Ms. Ashley Prudhomme

Ashley Prudhomme graduated from Ozen High School in 2001. She earned her Associates degree in Business Management in June 2018.  She helped many local businesses achieve their marketing needs when she opened her marketing business, Proficient Marketing Associates, in 2018. From April 2017 until December 2018, she served as the youth director for Youthful Beginnings, LLC, a non-profit organization helping teens with self-esteem and job placement.

Her passion for business and community unity inspired her to start SETX Black History Black Business Expo in February 2018. The first expo was a huge success and she is currently planning the third annual Black History Black Business Expo.  

Fueled by her commitment of empowering others she organized SETX First Women’s Empowerment event, "Marching into your Destiny” in March 2018. Though she enjoys hosting community events, she works in the health care field. She began her career at FCC- Beaumont in November 2011.  In February 2016, she received the employee of the month award for her hard work. Promoted to the position of Complex Administrative Assistant Ashley has continued to excel. Recently, she earned the position of State and Federal Healthcare Recruiter. 

She enjoys visiting local colleges in hopes of helping students gain employment with her company. Ashley’s motto is "Help others and watch how God help you."  She created a business Facebook page to help healthcare workers seeking employment, Facebook/Aprudhommehealthcarerecruiter. 

So what is next for Ashley? She is currently working on another business adventure that she hopes to launch later in the year and planning SETX 3rd Annual Black History Expo with her business partner. The sky is the Limit!

Q.  You are the founder of the Southeast Texas Black Business Expo. Who or what inspired you to create the expo? 

A. In December 2017, I attended a business expo and noticed the lack of black businesses. I felt the need to create an event for urban business owners to have the opportunity to display their products and services to the community.

Q.  What is one thing that you wish you could change about the Southeast Texas area? Why? 

A. I would create more attractions for our youth. Many crimes involve our youth. If there were something productive for them to do just maybe, it will stop some of the crime. 

Q.  Would you ever consider switching careers? If so, what other careers interest you? 

A. Yes, I would love to have my own food blog. I love trying new restaurants and different types of food. 

Q.  If you could change anything about your journey, would you? Why or why not? 

A. No, experience is the best teacher. I learn and grow through my journey. 

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why? 

A. If you give up now, you will never know how far you could have went.

Annie Spradley is a 2006 graduate of Memorial High school. She is married to Donnavon Spradley and they have three wonderful children. She is the founder of Walk for Heaven: Sickle Cell Awareness. Over the years she has done Blessing Bags for the homeless. Annie is also the co-founder of Boyz to Men, an organization that focuses on fathers mentoring young men. She started Astonish Kouture Beauty Bar in March 2019. 

Q.  You have planned some community service events. Why is community service important to you?

A. Community service is important to me because I truly love my hometown. The things I choose to support are dear to my heart. I help the homeless because my mom used to be on the streets. I chose sickle cell because it affects my daughter. I’m going to continue to try and make Port Arthur great again. 

Q.  What is something you wish people knew about Sickle Cell Anemia?

A. Sickle cell is as critical as cancer. This disease mostly affects African-Americans so it’s something we should know more about. Most people don’t even know if they carry the trait. I want more people to just know how it affects the lives of those living with it.

Q.  Would you ever consider switching careers?  If so, what are some other careers that interest you?

A. I would definitely consider switching careers. Only because I plan on opening more businesses in our area that I think would benefit us. I think we need more activities for our children to do. We need more performing arts and more STEM labs. We need to focus on our children because they will be the ones taking care of us soon.

Q.  If you could change anything about your journey, would you? Why or why not?

A. Of course! I wish I had more funds to start my business, but I’ve enjoyed the learning experience it has taught me. I think my struggles made me who I am today.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. Don’t downgrade your dreams to fit your reality, instead upgrade your conviction to match your destiny! We tend to doubt ourselves because of what we can see. But if we just have faith and courage, we will be able to achieve so much more.

Kristi Lewis is a 2003 graduate of Memorial High School in Port Arthur, Texas. She is a member of the school’s first graduating class. Upon graduation, Kristi enrolled at Prairie View A&M University in the fall of 2003 where she majored in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in science. In the spring of 2005 at PVAMU, Lewis was initiated into the Eta Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She graduated in the spring of 2008 and began teaching 8th grade Science in the Port Arthur Independent School District. In 2013, she moved to an administrative role where she served as the Assistant Principal at Dick Dowling Elementary for 5 years. Dr. Kristi Lewis currently works as the Assistant Principal at Woodrow Wilson Early College High School within the Port Arthur Independent School District.

During her tenure as a teacher, she founded an organization for female students in the fall of 2009, on the campus of Stephen F. Austin Middle School. The organization has also been active on the Thomas Jefferson Middle School campus as well. The S.A.S.S.Y. Ladies of Woodrow Wilson Early College High School consist of a diverse group of young ladies focused on three essential parts of life in order to become prominent individuals in the nucleus of society… self-efficacy, scholarship, and community service. Steadfast integrity, character building, honored scholars, and humanitarians are the goals at which the S.A.S.S.Y. Ladies of WECHS envision to produce throughout the quest of this great organization. S.A.S.S.Y. stands for Sophisticated, Attractive, Smart, Scholastic, Young Ladies.

Kristi Lewis received both of her graduate degrees from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. In the summer 2011, Lewis received her M.Ed in Educational Administration. In the spring of 2018, she earned three more letters becoming Dr. Kristi Lewis with an Ed.D in Educational Leadership. Dr. Lewis’ interest in cultural competence in the urban school setting led her to complete her dissertation entitled “A Phenomenological Study of Caucasian Teacher’s Perceptions of Culturally Competent Strategies that Contribute to the Success of African American Students. Dr. Lewis has also been recently awarded the Class of 2019 40 Under 40 award by the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization. She often declares that her job within the field of education is not only her lifelong career, but her calling as well. Her primary focus is now shedding light on culturally competent strategies that contribute to the success of minority students. Dr. Lewis’ words of advice to current students is to, “always stand for what is right, even if you are standing alone.”

You may reach Dr. Lewis at Kristi_lewis@hotmail.com.

Q.  What is one thing that you wish parents understood when it comes to educating their children?

A. I wish parents understood the home-school connection better. If the parents would become actively involved in the educational practices and advocate for their students in a respectful manner, the students would definitely succeed and make monumental changes. When parents support the school system and take a hands-on approach, the teachers and students benefit greatly.

Q.  Would you ever consider switching careers?  If so, what other careers interest you?

I am so vested in education that I could not see myself completely switching careers. If I decided to leave public education, I would like to do educational consulting in the area of professionally developing teachers to practice culturally competent strategies that contribute to the success of minority students.

Q.  Educators normally work long stressful days. How do you handle stress at the end of the day?

A. It really depends, but most of the time at the end of the day I like to go home, change my clothes and occasionally go out to eat with friends. Other times I may go for a relaxing walk outside while listening to my favorite gospel or R&B songs.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. There is a quote by Douglas MacArthur on leadership. 

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.  He does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”

This is my favorite because it speaks on being a genuine, authentic person. I have never been afraid to stand alone if I was standing for what was right. Often times, leaders get so caught up in being political or having power trips that they forget the real “why” as to the reason we are all here. I do not mind making tough decisions and taking input from individuals on all levels within my organization. A good idea is a good idea regardless if it is coming from the CEO or the head custodian. I govern myself by three words, being firm, fair, and consistent.

Q.  Imagine you are giving the commencement speech to the class of 2020. What would be your message?  Why?

A. Always stand for what is right, even if you are standing alone. I would deliver this message because at the end of the day you are responsible for you. For any and every decision made, a person must be held accountable whether it was good, bad, or indifferent. The only person held liable for the decisions that a person makes daily will be the person that makes them. One must learn to “move the trees out of the way, in order to see the forest.” Look at the bigger picture and the long-term effects. Do not make temporary decisions that will end up with permanent damages. In life, one must own their choices, learn from them, and make the best out of any given circumstance.

Nikki Jackson is a progressive thinker and the driving force behind many growth opportunities. She is a woman that wears many hats. She has served the Houston community as a consummate professional and champion of organizations that are committed to innovation, change, and providing solutions. Nikki is originally from Beaumont, Texas but has been residing in Houston for the past 19 years. She is a single mother of two sons and one daughter. She is also soon to be a forever mom to a 7-year-old girl from Japan that was in the foster care system.

Nikki is the Founder and President of Living in Pure Silence, a non- profit organization for families of domestic violence as well as Beyond Fostering Inc., a nonprofit for children living in the foster care system.

After living in silence for over 15 years in a domestic violence relationship, then marriage, she made a promise to herself to make sure that other women would have a voice to speak up and out about domestic violence.

In 2016, she became the voice for her daughter, Lakeisha Lewis, after she lost her life at the hands of her children’s father in a domestic violence relationship. In 2017, she founded Keisha’s Kloset to help families of domestic violence with clothing, food and daily essentials.

Nikki is also the Founder of There’s Still Hope, an all-girls home for girls in CPS custody. She is the co-founder of The Jackson Group a global consulting firm, and founder of Teen Talk, a global panel that allows teens to have a voice and break the silence.

In 2017, she completed her certification to become a Certified Life Coach where she helps others birth out their full potential in life.

In 2019, she gave birth to Beyond the Lunch Box. It is an after school program that serves over 250 kids in inner city schools daily with fresh, hot and healthy meals. Nikki is committed to engaging communities and other organizations in dialogue about how to create viable solutions for the problems that people face daily. She has always been committed to educating, empowering, and the fostering of a strong network. Her greatest passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience such as being in a domestic violence relationship, a child in the foster care system, and living in a homeless situation. She helps her clients, who include children, adults and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can be peaceful, complete, whole and safe.

Nikki considers herself a passionate community servant with the ability to motivate and inspire individuals in identifying their potential to continue and share her passion to serve others. With this ongoing quest to give, she has been able to promote significant, positive change in communities and individuals through advocacy, empowered by compassion. She takes pride in engaging in a civically based approached to community building as she is committed to a life-long service based on personal and professional experiences. As a South Texas native, Nikki has grown to be familiar with a striving through a strife mindset based on a strong foundation built on educational values. These brief but significant attributes have naturally inspired her to become a voice to the voiceless and a beacon of hope to the hopeless.

Nikki continues to find opportunities to empower and equip the Houston, Beaumont and Dallas community through assisting faith-based institutions, community leaders, and community members with strategies, plans, and advisement. She believes that there is enough opportunity and resources for anyone to thrive and seeks out occasions to fulfill this vision. She recently appeared as a guest on The Dr. Dawn show. 

Nikki Jackson is a powerful voice in the community and she will continue to blaze trails for the advancement of women, men and children. Nikki’s goals are to leave a legendary mark behind her name and for her children to continue to carry her torch.

Q.  What advice do you have for someone who may be interested in starting his or her own business?

A. Pray, plan and proceed. I will tell them it will be a process when you first get started, but no matter what, do not give up.  Put the work in so you can truly see the results. Also, give quality service to your clients. 

Q.  To who or what do you owe your success?

A. I owe my success to the ones who believed in me when I was working out of a closet size room and those who I have helped along the way bring their dreams and goals to life.

Q.  Would you could change anything about your journey? Why or why not?

A. I would not change anything about my journey because I truly believe it has molded me into the woman I am today.

Q.  If you could change anything about your hometown what would it be and why?

A. I love my hometown, but I would love to see more business developments and programs for children. 

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote? Why?

A. Do what you love and love what you do. That is one of my favorite quotes because no matter where this life leads you, if you do what you love you will see how much more enjoyable the journey will be. 

Executive Pastor Charlotte Moses is a wife, mother, Executive Pastor, daughter, teacher, friend, counselor and entrepreneur. Pastor Charlotte Moses has excelled in all facets of life that she has sought. Through the preaching and teaching of God’s holy word, she has mended many broken hearts and restored many lost souls. Her sermons are being heard throughout this region and, raising a circle of women that are trusting in God and relying on His word. 

First Lady Charlotte Moses, is the wife of Pastor Albert Moses, Jr. She labors along with her husband where she serves as the Executive Pastor of Christian Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Port Arthur, TX. Together they have four (4) beautiful children. Pastor Albert Moses, III, Minister Ashton Moses, Ariel Moses, & Aisha Mason. As the founder and director of the Christian Faith Women of Virtue, Inc., Pastor Charlotte has reinvented the identity of Christian women all over the State of Texas. Whether by giving encouragement to future First Ladies or rendering soul-saving sermons, she has given hope to all women while equipping them with a yearning to seek God in the ordinary events of life. 

While continuing her journey to reach women across the world, Lady Charlotte desired to reach beyond the boundaries of her congregation to women from all walks and facets of life. Through the divine intervention of the Holy Spirit, was the birth of the Diamond Conference. The first Diamond Conference was held in August of 2008 to glorify, edify and magnify the Lord. It was to impart in women a sense of self-worth and love for Christ that no one could steal away. As a result of its initial success, Lady Charlotte is embarking on the journey of the eighth Diamond Conference which is already in the preparation phase. 

Through all of her commitment to the ministry, Lady Charlotte is also the co-founder of Love At Work Academy, Inc., a non-profit agency dedicated to the empowerment of probated youth and Global Drug and Alcohol Solutions, Inc., a drug and alcohol testing center. She currently serves on the City Council in the at-large Position 7. Pastor Charlotte has served on several advisory boards with the city & golden triangle. With assistance from staff and volunteers, Lady Charlotte is able to create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and personal achievement. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit she is able to press toward the mark of a higher calling in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Charlotte received her Bachelor of Bible Theology & Master of Theology from Midwest Seminary of Bible Theology in Sikeston, Missouri. Pastor Charlotte admonishes that God is the source of all good things and gives all praise and honor to His name.

Q. What does the word "success" mean to you? 

A. To me, success is living my true purpose and having a positive impact on the lives of the people I meet on a daily basis: my children, employees, church family, and community. My daily goal is to empower, uplift, and inspire them to think and act in ways that they may not have considered before.

Q. You have been very active in your community? What is your philosophy on community service? 

A. My philosophy on community service is serving, and service is defined as hard work. We must work to make a difference by helping to improve the lives of those that are less fortunate than ourselves. We should work toward feeding those who are hungry, whether that hunger is food, counseling, a shoulder to lean on, tutoring youth in need, providing clothing to those in need, and so much more. 

Q. If you could change one thing about the city what would it be and why? 

A. If I could change one thing in our community, it would be the aesthetics of our city. Driving into a beautiful city gives you a sense of pride and a desire to keep it clean. I can remember growing up on welfare, my mom would always say, “Let’s clean this place, we don’t have to look like we are on welfare!” We may a city that’s been ravished by a hurricane, but we don’t have to look like it!! 

Q. What is your favorite motivational quote during a challenging day? Why? 

A. My favorite motivational quote is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This bible quote/scripture has brought me into the realization that I am not smart enough to do anything on my own or in my own strength. I must trust & depend upon the God I believe in, Jesus Christ, for clarity & direction. 

Q. Imagine that you were giving the commencement address for the city's high school. What would be your main point to them? Why? 

A. If I were speaking at a high school commencement, my main point to them would be “Keep going, this is your Commencement!!” I would want graduating students to know and understand that this is not a time to stop, but it is the time to begin. Begin to pursue higher education and attain higher goals! It’s your time to go for the gold! 

Q. What is your philosophy on entrepreneurship in the Black community? 

A. Entrepreneurship is essential in the black community. It’s essential because we have an opportunity to show generations behind us that we can own and operate productive businesses in our community. Also, entrepreneurship gives us influence and purchase power within our community. Fredrick Douglas said it best, “Who you give your money to, is who you give your power to.”

Nia Lewis was born December 19, 2003 in Orange, Texas. Growing up Nia was always bossy with a strong personality, but little did her family know she was becoming a leader. She grew up in church, and loves helping and serving others. When she was in the sixth grade, Nia joined Student Council at her school. In the seventh grade, Nia served as president of Student Council, president of Top Teens of America, and was inducted into National Jr. Honor society. In eighth grade, she also served as president of Student Council, was a member of National Jr. Honor society, president of Top Teens of America, and Area Administrative Assistant of Top Teens of America. 

In 9th grade, she was a member of Student Council, Aka Ivy league, Mustang for the Masters, President of Top Teens of America, Area Administrative Assistant of Top Teens of America, and founded her organization TMAD all taking college courses and pre-Advanced Placement classes. Nia has many awards and acknowledgements including MLK Blossoming Mind Rising Star, Stallions Miss.WOSMS, Beaumont Enterprise, VIP Magazine, multiple articles in the Orange Leader, recognized by City Council, recognized by WOCCISD, Freshman Homecoming Duchess 2018, recognized by the City of Orange, article in KOGT, article in Voyage Houston Magazine, and interviews on Channel 12 and 6 News.

It was during her 8th grade year that she had a vision to start a nonprofit organization. Teens Making A Difference is a group of self-driven, and highly motivated individuals who have joined forces to help better influence the world, starting within the community of Orange, Texas. A part of the organization’s mission statement is, we believe that, “We will never influence the world by being just like it. We must set ourselves apart by giving generously, serving our communities, and loving unconditionally.” Teens Making A Difference thrives in giving back to the community, seeks to provide the neighborhoods with positive and safe environments, and host uplifting activities for each and all teens to partake in. Their main purpose is to assist teens in having a different perspective on life, and to show everyone that outward appearances, race, gender, or age does not matter. TOGETHER WE CAN DO REMARKABLE THINGS! 

Q.  What is your greatest strength? 

A. I would like to say that my greatest strength is being persistent. If I have a vision to do something, I am consistent with the task until I get it done. A part of being persistent is also not taking any short cuts or half doing it. I want it done as close to perfection the first time around.

Q. What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting his or her own nonprofit organization or for profit business?

A.  My advice to anyone wanting to branch off and start his or her own organization or business is to just go for it! I am a firm believer in “walk by faith and not by sight.” A person will have so much more regret by not taking a chance and always wondering “what if?” as opposed to just doing what it is they want and possibly failing. When you go for it, you give yourself room to figure out what it takes to make it work. It may not come off as easy but stay humble, pray, and be patient.

Q. Who inspires you the most? Why?

A. I do not have one specific person that inspires me the most. I am inspired by several people, and that is anyone who I can make smile. TMAD is all about making a difference. When I see the results of my organization that is when I get inspired. Not only to do more but also to stay consistent in what we are already doing.

Q. What keeps you going on the days that you feel like giving up?

A. One thing that keeps me going is my faith in God. I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and I know that all I am and all I have is because of Him. Any time I felt there was not a way, or I doubted myself, life worked itself out in my favor. I know that it is nothing but God every time.

Q. What does the word "success" mean to you?

A. To me, success is a state of mind, and result of satisfaction in what you did. Standing tall and believing that you put in the work and made it a “success.” I take pride in my success because that is something I worked hard for. Most times, if I see smiling faces that proves to me that I have “succeeded.” Success is all a mindset. Knowing and believing that each opportunity is a step closer to your dreams becoming a reality affects your success. In the meantime, I stay humble and continue to let everything fall  into place.

Divinely inspired majestic events are known to take place on New Year’s Day. Such was the case for Randy and Glynis Williams on January 1, 1990 as God graced them with a bundle of destiny they named Brooklyn. Academic prowess has never been an option for our featured personality. Pedagogically speaking, excellence in achievement took place on every level as Brooklyn attended Price Elementary, Odom Academy, and Clifton J. Ozen Senior High School where she was crowned Homecoming Queen. After high school Brooklyn attended Lamar University where she received her bachelor’s degree in corporate communication. She is currently earning her Master of Ministry at Grace School of Theology. 

This multi-talented administrative powerhouse of a young lady operates as the Executive Director of John R. Adolph Ministries and serves as the Executive Coordinator and Producer for Ambassador Television. She is the founder of the Chronicles Christian Bookstore and lovingly labors week after week as she gives leadership to a huge contingency of Lamar University Students as the Director of Student Affairs for the Relentless LU CRU of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Brooklyn works passionately as the Chief Consultant and Administrative Liaison for Advantage Books where she makes the dream of becoming an author a reality for many. She is also the Executive Director of Business Development for her very own company, 2023 Vision LLP where she does visual marketing for brands, businesses, and individuals. Williams is a professional program coordinator, a skillful event developer, a dynamic motivational speaker and a daringly dazzling model. Brooklyn was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas so when it regards community service she partners with numerous communal efforts across the width and breadth of the region to make Jefferson County, Texas a better place to live for everyone. 

Her partnerships include but are not be limited to: serving on the Career and Technical Education Board in BISD, mentoring youth, managing college interns, motivating athletic teams with life changing speeches, and partnering with other entities and agencies for the purpose of building bridges, empowering people, and serving God by serving others with her magnificent sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. To see her is to look in admiration, to be in her presence is to stand near a portrait of redemption, to shake her hand is to touch a sincere disciple of Jesus Christ who is growing towards perfection and to get to know her is a gracious gift from God. Ladies and gentlemen meet Ms. Brooklyn Williams!

Q. You were recently awarded for your volunteer efforts at a local school. What inspired and motivated you to get involved?

 A. My true inspiration and motivation for my involvement with youth across the width and depth of the community is this, the hope of our tomorrow is our youth of our today! I absolutely love encouraging, enriching, and embracing, and empowering them. 

Q. If you could change anything about the education system what would it be and why? 

A. If I could change anything about the education system in America it would be to include God again. In my humble opinion, anything without God fails. Our decision through democracy to exclude God has now caused us to include other things that we now see in schools that none of us desire. 

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is an aspiring entrepreneur?  

A. My resolve would be to prayerfully partner with people who are competent, caring, and considerate. Work with people who can be helpful in guiding you administratively who have a plethora of experience and wisdom to offer. 

Q. Imagine you could talk to your 16-year old self. What would you say and why? 

A. At 16 years old, I was a typical teenager ready to graduate! Perfect attendance, A/B honor roll and a social butterfly. What I lacked was the ability to dream and think past the moment. Goals, vision boards, and strategic planning was nonexistent for me and caused me to think less of myself as the years passed. If I could have a conversation with that young lady today I would challenge her to dream first and think second because if you think first, it could alter your dream. 

Q. What is one of your favorite motivational quotes? Why? 

A. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 I love this because even though we are not told directly that there would be trials and tribulations He told us to be steadfast and immovable which suggest that we would encounter some form of turbulence. In short, He gave us a pep talk before we ever got started! 

Chef Delilah Johnson is a native of Lake Charles, La. She is the daughter of Author and Joan Scott and the granddaughter of Walter and Estella Scott. Delilah moved to Beaumont, Texas in 2001 where she became a self-taught chef. She later became an Executive Chef at the Beaumont Club. Chef Johnson has is now a private Chef and has been featured on KFDM news. She is currently working on a small community garden in the Pear Orchard area.

Q.  Former First Lady Michelle Obama led an initiative to change school lunches to make them healthier.  What is your opinion on what is offered in school lunches?

A.  Our lunches could be better.  Our students need better food.

Q.  What has been one of the hardest struggles that you have faced as a business owner and how have you worked to combat that struggle?

A.  As a business owner you must wear more than one hat.  You must stay humble and true to yourself.

Q.  If you could give one single piece of advice to someone who is aspiring to become an entrepreneur what would it be and why?

A.  My advice to an aspiring entrepreneur is to know what you want and then go get it.  Keep moving forward.

Q.  Imagine you were giving the commencement address at a high school graduation.  What would be your message and why?

A.  My message to students would be that it is okay to dream big.  People are scared to take risks, but you have to be a risk taker.  Carpe diem!

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote?  Why?

A.  Each day is a gift from God. You must be willing to take each day and to do something special with it.

Dr. Belinda George was born in Chauvin, La. Dr. George attended Nicholls State University for one semester. After failing miserably, her mother told her that the only way that she would go back to college was is she paid for it herself, so she did.

After meeting her husband, Melvin, of Beaumont, TX in Chauvin, La, she decided to leave her job as a neighborhood local store cashier and enlist in the U.S. Army. While serving in the military, she began pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Central Texas College while stationed at Ft. Hood, TX. While enlisted, she married her forever friend, Melvin George. After serving 4 years in the military, she moved to Beaumont, TX and enrolled at Lamar University to continue pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree, she began teaching fourth grade at Guess Elementary in Beaumont. As a teacher, she felt the need to touch the lives of children beyond the four walls of her classroom. This passion inspired her to attain her Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree from Lamar University.

Belinda has worked in many capacities in the Beaumont Independent School District. She was a Curriculum Coordinator at Dishman Elementary for two years, the Language Arts and Early Childhood Supervisor for one year, an Assistant Principal at Guess Elementary for two years, and an Assistant Principal at Central Medical Magnet High School for two years. She was also an Assistant Principal at Guess Elementary for two years, and she currently serves as the principal of Homer Drive Elementary. 

While at Homer Drive Elementary, she has received national recognition for her “Tucked in Tuesdays.” She has worked tirelessly in the district for 15+ years.

Dr. George believes that education is extremely important. Her motto is, “Live life without boundaries because you only get one chance to live it right.”

Q.  Has the notoriety influenced you to do more to encourage learning in the community? 

A. No.  The notoriety is great, but encouraging learning is a lifelong automatic task for passionate educators.

Q.  What does the word "success" mean to you?

A. Success to me occurs when you experience self-fulfillment after reaching and/or surpassing your goals.  

Q.  If you could be doing anything different would you?  Why or why not?

A. Absolutely not.  My world revolves around children.  They are our future leaders, and I plan to shape and mold them to the best of my ability.

Q.  What is one of the most important things that you think parents need to know about educating children?

A. Parents need to know that the school is an extension of home.  A child's school experience is greatly influenced by their home life.   This could be either positive or negative. 

Q.  If you could change anything about your community what would it be and why?

A. I would ask the community to volunteer in their local schools because it truly takes a village.

DeJonique Garrison graduated magna cum laude from Clark Atlanta University in 2011 with a degree in Mass Media Arts. She then completed a Master of Science in Journalism at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in December 2014. While completing her masters, Garrison reported on education and immigration from the streets of Chicago as well as the committee rooms of Washington D.C. 

Garrison's southern roots, specifically experiencing natural disaster and political scandals in her hometown of New Orleans, La., created the foundation for her passion of service through journalism. She began her storytelling career in Augusta, GA as a government reporter. One of the highlights of her time in the Garden City was getting to tell the story of patrons from behind the gates of the Augusta National at The Masters Golf Tournament. In 2017, she moved west to Texas to serve as an anchor/investigative reporter for 12News. Garrison’s work after Hurricane Harvey detailing the backlog of 911 calls during the catastrophic storm earned a 1st place Southeast Texas Press Club Award. In July 2018, DeJonique launched a lifestyle broadcast titled “The Beat.” The show aims to entertain and inform a millennial, urban audience through community engagement and partnerships.

Before diving into local news, DeJonique worked for the extras casting department for MTV Productions and Bunim/Murray Productions on projects that included The Real World, Teen Wolf and Worst Cooks in America. When she's not busy following the latest news, DeJonique enjoys traveling, trying new recipes and community outreach through her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Q.  If you could change anything about your journey so far what would it be and why?

A. Everything happens for a reason. It’s tough to say that I’d change anything. While I have been in some uncomfortable situations and struggled to make it to where I am today, those battles created the muscles that I’d need to carry today’s load. If anything, I would have solicited the assistance of a mentor much earlier in my career. Speaking to someone who’s been where you’re going is invaluable. Having that type of institutional knowledge along the journey can help you from making “rookie” mistakes, while cultivating you into the professional that you aspire to become.

Q. What is your favorite motivational quote?  Why?

A. I am a quote junky! The season in life I’m in normally dictates which quotes speaks to me the most. Right now, the quote hanging in my cubicle is: “I’m the greatest. I said that before I knew I was.”-Muhammad Ali

This quote speaks to our fear of going for great. Before anyone else will give you a shot, you must believe you’re worthy of the position. You must be your biggest cheerleader. The energy that you put out into the universe is what it will give you back. Self-affirmation is key!

Q.  What is one misconception about being a news anchor that you wish people knew the truth about?

A. I wish people knew that I don’t get paid enough to make up stories! Ha! Seriously! When people attach the term #FakeNews to things that they don’t agree with, it grinds my gears. Local news is an entirely separate entity from the national outlets like CNN, FOX, and MSNBC. While those networks may lean right or left depending on their management, in local news, we are your neighbors who work very hard, day in and day out, to tell balanced stories. Sure, we make mistakes, but please know that we take our job as ethical journalists extremely seriously.

Q.  Imagine that you were talking to your 16-year old self.  What would you say and why?

A. Sometimes, rejection is God’s protection. I wasn’t the most popular girl in high school. If the term “hater” was popular between 2003-2007, it would’ve been my most used word. I didn’t understand that even while giving your best, there would be times where that wasn’t enough. And, that’s okay! Every opportunity isn’t for you to seize. Every title isn’t for you to win. Every friend isn’t for you to gain. Focus on being a good person and operating in your gift. Everything else will fall into place.

Q.  What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone who wants to enter the industry?

A. Be ready to work hard. Very hard! You can’t do it for the popularity, or the screen time. At your core, you must have a burning desire to want to uncover the truth, serve others, and get the story right. Get experience through internships. Shadow a mentor to find out what you like and don’t like about being in a newsroom. Take the proper courses to prepare you with the tools of the trade. It can be a thankless job, but, the gratification of knowing that you play a small role in helping your community while holding those in power accountable is more than enough.

Mrs. Bridget Gilder was born April 16, 1968 in Kountze, TX and was raised by a young single mother in Silsbee, Texas. She graduated high school in 1986 and went on to Sam Houston State University where she earned a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. In 1989, she began a career in juvenile probation where she eventually served as the Assistant Chief of Juvenile Probation in Hardin County. Bridget was also later employed by the Federal Government as a probation officer, spent time working for the State of Texas at the Al Prince Juvenile Correctional Facility as a Workforce Development Counselor and worked with the Silsbee Independent School District as an Early Intervention Specialist before starting an insurance agency in 2007. 

As an entrepreneur she has had the distinct pleasure of employing family members including grooming her daughters, nieces, and son in law in business. Mrs. Gilder has earned various awards and recognition from Farmers Insurance as a Triple A rated agency and from the community as the 2016 and 2017 Insurance Agent of the year.

Bridget has been married to Stanford Gilder since 1994. They have two impressive daughters who are completing their college educations, Hailey and Kennedi Gilder. She also parents a beautiful niece who is enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Bridget has been an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority since the Fall of 1988 as well as various other community organizations.

Mrs. Gilder attends Believers New Life Ministries Church in Kirbyville, TX. Her current endeavor involves developing Kelly Estates, which is a mobile home park community which caters to young mothers on housing. Bridget’s hobbies include being an exceptional cook, loving to communicate, shop, and network.

Q.  What advice do you have for someone who may be thinking of starting their own business?

A. My best advice is to maintain or repair your credit. Also, have savings to aid in your new endeavor. Educate yourself! Find a mentor. Network.

Q.  If you could change anything about your hometown what would it be and why?

A. I would love to see my hometown grow economically and increase in population. Why? Because, it would be better for business.

Q.  What has been your greatest struggle with being an entrepreneur and how have you tried to handle it?

A. Managing my stress. I utilize positive affirmations. I also chart my monthly financials to determine growth and/or shortfalls. Numbers don’t lie.

Q.  If you could change anything about your life, would you?  Why or why not?

A. If I could change anything, I would change the amount of energy I devoted to stressing over things that never happened. I would have been kinder to myself and my family.

Q.  What is one of the biggest misconceptions about the insurance industry that you would like to clarify?

A. The agent does not determine or pay claims, the company does.

Q.  To who or what do you owe your success?

A. I owe my success to God, my husband, children, and mother. Also, Mr. Jim Owen, who was the district manager with Farmers that shared the opportunity with me.

Gina Antionettea Wright Linton was born in Gary, Indiana March 1, 1988. Gina relocated to Port Arthur, Texas at the age of nine with her four siblings and single mother. Being the oldest of five, Gina was always a leader to her siblings and friends. Gina attended Memorial High School until the eleventh grade. She was home schooled her senior year. Growing up, Gina had a very rough start in life, but she never gave up on herself. 

In 2008, she attended Lamar State College Port Arthur Cosmetology School and graduated in 2009 with her license in cosmetology. Gina has also been attending Lamar University to pursue her dream of being an attorney. While striving to be the best hair stylist in the area she surpassed the goals she had set for herself. Gina has participated and competed in numerous major hair shows across America, receiving top honors along the way. In the 1st & 2nd Annual Hair Award Show in Houston, TX Gina received the “Best Hairstylist and Best Salon of Southeast Texas” awards. In July 2016, Gina was voted “Best Hairstylist 2016” by the Readers of the Port Arthur News and received the “Blue Ribbon Award.” In 2015, Gina became the proud co-owner of De Luxe Cheveux Salon in Beaumont, Texas. The salon is a proud member of The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and The Better Business Bureau. In an effort to give back to the community, the salon has partnered with The Texas Department of Transportation and adopted a two-mile stretch of highway here in Jefferson County. Every other month the salon gives complimentary makeovers to women in need. The salon also gives away baby supplies and school supplies to families in need throughout the community. 

Gina has participated and volunteered in numerous non-profit events and orchestrated her own non-profit event called “The Back to School Explosion” which had over 300 hundred youth in attendance. This event was a great success and impacted the youth lives. Gina is an active member of the Junior League of Beaumont where one of their main goals is working together to identify unmet needs in the community and work for change. She was one of the stars for the “Dancing with the Stars of Southeast Texas” and helped raise over $100,000. In addition, she is also an active Volunteer for CASA, an advocate and voice of the child. She is a mentor for young women in the golden triangle and a member and leader of Rhema Word Ministries in Port Arthur, Texas. She is the youth choir director and youth minister. Gina also graduated with a diploma in Biblical Studies at Ruach School of Theology. She graduated from Leadership of Beaumont class of 2017 and is a member of YPO. She is a prophetess and serves her pastor as an armor bearer. Gina is dedicated to serving. She loves God with all her heart. 

She is married to the man of her dreams, Charles Linton from Port Arthur, TX. Living her dreams and accomplishing her goals one by one, she is now wanting to finish her degree in Political Science as a Pre-Law student and head to law school to pursue her ultimate dream of becoming an attorney. Gina has a heart of gold and loves her community. She enjoys singing, dancing, traveling and community outreach. She has always believed and constantly says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Q.  Why is community service so important to you?

A. Community service is important because I believe in the saying, “It takes a village.” Community service is what helped keep food on my family’s table. It was someone reaching out to help us during tough times. My nannies, who I call “Nanny Johnna and Nanny Carolyn,” nurtured me and taught me about Jesus Christ. If it wasn’t for their community service I don’t know where I would be. It takes a person with a kind heart to think about someone other than themselves. I come from the ghetto and I can relate to the struggle. It was hard and even harder to make it out of the “crabs in a bucket.” I wanted to be the crab that made it out, get myself together, and come back and knock the whole bucket over and release everyone. I’m dedicated to reaching out to our youth and help them to make smart decisions and being there for them. Everyone needs a hand!

Q.  What does the word "success" mean to you?

A. The word success means to me “fulfilling the call that God ordained over my life.” I just want to successfully carry out “the call” and make God happy. Now that’s success! The bible says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added,” Matthew 6:33. So that means if I seek God and His will, everything I dream of being or want will be mines because I put Him first. My God that’s beautiful!

Q.  What is your personal philosophy on education?

A. Education is the Key to success. In this world you can’t make it without having knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. I push young people to go to college and get a degree. There is nothing more powerful than to have education! Be smart!

Q.  What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

A. My advice for someone who wants to become an entrepreneur is to be consistent and be motivated. Do not stop until you accomplish your goals. Even after you reach your goals continue to enhance your skills. You can never stop growing. Know that storms will come and instead of running just embrace it and turn into a superhero during the storm. Embrace every trial and endure hardship. Nothing can stop you but you! Keep God first in everything!

Q.  If you could say anything to your 16-year-old self what would it be and why?

A. Wake up! Stay Focused! You’re powerful and smart. Leave them nappy head boys alone and focus on your dreams and visions. 

Minister Raquel Foster is a Woman of God who He has given a passion for serving people. She is the wife of Ordained Elder Bryan Foster and they serve together at United Christian Fellowship Church in Newton, Texas under the leadership of Pastor Charles Foster. Bryan and Raquel have been married for 23 years and they are the proud parents of 5 sons: Bryan, Jr., Calum, Gabriel, Joshua and Aaron and 2 granddaughters: Layla and Cambri.

Raquel is a licensed minister and has been preaching the Word of God for 18 years. She is obedient to her call and ministers wherever God sends her. She cherishes her call in bringing forth the uncompromising Word of God and the gift upon her life has blessed many with these profound truths. She serves in the following roles at her home church: Praise & Worship Leader, Youth Minister, Pre K Primary Sunday School Teacher and Church Secretary.  She and her husband formed J.I.R.E.H. Ministry a 501(c)(3)non-profit Disaster Relief Organization.

In her private time, Raquel worked as the Office Administrator and Bookkeeper for Charles Foster & Sons Logging, LLC for over 15 years. 

She and her husband are owners and operators of Foster Income Tax Service and Foster Printing & Graphic Designs in Newton, Texas. She is not only active in the church but she also believes that the church has to let its light shine within the community. She has served as a mentor to high school aged ladies through the S.H.A.D.E.S. Mentoring Program and she is the founder and President of Support Our Students (S.O.S.). She has served for 6 years as a member of Site Base Decision Making Committees for the Elementary, Middle School, High School and the District of Newton I.S.D. She has also served on several Principal Interview Committees for the school district as well as a School Board Trustee Member for the Newton Independent School District. 

She served as a member and treasurer of the Southeast Texas Disaster Recovery Group that was formed as a long-term recovery group after the 2016 flooding of the Sabine River. In August of 2018, she and her husband co-authored and published a book When the Enemy Comes Like a Flood. Raquel is currently the Democratic nominee for the 2018 Newton County Judge’s position. 

In her leisure time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family. She enjoys reading, but above all, fulfilling the will of God is her main purpose.

Q.  Who or what inspired you to write a book?

A. My husband was the inspiration for writing the book. The two of us decided early in our marriage that we wanted to build a home for our family and we wanted to do this without going into debt to be freed up financially to give back by doing ministry work. My husband made a vow to God that if He gave us the desire of our heart, then we would tell the world about it. We never dreamed that in writing the book, that our faith would be tested when we gave this testimony. God blessed us with the debt-free home, we began to write to tell about how God had blessed us and then our testimony and our faith was tested.

Q.  A lot of people believe voting is pointless because the "powers that be" will do what they want to anyway.  Can you explain your beliefs on voting in local elections?

A. Those comments once echoed my sentiments. I too, have felt the same way. In earlier years, I would make a practice to vote but as time went on, and as things remained the same, I became frustrated with the process and found myself voting less and less. Sometimes we have to step outside of the box of “things will never change” and become the catalyst for the change we desire to see. This is what drove me to throwing my hat into the local election to run for County Judge in Newton County. Local elections carry a lot of weight regarding decisions that affects us on a daily basis. Every vote matters and every vote counts. Casting your vote gives you the opportunity to make your voice heard. Even if the election does not go the way that you want, you have exercised a right that was given to us by the sacrifices of those who came before us.

Q.  Who or what motivates you to continue going when you feel weary?

A. My family and my faith in God and His Word is what keeps me motivated even when I feel weary.

Q.  If you could change anything about your journey would you?  Why or why not?

A. I wouldn’t change anything about my journey because I believe that every life experience teaches us something about ourselves. Even our mistake, mishaps and mess-ups become teachable moments in life.

Q.  What is one single piece of advice that you would give to anyone in regards to following their dreams?  Why that piece of advice?

A. Write down your plans and make them clear. Always keep them before you to remind you of what you are trying to accomplish. But most importantly, be open to a change of course when following your dreams. I referenced in our book When the Enemy Comes Like a Flood that I had certain plans for my life but they didn’t work out the way that I thought they would. Now that I look back, God’s plan for my life superseded any plans that I had for myself. I would give this advice because often we become disappointed when things don’t happen as we plan or within the time frame that we have given ourselves. But I would encourage anyone to allow God to order their steps and direct their ways so when things don’t go as they have planned they will be encouraged to know that God has plans for us as well. His plan are to take care of us, no to abandon us and to give us a better future than we could ever hope for.

Tiffany Overstreet is the owner of Overstreet Tax Service and Life of the Party Mascots, located in Orange, Texas. She was born in Cleveland, Mississippi but was raised in Orange, Texas. She faced much adversity throughout her life. By the age of 17 Tiffany was a teen mom but she was determined to become more than that. She graduated from West Orange Stark High school in 1998 and immediately enrolled in college. She attended Texas Southern University business school for four years. During an internship at Colbert Ball Tax office she learned to complete tax returns. 

In 2004, Tiffany moved back home to Orange, Texas. After working many odd jobs and having difficulty finding a decent paying job she decided to enroll at Lamar State college Orange.  She graduated nursing school and obtained her LVN license.  Once she entered the nursing workforce, she realized very fast that nurses worked long hours.  Being a single mother at the time she was constantly thinking of ways to generate more income. 

Ms. Overstreet was looking for something unique for her daughter’s 4th birthday party when she purchased her first mascot.  After posting pictures online people began to inquire about renting and borrowing it.  The very first time she lent it out she received a tremendous amount of feedback. This led to her renting the mascot out on a regular basis. After generating a profitable income, she purchased more mascots and LIFE OF THE PARTY MASCOTS was born. Tiffany now owns over twenty cartoon mascots. 

In 2012, she wanted to take a vacation to Dubai and Abi Dhabi with her friends.  After processing free tax returns for years, she decided to charge a small rate to process their tax returns to save money for her trip. The support of family and friends was overwhelming. She surpassed her financial vacation goal.  Once she returned home, she began to brand her business as Overstreet Tax service. Tiffany obtained the credentials needed with the IRS, bought a software program and has been working independently since then. 

While work seems to consume her life, she loves the flexibility of being an entrepreneur. It allows her the ability to travel to see the world, spend time with her family and make her own hours.  Although she is a nurse by profession, she is an entrepreneur by choice and she wouldn’t trade it for the world. 

Q. You are active in your community. What motivates you to give back?

A. My community has blessed me with their support in all my business ventures. I want to reciprocate the love and support that has been shown to me. There is an indescribable feeling that comes over me when I bless someone else. I love that feeling! Giving back is natural for me. 

Q. If you could change anything about your community what would it be and why?

A. If it were up to me I would spread an abundance of love throughout my community. The kind of love that would make us heal one another not kill one another. A love that would empower and not compete against each other. A love that would uplift and support, not tear down and destroy. 

Q. As a mother, what are some changes that you would like to see take place in public education? Why?

A. I would also love to see public and private schools teaching entrepreneurship classes. Not everyone is going to travel the road to college. Show them other avenues and teach them to be successful in life. I would also love to see the public school system focus less on state assessment tests and more on college entrance exams.

Q. What does the word "success" mean to you? Why?

A. Success to me means having the financial freedom to do anything that you want to do.  If you have reached and surpassed the personal goals that you set out for yourself, you are successful. Only YOU can measure your personal success. No one else can do this for you.

Q. If you could say anything to your 16-year old self, what would it be and why?

A. Great question! I would say “Girl, slow your roll! You have a lifetime to get older. Focus on being the best “YOU” possible. Everything else can wait because anything worth having is worth waiting for.” 

I would give myself this advice because at the age of seventeen I was a teen mother. I have worked hard to beat both the stereotypes and the odds which were against me. 

Mrs. Raine Limbrick was born and raised by Kevin & Bridgette Chretien in the city of Beaumont, Texas.  She graduated as a Lady Hawk from Hardin-Jefferson High School in 2004 where she was a varsity athlete.  Raine began working in the hospitality industry in 2005 while she attended Lamar University and Lamar Institute of Technology to obtain a degree in Radiologic Technology.  After graduating, she decided to continue working in the hospitality industry as a front desk agent, not realizing this would ultimately become her career. 

After realizing that hospitality would be her chosen career path, Mrs. Limbrick began to work her way up which ultimately landed her in the role of Sales Manager.  She worked at the Elegante Hotel for 13 years before finally deciding it was necessary to move on and start a new journey so that she could progress in her career field.  Raine accepted the position of Director of Sales & Marketing for Holiday Inn in 2017, and still currently hold that position. She works actively with the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce & the Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau. Mrs. Limbrick is also a member of SETX Young Professionals Organization and a 2018 graduate of Leadership Beaumont. Currently, she is studying for her Certified Hospitality Revenue Manager (CHRM) certification, and plan to complete testing in July of 2018. 

In June 2012, Raine married her soulmate, Randi Limbrick of Kirbyville, Texas, and they have a beautiful blended family with four sweet little girls When she is not working she enjoys gardening, crafting, photography, and spending time making memories with her family.  She is so very grateful that she was blessed with such amazing parents who taught her that things in life are earned and not given. 

My parents, without question, have always supported me in any and everything that I have done.  I lost my father unexpectedly in November of 2017, but I know that he was proud of the little girl he had raised and the woman I have become.  My one goal in life is for me and my husband to be able to provide our children with the same love, lessons, and support that my parents have given me.

Q.  If you could change anything about the Southeast Texas area what would it be and why? 

A. I would like to see our community provide more support for our local, home grown businesses.  I want the salaries and hourly wages to be competitive and to reflect the constant increase in cost of living expenses.  I hear people in our community often say, “I can’t wait to get out of Beaumont.”  Beaumont’s population decreases every year because people leave and invest in other communities due to higher wages, or because they feel that there is not enough “action” in Southeast Texas.  I have witnessed so many local businesses open and close their doors within a year due to lack of support from the community.  I have also witnessed community leaders attempt to bring great events and activities to our city, but fail due to lack of support from the community.  We have young professionals relocating to Houston and Austin because the amount of pay and opportunities is significantly higher than what is being offered here in Southeast Texas.  I truly believe Southeast Texas is a great place to raise a family, but we must make the changes necessary for our area to appear more attractive by being more competitive with wages, and being more supportive within our community.  This will help motivate young professionals and entrepreneurs to stay and invest in making their own community better instead of contributing to the success of another.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote?  Why? 

A. “Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up.”  The term failure is commonly associated with the action of not achieving success, but as long as the drive and motivation to achieve success is still present, you have not failed.  Everyone experiences bumps in the road on the way to success, but you have not failed until you stop trying.

Q.  As a mother, what are your thoughts about public education? 

A. Public education is only as strong as its educators.  When educators feel weakened in any way, this will cause the system to weaken, which will trickle down to our children.  I feel that school districts are being forced to focus more on funding rather than education, which has obviously had a negative effect on our educators and our children.  Teaching has become more difficult not only because of the shift of focus, but also because of the change in today’s society and the affect it has on our children.  We as parents must instill the proper morals and values in our children starting at home so that they can become a productive student within our public school system.  Our children are a product of who we are as parents, and it is our responsibility to teach them the value of getting an education.

Q.  If you could be doing anything else in the world what would it be and why?

A. As a child I loved to draw, paint, and create so I knew that I would always be that artsy friend that could make anything.  Any of my friends will attest to the fact that I am that artsy friend that you can ask to make almost any and everything.  One of my dreams is to have an art studio where I do photography, create artwork, and do all the crafty things I love to do. 

Q.  The best advice you could to someone would be?  

A. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you cannot accomplish a goal.  Most people say work smart, not harder.  “We,” as a community, must work smart and work harder because “we” are already starting the race one step behind the “other” man. Never give up.  You are the only person in control of your destiny.

Mrs. Arlene Marie Coleman was born March 1, 1950 in Opelousas, Louisiana. Her mother raised her as a single parent until she was 18 years old. At the age of six, Mrs. Coleman and her mother moved to Beaumont, Texas. She attended Beaumont’s public schools and graduated in 1969 from French High School. After high school, Mrs. Coleman attended Lamar University. She later met and married her first husband. In that union, she had three children; two girls and one boy. Her son died at an early age. In 1982, Mrs. Coleman met and married her current husband, Willie Coleman Sr. Mr. Coleman is the father to two sons and a daughter.

Mrs. Coleman worked at Beaumont State Center MHMR for fifteen years. This is where she found her love for kids. She opened World of Color Daycare in 1994 on the corner of Delaware Street and Highway 69 in Beaumont. That location was open for approximately five years before she purchased the old Bunny Stop on Pinch Back Road. She has been in her current location since the year 2000. 

Mrs. Coleman eventually returned to Lamar where she received an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and her Director’s License. She is a faithful member of Our Mother Mercy Catholic Church, a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother.

Q.  If you could give an aspiring entrepreneur one piece of advice what would it be?

A. Life is about choices. Never be afraid to make the right choice. Your heart will always know what choice to make.

Q.  What is your favorite motivational quote?  Why?

A. Life is what you make of it. If you put into it, you always be able to get something out of it. How much you get out of it depends on how much you put in it.

Q.  Imagine you were elected Mayor of Beaumont.  What would be your first order of business?  Why?

A. As Mayor of Beaumont my first order of business would be to find and promote more recreational facilities in the whole city. Getting the kids off the streets and into safe zones as well as building a theme park in Beaumont, will give our kids jobs, fun and excitement.

Q.  What advice do you have for parents raising kids in today's society?

A. I will tell parents to stop letting the television and radio babysit their children. Spend more time with them. Sensor what they watch on television and listen to on the radio. Parents should introduce their kids to God, spend more quality time with them, listen to them, and help them resolve issues. Most of all show them much more love and affection!

Tomeshia S. Beckett, J.D.,L.L.M. was born in Port Arthur, Texas and raised in Beaumont, Texas. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Clifton J. Ozen High School in 2004. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Houston where she was accepted into the Honors College and graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, and a minor in Health.  Right after college, she was accepted into Florida Coastal School of Law and graduated in 2012 with her Juris Doctorate Degree.

In law school, she was a member of the Mock Trial team, a student clinician in the Disabilities & Public Benefit Services Law Clinic, and along with other colleagues, she was a founding member of the Corporate and Business Law Society.  After graduation, she realized she did not want to focus on litigation and decided on corporate non-traditional law. She had a desire to protect corporations from fines, legal risk, and ethical violations. As a result, she became a corporate regulatory compliance, ethics, and risk management professional with experience working at a Fortune 500 corporation such as ExxonMobil, and other companies.  She advises on risk, audits, investigations, safety, health, security, environmental issues, and other areas.  Tomeshia has been responsible for overseeing compliance programs, ethical issues, establishing standards, and policies pertaining to regulatory requirements. 

She has also led several projects relating to regulatory change management, which led to successful gap closures and perfect scores in Internal Assessments by auditors.  She also has compliance experience in risk management, regulatory change execution, third party risk management, and compliant review and trending analysis.  She has extensive experience in remediating regulatory issues and working as a corporate site liaison with State and Federal agencies, and has led training sessions regarding compliance and ethics.  Tomeshia’s regulatory experience includes work with the EPA, TCEQ, OSHA, Coast Guard, and other agencies. 

She also manages Regulatory Compliance and Ethics consulting for businesses, corporations, and institutions with her company called Beckett and Co. Consulting, LLC where she has clients in multiple industries such as: Oil & Gas, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education, Insurance, and more to help them reduce risk, fines, and penalties, while ensuring they follow all laws, regulations, ethical standards, and policies. Ms. Beckett is also a Compliance and Ethics speaker for different businesses and organizations to ensure they are complying with ethical and regulatory standards. 

She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and she is currently involved in the community while being a full-time mother to her beautiful daughter. She also puts on community events such as: Toy Drives (where she donated to Casa of Southeast Texas), Black History Business Expo’s, and Women Empowerment Events with her business partner. She has spoken to different students in the community at Pathways, and she was given the honor to be the Guest Speaker at the Top Teens Blue and Silver Ball Ceremony. She is obtaining her second law degree online, which is a Master of Law Degree (L.L.M.) in Organizational Ethics and Compliance from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minnesota. She will graduate in May 2019. 

Q.  What advice would you give to someone who is contemplating starting their own business?

A. The best tip I can provide here is to DO IT. As humans, we tend to find excuses to prolong the start of our business, which hinders us from reaching our fullest potential. We must not let fear cause us to procrastinate and we must live in the “NOW” and take action when self-doubt starts coming in and telling us we should not move forward.

Q.  Being a mother and a business owner can be challenging.  How do you balance your work and personal life?

A. The first step on the road to success as a working mom is defining my top priorities for my daughter, job, my company, and myself.  I tend to ask myself a couple of questions, such as: “What are the balls that absolutely cannot be dropped?"  “What are the work projects that I need to overachieve on, and what are the things that can be just good enough, but still delivered timely? I have realized getting clear on these answers has helped me understand what needs to happen, so I can use my time wisely.  Additionally, I always strive to put my daughter first, and typically, I work at night after I put my daughter to bed and during the day, I find time after work to play with my daughter and help her with schoolwork.  I manage my personal time like I would manage an important work task in a strategic manner.  I prioritize and schedule things in advance to keep me on track.  Honestly, I do not believe there is a such thing as “Work-Life Balance” when you work for yourself or work in general. I like to call it “Work-Life” Integration because balance comes with time and practice.

Q.  What does the word "success" mean to you?

A. Success to me is not acquiring a lot of materialistic items, or obtaining a high status in your career, which may be the norm. Instead, I believe success is defined as having a positive impact on the lives of others and caring about the personal and professional growth of others.

Q.  Have you experienced any form of blatant racism in business?  If so, how did you handle it?

A. I have not experienced any form of blatant racism in business.  However, if I would experience racism in business in the future, I would try to not minimize it. I would process it in a healthy manner, and let the person know the impact of their words and what it could mean for their personal and professional relationships and image. Ultimately, I believe educating the person, so they can step into my shoes and empathize with the historical, political, and professional contexts in which they live and work would be most important.

Q.  If you could change anything in the world what would it be and why? 

A. I would strive to make people more empathetic because this is a soft skill set some of us need the most.  I think this is important for a couple of reasons: 1. Through empathy, we are able to put ourselves in other people's shoes and connect with how they might be feeling about their problem, circumstance, or situation, and 2. Empathizing with clients or individuals allows you to identify the right solution to their problem.  If we strive to be more empathetic, then I believe a lot of us would be more successful within our careers and personal lives. 

Mrs. Birdie Harrison is the ninth child of ten children of the late Rev. Sampson and Julie Booker. She attended Buna Independent School District and graduated from Buna High School in 1974.  In the fall of 1974, she enrolled into Prairie View A & M University majoring in Home Economic Education. She graduated in the fall of 1978. After graduation, she married Anthony Harrison and they have two wonderful children; Sondra Wilcox who's married to Brian Wilcox. They have the love of her life, Rian Wilcox, her granddaughter. Mrs. Harrison also has a son, Stephen Harrison. 

An experience led her to begin her teaching career back in her hometown of Buna, TX, in the fall of 1979. After one year of teaching in Buna, Mrs. Harrison accepted a position at Silsbee High School to be closer to her home in Beaumont, Texas.  Her love for teaching children grew throughout her journey at  Silsbee High School. She taught at Silsbee High School until 1989 and met great people and students who remain in her life.

In the Fall of 1989, she accepted a position as a Home Economics teacher at Central High School and later as a Home Economic Cooperative Education teacher. With encouragement from her husband and family, she returned to Prairie View A & M University to get a Master’s Degree in Guidance & Counseling.  She became Central High School’s first Crisis Counselor in 1999.

In 2000, Mrs. Harrison transitioned to Ozen High School as the 9th grade counselor. She remained at Ozen thru the spring of 2003. In the fall of 2003, she became the Supervisor of Guidance & Counseling for Beaumont ISD. 

As supervisor, she represented Beaumont ISD throughout the community. She served on the board of directors for Work Force Solutions Southeast Texas and Family Services of Southeast Texas.  However, her most valued accomplishments in life was to work with Beaumont ISD counselors as they helped to mold and help shape the lives of children throughout their time in school by guiding them into careers after high school, college or the armed forces. Those where rewarding and proud moments in her life.

Mrs. Harrison is now retired and living a full life volunteering at Antioch Baptist Church working with a group of young girls ages 14 – 17, Antioch Christ Debutants,  helping and guiding young ladies to prepare for the religious part of their lives. She believes that she would not have had the success she’s had if it had not been for God. So, it’s her responsibility now to teach God’s word and she tries very hard to do God’s will.  This teaching is better than any teaching she’s ever did in her thirty-five years as an educator.  She also takes several senior citizens to their doctor appointments when needed. When special events occur in her granddaughter’s life, she and her husband are grateful and delighted to be able to attend!

Her motto is: “Life is great! Enjoy life and live it to the fullest.

Q.  If you could have done anything differently about your career path would you?  Why or why not? 

A. Differently I would have taught on the college level. Most college students are seeking a change. I would have met students where they are to make life challenges become a reality. I believe it is important to study hard and to explore the world around you. Meeting others who have similar goals and dreams in order to have a meaningful successful life can be instrumental in your success.

Q.  How do you feel about school choice? 

A. I agree with school choice. Some students need smaller class sizes and one-on-one teaching. I strongly disagree with a state mandated test that determines if a child should be promoted to the next grade or be retained in a grade. Retaining a student will create angry and unruly students who will begin to think of himself or herself as a failure; sometimes for the remainder of their lives.

Q.  Why do you think community service is so important?

A. Helping others will help you to become a better person. You will see what is important to others that we, as human beings, sometime take for granted. If you do community service for the right reason, you will love yourself much more and appreciate what you have in life. Be a blessing.

Q.  What is the best advice that you ever received?  Why?

A. My parents taught us to share and give from your heart. Do not expect

anything in return because if it is for you, you will receive it in due time.

Q.  What is the single best advice that you could give to any parent with a child in public school right now?

A. Parent your children before they go to school each morning. Let the teachers teach. The administrators keep order in your child’s life, but at the end of each day listen to your children, talk with them and not at them. Praise your children when they are successful and correct them when they are wrong. Show your children love. They’re going to encounter people who do not like them. This will hurt them emotionally and mentally so prepare your children a good healthy life as much as you possibly can while you can.

Dr. Japera Levine hails from the town of Beaumont, Texas where she graduated with honors from West Brook High School. Upon graduation, she began her collegiate matriculation to the capital city of Austin as a Texas Longhorn majoring in Neurobiology. Her interest in this subject came from her strong affection for anatomy, which is partially what intrigued her to become a Podiatrist. Her additional interest stemmed from a family history of diabetes as well as a desire to become a surgeon.

After completing her undergraduate degree with a Bachelor’s of Science in 2004, she took her talents to Philadelphia in order to study medicine at the prestigious Temple University where she received an academic scholarship. It was at Temple where she honed her skills to becoming a Podiatric physician & surgeon. During the time at Temple, she was accepted to a well-respected internship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Under this direction she obtained extensive knowledge in the art of lower extremity limb salvage and metabolic diseases.

After graduating from Temple, Dr. Levine moved to Boston, MA where she learned conservative surgical techniques of the foot and ankle. Following one year of becoming well versed with East Coast medicine, Dr. Levine was accepted to a highly esteemed training program affiliated with the University of Chicago. While in Chicago, Illinois, she became skilled with the surgical art of pediatrics, foot & ankle reconstruction, and surgical trauma. After much deliberation and prayer, she desired to be an asset to the local community and took her expertise home. It is Dr. Levine’s desire to treat and care for those who taught and helped in raising her. 

She is a current member of the local Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter and serves on the scholarship committee as well as co-chair for the upcoming Cotillion event. Dr. Levine is also a member of SETX Young Professionals and the Greater South Park Neighborhood Association. Along with the GSPNA, she spearheaded the South Park Community Garden in conjunction with Lamar University. She also utilizes her time to tutor Math at South Park Middle School in collaboration with the Lamar University Math Department. In 2017, Dr. Levine was honored by Pioneering Women for her community service and for being a leader in her field. 

At the age of 32, Dr. Levine opened her own medical practice and lives by the motto, “My job is never work for me because I love what I do.”

Q. How do you handle workload stress and emergency situations?

A. You have to take running a business and being a surgeon in pieces/portions. There is no way to handle all of it at all times. Time management and efficiency are key. There are emergency situations when on call for the hospital and you must be flexible. I am blessed to have the support of my mother and staff to assist me in navigating my day-to-day schedule. 

Q. What advice do you have for women who are contemplating starting their own business?

A. It can be done and failure is NOT an option. There has to be a large level of investment from yourself and those around you. Prayer is definitely key and having a clear written vision is necessary. Find what you love about your business as you will need to pull from that in times of turmoil.

Q. If you could be doing anything besides medicine what would it be and why?

A. I would focus on rebuilding downtown. I’ve lived in large cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, and Chicago. In these metropolitan cities, downtown is the focus. In addition, downtown Beaumont once had several Minority owned businesses. I would love to pay homage to that legacy.

Q. Consider you were elected Mayor of Beaumont. What would be your first order of business? Why?

A. Ensure we never have a repeat situation for lack of running water as we experienced during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. I was the Podiatrist on call during this tragic natural disaster. Having to perform surgery at the hospital without any running water was detrimental for the health and welfare of my patients. Sterilization techniques and hygiene were of upmost concern. 

Q. What is one piece of advice that you would like to leave our readers with regarding foot care?

A. Prevention is key in amputations. We do a large amount of education so our patients do NOT frequently end up on my operating room table to take anything OFF. If it hurts, bleeds, aches, or breaks DO NOT delay coming to see us!

Based out of Houston, Texas, Denise Richard-Pegues, also known as Joli Richard, is the CEO/President behind the Fashion House - Joli` Ri´chard. Joli’s love for fashion began as a young woman in her native town of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her mother constantly encouraged her to be creative and introduced her to garment making, while her father would photograph her creations. Whether they knew it or not at the time, her parents’ love and support would provide inspiration to the young fashionista and begin her passion for fashion.

Joli would later attend Southern University for formal education in Engineering, briefly putting her hopes and dreams aside. She knew that she wanted more...much more.

Joli has developed quite an extensive repertoire of fashion experience that began in 2005 with owning her own clothing store and a shoe boutique in Houston. Plagued by the high nature of hurricanes in that area, Joli’s boutiques took a turn for the worst; however, she forged on. A strong believer in the cliché “Things Happen for a Reason,” Joli dusted herself off and traveled to South Africa where she visited squatter camps with suitcases full of jewels, clothes, and shoes to makeover the local women and teenagers.

Joli was satisfied, yet not fulfilled. She still had the desire to create a legacy for her two children where they could “excel and be proud.” This was the most important drive behind the concept of Joli Richard. In 2009, Joli Richard constructed a future for herself in the fashion world. She envisioned producing couture, yet edgy clothing for the risk taker. This was the beginning of the Diary of Joli' later named Joli Richard.

Inspired by her Creole heritage, Joli uses the word “Joli',” meaning “pretty” in French, to represent her fashions. A devotee of French fashion in particular, Joli pays homage to her beloved predecessors Gabrielle Bonheur, “Coco” Chanel, and Catherine Malandrino. Many muses and fashion greats guide and inspire her creations: Diane von Furstenberg, Viktor & Rolf, Edwing D’Angelo, Andre Leon Talley, and June Ambrose.

More than an indie/emerging designer but a Fashion icon/guru, Joli pioneered a full- service Fashion House not only featuring custom designed menswear and womenswear Prêt-a-Porter Lines, but also offering services of Image Consulting and Styling to fashion communities nationally and abroad. Now, even as an “Engineer by day, and designer by night,” Joli manages her family life, leads several boards and organizations as well as attends ALL of her children's activities. She is a woman of many hats.

As a blog writer, Joli documents and details her expedition to excellence, divulging her secrets and the necessary steps she is taking to ascend into the industry. She is also a well-known radio-show host, “Giving the fashion 4-1-1” on “The Amazing Show.”  She exemplifies the "American Dream," and balances it all with humility and poise.

Her unique fashion sense targets those who are independent, and always on the move. Geared towards the jetsetter and the socialite, her two collections, Joli' (for women) and León (for men) make it easy to transition your wardrobe from day to night.

After a year of planning, sketching, and studying trends, Joli Richard was ready to claim her dream and introduce her high-end garments to the world. 2010 marked the beginning of promotion and production for Joli Richard.  Joli was able to emerge into the fashion forefront with high-profile runway shows in Phoenix Fashion Week, Essence Festival, All-Star, Superbowl and so much more. She also spotlighted fashion tips.

Joli Richard has much more to offer than fashion, but a way of life. She firmly believes that “fashion can be bought...style, one must possess!”

Joli has experienced many trials and tribulations in life. Her strength has been tested but through the misfortunes she gains perseverance, faith, integrity, and divine insight as a believer. Her relationship with Christ is AWESOME! She takes it all as life experience and steps towards learning and enhancing the Joli Richard brand.

Rousing followers with her epigram, “A delay is not a denial,” Joli has prepared to take the fashion industry by storm. Take the journey with us!

Q.  What does fashion mean to you?

A. Fashion means to me: Old Hollywood for today’s socialite. It has that old 1930s and 1940s feel that is ever revolving. Fashion comes and goes but style is forever! 

Q.  As a fashion designer, what is your opinion on current fashion trends of males wearing rompers and other female clothing?

A. We can look at it two different ways. There is runway fashion with men wearing women clothes. There is also everyday clothing and trends. If you have a theme, like a Scottish theme, their custom may be men wearing skirts. I don’t see anything wrong with that. There may be some people that get offended by that. Now, do I think men should be in heels? No, I don’t. You do have some men now that are wearing the longer sweatshirts with skinny jeans.  That is a younger generation. The younger age from 18 to 21 will wear the trends. Timeless classic pieces are for the mature man. 

Q.  If you could bring back one fashion trend from the past what would it be and why?

A. I would bring back the puff sleeves. The 1930s era is the staple of my brand. They had cinched waists, big sleeves, and big pussy bow collars. That is a part of my design esthetic. 

Q.  Do you have any advice for people who shop from online boutiques?

A. Know your fabrics. Know the shape of a woman’s body. Know where you are buying it from. These days a lot of online boutiques do not educate themselves enough to know that with the less expensive clothes from Hong Kong or China a large is really a small in American sizes. A lot of people lose a lot of money up front because of this. The clothes may be fabulous but the sizing is a problem. The best online boutiques are in England. They have true American sizes. When I shop online those are the ones I look for. I don’t shop from online boutiques in China.

Q.  If you could style any celebrity who would it be and why?

A. Jennifer Lopez. She has always been my muse as well as June Ambrose. The reason that I like Jennifer is because she has those curves but she is so classic with it. She is Jenny from the Block! My design esthetic is a bit of edginess but also classiness and she fits that mold to me.

Q.  What is your favorite fashion quote?

A. Fashion comes and goes but style lasts forever. 

Coco Chanel