Black Business Professionals of SETX

Dawanna Jones was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. After attending local schools, she graduated from Central Senior High School. She then went on to obtain an associate’s degree in Management Development from Lamar Institute of Technology, a bachelor’s degree in majoring in business from Lamar University, a master’s degree in Educational Technology from Lamar University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Arkansas State University. 

Dawanna has a servant attitude and loves helping others achieve their personal and professional goals. Motivating, inspiring, and teaching others financial literacy and entrepreneurship is her passion. With a passion and gift to help others succeed, she has found that developing leaders and individuals is what she loves most. A woman of many hats, she has founded several small businesses including a craft business, personal & business consulting, financial consulting, bookkeeping, website and social media management, photography, editorial services, tax preparation and educational consulting. She is a member of several organizations and enjoys giving back to the community. She also has a commitment to life-long learning and takes pleasure in reading and learning new things. 

Mandre' Zachary is a native of Beaumont, Texas. Mandre' better known by "Zack" is the current owner and President of Sips 'N Tips Bartending and Event Staffing Services LLC (2019). Mandre' Zachary's experience and expertise in food and beverage, hospitality, and the service industry spans over a decade. Mandre' is certified in Food Management with the Texas State Department of Sanitation, and Alcohol and Beverage control in the states of Texas and Louisiana.

Mr. Zachary strongly believes that if you're not committed to something and putting your best foot forward then it's merely just a hobby.

Pastor Torey D. Doucette, Sr. is the anointed visionary leader whom God called to lead the New Birth Community Baptist Church of Beaumont, Texas.  As a young boy he developed a love and sense of compassion for others as he took on the responsibility of caring for his grandparents.  Although he is best known for his gift of preaching, his ministry began in music.  At the early age of 4 he was singing, playing the guitar and drums alongside his grandfather with the Amazing Spiritual Five.  This quickly distinguished him as a talented musician.

In 1997, he moved his membership to the Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church under the direction of Pastor Delbert A. Mack, Sr. where he was given a position as one of the lead guitar players.  Serving there for over a year, as well as signing with his own Gospel group, The Young Spiritual Five that God led him to organize at the age of 16, he soon realized that the music ministry was not a substitute for the calling upon his life.

In the fall of 1998 he was called to Pastor his first church, New Hope Baptist Church of Beaumont, Texas.  From there, he has led a number of ministries as well as devoting himself to the betterment of man through the spiritual and educational process.  God led him to organize the New Birth Community Baptist Church in April of 2007.  Pastor Doucette has been delivering the preached Word for a total of 18 years and remains focused on ministry, growth. and outreach.  He is an owner of several small businesses and influences several small businesses. He has traveled the world singing and proclaiming the Word of God as a National Recording Artist with his group, The Young Spiritual 5ive. 

Sharita Gardner is a Houston native that graduated from Lamar University with a BS in Corporate Communications. She now calls Southeast Texas and is actively engaged in business and community development. 

Sharita serves on a number of boards and committees for organizations such as: Lamar University Alumni Board, Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization (Past Chair), Leadership Beaumont Alumni, Beaumont Chamber Board, Press Club of SETX, Junior League of Beaumont (Transitioning Youth Chair), Samaritan Counseling Center of SETX Board, LIT Accounting Advisory Board, Young Emerging Leaders, and Credit Union Young Professionals Association Ambassador. 

LaSan Gilder is an enthusiast and perennial entrepreneur at heart. She is a seasoned Masterstylist; Co-owner of DeLuxe Cheveux Salon, and is deeply passionate about beautification in the salon and fashion industry. Regarded as a fashionista herself, she was inspired to delve deeper into women's apparel by becoming the owner of Looks Couture Studio.

LaSan's mantra is "empowering women to embrace their style, emphasizing that it's the WOMAN who brings life to the clothes." LaSaan thrives on encouraging, motivating, and uplifting women, whether at the salon or studio.

Her most recent venture is geared towards the advancement of individuals who desire to start their own business. This led to the establishment of Looks Enterprises, LLC: a co-working space fostering opportunities for new entrepreneurs. Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, LaSan actively contributes to community service through various organizations, reflecting her heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact in her community and the world.