Chey Parker | Howard University (20)
Chey Parker has worked in media and public relations as an editor, on-air personality, producer and public relations specialist for less than a decade, but in a very short amount of time, at only 26, has built a promising brand for herself in the media and entertainment industry. A 2013 magna cum laude graduate of Howard University, she got her start in the industry working at some of the most influential companies in the media field, including the British Broadcasting Company, C-SPAN, Clear Channel’s 103 Jamz Radio, WHBC Radio, and WHUR Radio. She also worked as a public relations specialist for the nation’s largest animal welfare protection organization, The Humane Society of the United States.
Chey Parker is currently the Edtior-in-Chief of Yandy Smith’s blog and digital magazine, Everything Girls Love, which has been coined the “baby Essence” of its time. The publication caters to the modern #BlackGirlMagic superwoman of today with engaging and interactive content from entertainment, fashion and beauty, to wellness, lifestyle and relationships. She is also a freelance contributor and a content creator for Black Girl Digital, a premium ad network designed specifically for Black female millennial content creators. As an entrepreneur, Chey co-owns a fashion tech start up company called Rituale, which is a content-driven, e-commerce site for men and women that serves as a platform for shopping, networking among fashion professionals, and exploring the emerging brands of tomorrow. She also co-owns a 100% raw virgin hair extensions line called SNS Glamour. Tapping into her media personality and producer chops, Chey is a co-host on The Mixx Up entertainment online radio show on Blis.FM that has been deemed the new voice of millennials in the DMV and has produced numerous radio and online television shows. During the day, she works as a senior analyst for Deloitte Consulting firm, where she currently serves as the senior editor at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
Chey has been featured in major retail campaigns as a model and brand ambassador for Sports Zone Elite, Everything Girls Love boutique, Yelle Beauty, Dark and Lovely, Sprite and Walgreens. She has also been featured on the UK site, InspiringYoungPeople.com, the Washington City Paper, The Hilltop, Ancestaz.com, Urban Shake Magazine, GirlMuch.com, The Brothers of Commonwealth, the All We Got radio show, The Break Room on iTunes, TheMediaPrince.com, and the Rebelle Society blog. Chey has had the pleasure of interviewing the likes of Mona Scott Young, Latoya Wright, Reginae Carter, LisaRaye, Andrea Kelly, Nicole Parker, Boris Kodjoe, Vivian Green, Gabrielle Union, Judge Mathis, Claudette Ortiz, Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina King, Olori Swank and more.
Regan Farley | Lincoln University (19)
Raegan Farley is co-owner of My PR Agency and has consistently provided Public Relations and Marketing services to entertainment based clients since 2011. Raegan developed her experiences from working with industry leaders and top-tier companies which include Fox Broadcasting Company, NBCUniversal, Def Jam Records, CBS Television and PS Media Talent. Raegan has created content strategy moments within the tech and travel spaces. Currently she also serves as a Communications Associate for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
At NAACP, Raegan provides Media Relations, Media Pitching and Social Media Services to the Organization on a National level. A 2012 Graduate of Lincoln University, Raegan is passionate about issues concerning higher education and healthcare. Through her philanthropy efforts, she has also partnered with organizations such as The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles & NY, and Big Brother Big Sister. She also contributes to sites such as Black Enterprise.com and Diva Gals Daily.
Courtney Ward | Morehouse College (18)
Courtney Ward Jr is a 29-year-old Morehouse Grad that truly encompasses his alma mater’s value of leadership through service. He has always been active, aware, and engaged in his community and politics. As a kid, he received detention for participating in a heated discussion about a presidential election. That engaged kid from Edwardsville, Illinois would continue an interest in politics by serving as an intern for then Senator Obama. Prior to graduation, where Ward received a bachelor degree in political science, he decided to defer his education for a year to serve as a Field Organizer for President Obama’s 2008 Presidential Campaign. As a field organizer, he experienced interactions with various people in the Georgia and North Carolina areas. He performed exceptionally well in his position, receiving praise from the former President himself. Ward has been referred to as (“a )consummate leader and teammate by other politicians and members of the campaign. Due to his outstanding character and political experience, Ward is the youngest candidate to run for District Level Delegate to the Democratic National Convention for the fifth district of Georgia.
After returning to Morehouse College to complete his education Ward has worked in various political sectors as an Intern at Sutherland Asbill & Brenna, LLP and a Business Relations Liaison of the Dekalb County Government of Georgia. Ward resides in Atlanta where he continues to be a leader and serve the surrounding community. He worked as a Community Outreach and Volunteer Engagement Manger at 100 Black Men of Atlanta. He has also served as a Chapter Advisor for Collegiate 100 and Emerging 100, auxiliary groups of 100 Black Men of Atlanta. In this position he had the opportunity to engage and mentor many youths of color as they journey through life, creating a safe place for growth and expression of self. Through his efforts, he has been able to assist the organization of 100 Black Men of Atlanta in coordinating various events that honor mentees with awards and scholarships. Ward’s almost intrinsic service orientated and philanthropic nature is also seen through the organization Kicks 4 The City. He has helped lead the collection and blessing of hundreds of shoes for individuals in need.
Currently, Ward works as Senior Director, Chapter Development and Community Engagement at 100 Black Men of America. He remains politically aware both nationally and locally, being featured on CNN regarding police brutality. Although he is no longer a chapter advisor he continues to walk with the young people he has encountered while mentoring. He also continues to lead and serve with the hopes of improving the city of Atlanta and its youth of today as they become the adults of tomorrow.
Anna-Lysa Gayle | Howard University (17)
Anna-Lysa Gayle is a proud Howard University alumna where she studied in the School of Communications. The 25-year-old started her career at WHSV-TV in Harrisonburg, VA in 2013. Gayle then spent more than two years at WLKY-TV in Louisville, KY; where she received an award from the Associated Press for her continuing coverage of a case involving four young men (coined the Misidentified Four).
In 2017, she earned 2 Emmy awards for her role in a special report on the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and her role in a newscast on the Silver Spring explosion, which killed seven people. You can watch Anna-Lysa Gayle at 10 p.m. on News Channel 8 and 11 p.m. on ABC7 news, from anywhere in the DMV. Be sure to visit annalysagayle.com
Milan Mobley | Bowie State University (16)
From a student athlete in high school to picking up the high heels in college, and walking her way straight into the Entertainment industry and Entrepreneurship with no hesitation, the CEO and Founder of Umanagement LLC, Creator of the EntrepreneuHERs brunch and Co-host of the black girl boss podcast is Milan Mobley. Milan is a self-motivated, goal oriented, creative entrepreneur who will get the job done under any circumstance. Milan is a graduate of Bowie State University class of 2015; where she obtained her Bachelors of Science Degree in Public Relations. She also has her Masters of Professional Studies degree from The George Washington University in Strategic Public Relations class of 2017.
Bowie State University prepared Milan for LIFE! She was the PR coordinator for the Student Alumni Association, Vice President of Communications for the Sports Management club, in the same year Junior Class President and second Vice President for the National Council of Negro Women. Ending her college career, she became a Peer educator for Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Prevention and the Student Government Association President. These notable mentions prepared Milan to be a CEO, Publicist and Entrepreneur.
Throughout her time at Bowie State she worked at the United States Department of Agriculture, and interned with ESPN980 for some time; since Milan was inspired to one day have her own agency that centered around her passion.
At the age of twenty-one Milan started what is today, at just two years old Umanagement Entertainment Public Relations Agency as a Limited Liability Company, based out of Washington, D.C. A company that specializes in Public Relations, Media Relations and Creative Brand Development. These services are offered to six elite divisions (Sports, Brands, Entertainment, Fashion, Beauty and Events.) Milan is also the creator of the Women EntrepreneuHERs Brunch. This an event for Entrepreneurs and aspiring Entrepreneurs to Network, Educate and Inspire each other. The “Women’s EntrepreneuHER Brunch” has been held in the month of March for the past two years, with a 100 plus women attending in honor of Women’s History month. Milan hopes to make a difference and empower other women, with this event. EntrepreneuHERs in attendance will leave with the proper skills, knowledge, and encouragement to excel in their current business or to become an EntrepreneuHER.
Alex Ebanks | Spelman College (15)
Alex Ebanks is a Senior Marketing Manager at Allied MOXY, the multicultural division of Allied Integrated Marketing. In her current role, she strategically manages and creates publicity, promotions and marketing campaigns both nationally and regionally, for entertainment based clients within the TV & film industry. Her recent highlights include leading targeted African American marketing campaigns for award winning films such as 20th Century Fox’s HIDDEN FIGURES and Paramount Pictures FENCES, as well as the hit television show “This is Us” on NBC, along with coordinating and executing large scale event activations at ESSENCE Festival, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), CIAA and the Bronner Bros Hair Show.
As a proud HBCU graduate from Spelman College, she received her bachelor of arts degree in English with a minor in Writing. While at Spelman, she pursued a total of seven internships in the public relations, marketing and TV & film related industries at companies such as BET, AMC Networks and CNN. Through her current position at MOXY, she advocates for HBCU students to look into careers in the communications and entertainment fields through providing internship opportunities, serving as an active mentor and facilitating TV & film related activations on the campuses of the Atlanta University Center.
Most recently, she was invited to participate in Spelman’s annual “Alumnae to Student Luncheon” during the college’s 2017 Founders Week, where she spoke about the entertainment industry alongside fellow Spelman alum, actress & philanthropist, Keshia Knight-Pulliam. Alex is a board member and chair of Public Relations Strategy for Women in Film & Television – Atlanta chapter (WIFTA) and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Lenard Tillery | Southern University A&M College (14)
Lenard Tillery III is from Baton Rouge, LA where he attended McKinley High school. He is a business management major at Southern University A&M college. He plays football for the Jaguars and is the current All time leading rusher. He aspires to play in the NFL and use his influence and knowledge to instill values and more opportunities in to the Baton Rouge community and greater Louisiana.
Tamisha Ponder | Bowie State University (13)
Tamisha J. Ponder is a social activist working in higher education for 8+ years. With experience in civic engagement, college readiness, student success, and first year programs, she is committed to the development of underrepresented individuals.
Founder and President of Generation Up Next, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that encourages youth activism and provides teens with the resources to change their communities, Ponder mentors youth ages 13-17 to become change agents.
Currently the Director of Intercultural Engagement at Community College of Baltimore County, Ponder oversees its three campuses as she promotes student development in social justice, intercultural competency, diversity, and inclusion. Creating transformational educational spaces that create awareness and self-agency she coordinates the Presidents’ Distinguished African-American Lecture Series and establishes culturally responsive classrooms.
Prior to that, she was Transition & Retention Specialist at Bowie State University, where she developed and instituted New Student Orientation; generated programming, resources and initiatives geared towards underrepresented populations; and held an adjunct professor position instructing Freshman Seminar 101 helping students transition into college while also discovering their identity.
Ponder also founded Bowie State University’s Radiance Freshman Leadership & Solidarity Institute in 2012 which prepares freshman women to become public servants and responsible citizens. The program takes place over several weeks in which there are modules on topics varying from professional etiquette, public speaking, conflict resolution, and ethical leadership with service learning opportunities. Six cohorts later the institute has produced three Miss Bowie State University’s, two SGA Vice-President’s, Ivy-League graduate students, and stellar scholars.
An educator at heart, she is also a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and has been featured on TVOne, News One Now, with Roland Martin discussing the benefits of yoga in urban communities. Considering herself to be a Yog(A)ctivist, she believes in encouraging the inclusion of underrepresented and underserved communities by applying the yogic practice as a stress reliever, coping mechanism, and as a tool towards returning to one’s true self.
A native of Maryland, Tamisha earned a BS in Communications: Print Journalism from Bowie State University in 2009 (where she served as SGA President 2008-09); a MS in Women’s & Gender Studies: Health & Sexuality from Towson University in 2011; and is currently a Ph.D. student in the Language, Literacy & Culture Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
She is a Life Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., an avid runner, and a wife. She and her husband, another Bowie State alum, reside in Prince George’s County, MD.
Khala Jones | Howard University (12)
Khala Whitney Jones is a 27-year-old fashion designer hailing from Houston Texas. The Howard University alumna and member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. studied in the school of communications and recently made her debut in the fashion industry, hitting record numbers not even one year since launching her international company, Grayscale.
The work of the millennial designer and stylist can be seen in television series Growing Up Hip-Hop, Love & Hip-Hop, and Basketball Wives. Her pop up shops across the country have sold out every time. Khala has been featured in several issues of Elle Magazine, British Vogue, and also in LA Fashion Week.
Seemingly overnight, Khala’s designs and styling reached the closets of celebrities and fashion aficionados but her mantra is:
“There’s no elevator to success you have to take the stairs”
Her celebrity clientele is endless featuring names like Cardi B, Keyshia Cole, Keke Palmer, Sevyn, Laura Govan, Fantasia Barrino, India Love, Ryan Destiny, Tommie, Yandy Smith, Karen Civil, Leomie Anderson, Bambi, Dreamdoll, Tammy Rivera, and the list goes on.
Visit fromgrayscale.com to view her exclusive collections today. We look forward to her new pieces.
Robert Covington | Tennessee State University (11)
Covington was born on December 14, 1990 him 26 years of age. The now professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University, where he is ranked #7 on the schools all-time list for scoring and rebounds with 1,749 points and 876 rebounds.
Since freshman year, Covington proved to be a star, even being named to the Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer team and earning Mid-Major Freshman All-America honors from Collegeinsider.com. Out of 32 games played his freshman year, he started for 28 averaging 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game (By senior year, these numbers reached: 17.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks in 31.0 minutes per game). Throughout the rest of his career he ranked in accomplishments including 8 double-doubles, being named OVC Player of the Week, first-team All OVC, first-team NABC Division I All-District 19 honors, OVC co-MVP, and leading his team in rebounds, field goal percentage and three-point field goal percentage
After the 2013 NBA Draft, the young player joined the Houston Rockets for the 2013 NBA Summer League then signed a multi-year deal with the Rockets. He made his NBA debut on January 2014 playing less than 1 minute. During his rookie year he was a part of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and the NBA Development League, and in 2014 was named NBA Development League Rookie of the Year.
Later that year, Covington was selected with the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Development League draft by the Grand Rapids Drive and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers 2 weeks later. This go round, when Covington made his debut for the 76ers, he was on the court for 15+ minutes and recorded 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 assists. He has a NBA career high of 28 points and continues to be a demonstration of “If at first you don’t succeed.”
