football player in high school, but he was also a key part of a record-setting championship track and field team. In his senior year of high school, Armstead led the team with a toss of 62 feet, 3 inches in the shot put. Armstead received several Division I football scholarship offers coming out of high school, but elected to attend Arkansas-Pine Bluff because his coach, former Redskins linebacker Monte Coleman, was the only one that would allow him to also participate in track and field. Armstead not only managed to be a three-time All-SWAC football player, but also an eight-time SWAC champ in track and field.
Over his career for Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Armstead has played in 37 games. He started all 12 games at left tackle in his senior season. Armstead really made a name for himself at the East-West Shrine Game, where he performed extremely well. Terron Armstead is now an American football offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). The New Orleans Saints chose him in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Saints left tackle Terron Armstead is ranked No. 19 in NOLA.com’s top 20 New Orleans Saints players. As a rookie, he started Weeks 16 and 17 and the Saints’ two playoff contests – part of an offensive line that gave up only four sacks and averaged 129.7 yards rushing in their last three games.
16 – Darren Brand | North Carolina A&T University
Darren Brand is known for his personality, passion, and distinct comedy style delivery. For anyone who has come in contact Darren, it’s easily learned that his natural aura is just as authentic and original as his comedic delivery. From the outside, it’s easy to assume that you have a general understanding of a person’s background and how they got to where they are. The bad part about this is 9 times out of 10 we’re usually wrong. Outside of being an outlet to thousands of people through his experience in event planning, motivational speaking, hosting, and comedy, Darren Brand has a story behind his successes.
As a native of Southern Pines, North Carolina, Darren has had occurrences within his life that could easily cause one to detour on a path of negativity or cause a lack in enthusiasm. These two things are definitely not defined in Darren’s dictionary. When asked what triggered the desire of his current successes, Brand had this to say. “Being able to tell my story, coming up with a hard upbringing, and proving you can go to school and not quit. I use laughter to hide what I go through and it’s therapy so why not pass that along.”
Darren “Big Baby” Brand is considered the life force of the Freestyle Funny Comedy Show. Not only is he a hip hop dance extraordinaire but also serves as the sex symbol of the FFCS. Brand’s style is best described as rhythm personified, let him tell it, if he weren’t “slangin these jokes” he’d be “sangin these notes”. @DarrenBrand_ truly believes the collegiate experience encompasses the best years of your life, and much of his material reflects those times. Whether he’s reminding you about proper campus etiquette or showing you the newest dance moves, you’re certain to be entertained.
15 – Glorie Chiza | Fort Valley State University
Glorie Chiza, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fort Valley State University, currently serve as the Program Coordinator for the Opportunity Funding Corporation (OFC), a division of Thurgood Marshall College Fund. OFC has made a significant impact in closing the African American “entrepreneurship gap” by developing successful US-based minority businesses, like BET and Radio One.
Before Joining OFC, Glorie participated in the White House Internship Program as a White House Personnel Intern under the office of Management and Administration. Glorie also spent a semester interning in the office of Congressman John Lewis in conjunction with the Congressional Black Caucus’s Emerging Leaders Program. In addition, He also served as an intern for the Fund for Global Human Rights, a non-profit organization that works to ensure a strong, effective human rights community worldwide.
Glorie is a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to the United States in 2002. In 2012, he founded Sifa Foundation, a non-profit that provides academic scholarships to young people living in poverty in the rural Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Glorie plans to join the U.S. Department of State as a Public Diplomacy Foreign Officer to help strengthen relationships that improve foreign insight into American society and build bridges of understanding between Americans and the world.
14 – Rafael Bush – South Carolina State University
Rafael Bush is an American football safety for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He initially joined the NFL in 2010 when signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. He played college football at South Carolina State. The Saints showed how important Bush is to them when they matched the Atlanta Falcons’ two-year, $3.8 million offer to Bush as a restricted free agent this offseason.
Even though Bush is the Saints’ third safety, he played extensively last season in Rob Ryan’s defense, which spent about 75 percent of snaps in nickel or dime defense. He finished with a career-high 42 tackles and five passes defended in the regular season. Bush is versatile enough to help in both run support and pass coverage, and he also might be the Saints’ best asset in special teams coverage.
So far, Bush has made his biggest impact as a hard hitter in the open field. Unfortunately, one of his most memorable plays last season ended with a negative result — a hard hit that separatedSeattle Seahawks receiver Percy Harvin from the ball on third down during the opening drive of their playoff game. Bush was penalized for the hit, but his fine was later rescinded.
13 – Ala’Torya Cranford | Paine College
Ala’Torya Cranford serves as the Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs. But her duties far surpass her job description. With passion and compassion, she’s opened her door & her heart to ALL who maybe in need. From serving as the Advisor for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. To serving as the advisor for Pre-Alumni Council as well as Mr. & Miss Paine College & Royal Court. She has such an amazing spirit and lends a helping hand in anyway possible! I’ve had the pleasure of working with her while serving as Miss Paine College. She entered My life as an advisor & grew to become My mentor & friend! There is nothing That I can’t talk to her about from spirituality, to student leadership & life in general. She represents our institution as an Alumni, serving in the community & church.
Cranford currently serves as Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at Paine College. She is responsible for overseeing a comprehensive alumni program including electronic communications, an on-line community, events (both on campus and regional), and programs to bring alumni together with current students as well as preparing students to develop into supportive and involved alumni through the Paine College Pre-Alumni Council. The National Alumni Council is an affiliate of the United Negro College Fund, Inc. founded in 1946, to foster, influence and safeguard the existence and strength of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
12- Triston R. Young | Morgan State University
Triston R. Young, is a Senior Civil Engineering and Entrepreneurship double major at Morgan State University. He is currently one of Morgan’s two HBCU All Star Ambassadors with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He serves as an HBCU All-Star to showcase the talent and advantages of an HBCU Education, to represent the interests of HBCU education of our youth and to encourage other students nationwide to lead, serve and strive for excellence and academic success. Since becoming an All Star Ambassador, he has worked to strengthen foreign relations, aided in the development of the My Brother’s Keeper Initiative and committed to helping (MSI) Minority Serving Institutions garner more support and funding. He is a Construction Engineering Intern for CH2M Hill and has been a Co-Op Field Engineer at Turner Construction Company working on projects in Baltimore from office fit-outs to full from ground LEED construction projects. While at Morgan, Triston has conducted faculty assisted research in structural and environmental engineering, achieved a victory in the Consulting Design Olympiad for a global engineering project with engineers in Aachen, Germany and has started his own business.
Triston’s leadership activities have included serving as President of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Grant-Brett Promethean Kappa Tau Honor Society and Inter Resident Hall Council. Among other leadership roles in the previous organization, Triston also has had leadership in the Student Government Association and involvement in the Morgan MILE (Male Initiative for Leadership and Excellence). He helps others as a mentor for the Adopt-A Freshman Mentoring Program and has provided volunteer service for the School of Engineering’s 25th Anniversary Celebration; Open House; Fast Track to Achievement (workshops for freshmen) and Freshman Weekend (Team Leader). Triston is always available to speak with prospective students about engineering. Participating and planning events such as “A Walk for Education,” Triston has devoted countless hours to outreach to promoting education and encouraging elementary, middle and high school students to pursue STEM degrees.
However, the ultimate in his leadership has been the ability to revitalize, re-energize, uplift, and brand the BOSS Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers at Morgan State University. Since his freshman year until this point, he has served as President, Chairman, Parliamentarian, Conference Planning Chair and Step Team Coordinator or. Triston oversaw the outreach and retention programs and activities that the NSBE chapter organized for the Morgan student body, engineering students, pre-college students, and alumni. Even in his final year, he serves as President Emeritus to advise the current president and executive board.
11 – Bianca Bailey – Howard University
Ms. Bianca Bailey is a Howard University Alumna and received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 2012. Before graduating from Howard, Ms. Bailey was awarded the White House “Champion of Change Award for Women & Girls in Science Technology Engineering & Math”. She was nominated by Girls Incorporated for her volunteer work and engineering leadership with Engineers Without Borders-Howard University EWB-HU. Her involvement with EWB-HU has allowed Ms. Bailey to provide clean drinking water in Choimim, Kenya using biosand filter technology and reduce the number of waterborne diseases there. Ms. Bailey has also empowered young people around the world with the knowledge to understand the importance of affordable clean water & sanitation.
Her experiences in places like Kenya, Sudan, Abu Dhabi, Nepal and many other countries has enabled her with the tools and resources to help improve the quality of life for others. This young trailblazer has also started a business called AsanTEA Sanitizers. AsanTEA Sanitizers is a plant-based, scented hand-sanitizer that uses anti-oxidant technology to kill 99.99% of bacteria and viruses. In the 2014 Cozad Business Plan Competition at UIUC, AsanTEA Sanitizers beat out 150 teams and placed as finalists! Ms. Bailey is excited to launch AsanTEA Sanitizers to the community and believe organic products leads to better health within our community. For more info on AsanTEA: Please check out https://sites.google.com/site/asanteasanitizerz/home
In May 2014, Ms. Bailey was the only African American women to graduate with a Masters of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Her masters thesis focused on using black & green tea leaves to purify and clean water. Ms. Bailey is now a PhD candidate in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at UIUC and will continue researching sanitation and water purification using plant-based methods. As a mentee of the first Lady Michelle Obama and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Ms. Bailey is committed to scholarship and service in the community and abroad.
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