HONORARY GUESTS City of Miami, Commissioner Keon Hardemon, District 5 was born in Miami, Florida where his family stressed to him the core values that remain true to him today: the importance of education, integrity, and service to the community. His first home was in the James E. Scott Public Housing Development in the Liberty City area of Miami-Dade County. He was raised in the Liberty City neighborhood and is the epitome of the idiom that, “It takes a village to raise a child”. As a product of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools System, he graduated from Charles R. Drew Elementary School, Charles R. Drew Middle School, and Miami Northwestern Senior High School. Commissioner Hardemon graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, a Master’s in Business Administration and is also a graduate of the University of Miami Law School. Currently, the Commissioner is a member of the Florida Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Wilkie D. Ferguson Bar Association, FAMU Alumni Association, and the UM Alumni Association. He was most recently an Assistant Public Defender at the Law Offices of the Public Defender Carlos Martinez.

School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall As a classroom teacher, principal, adult education administrator, and public servant, Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall has made a lifetime of using education to unlock the doors of opportunity. For several years while growing up during the Segregation Era, she lived in what is fondly called the “Pork and Beans” - the Liberty Square Housing Projects in Miami. After graduating from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, she matriculated at Tuskegee Institute, Nova University, Barry University and Florida International University, completing Bachelors and Masters Degrees, and several Masters-level certifications. She also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Florida Memorial University. On November 2, 2010, Miami-Dade voters elected Dorothy to serve as the Miami-Dade County School Board Member for District 2. She serves on the Facilities and Construction Reform and the Innovation, Efficiency and Governmental Relations Committees of the school board.

Mistresses of Ceremony

Lauren Pastrana is an Emmy-nominated, multimedia journalist. She joined CBS4/myTV33 in April 2012 as a reporter. A Miami native, Lauren returned to South Florida from Fort Myers, where she worked for WINK-TV, a CBS affiliate. Lauren was a reporter, as well as a fill-in anchor for the station. When she’s not out in the field working on a story, you can also catch Lauren in-studio at CBS Miami’s radio partner Newsradio 610 WIOD, where she is a morning news anchor. Lauren was awarded the Four-Year Scholar Award from the University of Florida, recognition for graduating ‘Summa Cum Laude’ at the top of her class.

Rebecca "Butterfly" Vaughns is a Miami native. She is a force to reckon with in the arena of poetry. Her ability to freestyle poetry on the spot for any occasion leaves listeners in awe. She's the author of 3 self-published books of poetry, a recording artist with 11 albums to date as of February 2014, and the producer and director of 9 stage productions. Her work is appreciated by the likes of Ms. Betty Wright, Nikki Giovanni Robert Townsend, Kim Coles, Fantasia, Lenny Williams, and Rick Party to name a few.

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Keynote Speakers

Sonia Jacobson has over 30 years’ experience as an entrepreneur in both the profit and not-for profit arenas. In 1994, Sonia co-founded Suited For Success, a non-profit corporation providing employment skills training, professional image, business etiquette and professional clothing for economically disadvantaged women. Former Governor Lawton Chiles awarded Sonia “Florida’s Finest” an award for outstanding community service. In 1998, the achievements of Suited For Success were recognized by former Vice President Al Gore. In May, 2007, the women’s program of SFS joined Dress for Success Worldwide in New York City and became Dress for Success Miami. The youth program and men’s program remain Suited For Success. As a guest speaker, Sonia continues the tradition of providing universities, corporations and business professionals with seminars in professional image, communication skills, business etiquette and international protocol.

EllenMarie McPhillip is currently Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Business Programs at the University of Miami, School of Business. Previously she served as Director of Business Undergraduate Admissions and Business Outreach Programs. During her time in the Undergraduate Business area, Mrs. McPhillip founded the Hyperion Council, a community service organization that provides upper classmen with the opportunity to teach key business skills to prospective entrepreneurs in at-risk communities in Little Haiti and Jamaica. In 2008, she facilitated the implementation of the freshman course MGT 100: FIRST (Freshmen Integrity, Responsibility and Success through Teamwork) Step. The course emphasizes critical thinking and exposes students to the importance of ethical decision-making and social responsibility. First-year students work in teams to address problems encountered by non-profit enterprises in the local community. Prior to her time at the University of Miami, she founded a consulting firm Visionquest, and worked for AJ Cable Enterprises, Newsday, Inc., Scribner Laidlaw (Division of Macmillan Inc), The New York Times Co., and Scholastic, Inc. Mrs. McPhillip received her BA from McGill University and her MA in journalism, from New York University.

Motivation & Inspiration

Brenton G. Lopez a.k.a "The Magnet Man" is a young dynamic, professional speaker who speaks on building self-Esteem and helping people harness extraordinary human potential. He is a graduate of Miami Dade College, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, and an MBA from Kaplan University. He is the author of the highly acclaimed audio book “How To Activate Your Magnetic Powers.” Brenton has received awards as high as the 756 Points of Light Award from former President George Bush, for extraordinary community service. Recently he was inducted into the Professional Speakers Network Hall Of Fame. Brenton can be Mrbglopez@gmail.com.

Girl Power’s Girls’ Choir of Miami strives to provide opportunities for girls from all backgrounds to participate in a year round quality music education program created with the unique needs of girls in mind. As emerging vocalists, choir members are able to gain valuable performance experience, vocal and stage-presence, mentorship, coaching, and participate in leadership & personal development workshops, etiquette, music theory education, in addition to performances at public, private, community, and charitable events. Through music, each member is expected to develop her talent with discipline, grace, charm and confidence.

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Our Presenters

Alison Austin, MS Ed., Organizational Coach, Educate Tomorrow Alison Austin has had an extensive international career in ecotourism, community and youth development. As recent CEO of Miami’s TACOLCY Center, Austin listened to the needs of the community and implemented programs & services that positively impact youth and families. Her latest curriculum design; Finding your Power, Purpose and Presence, is a personal development course that guides students on a journey towards self-awareness and workplace etiquette. Where participates learn to be comfortable in their truth. Austin studied broadcasting at Miami Dade College and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2007. She earned a B.A. in Communications from University of South Florida, a M.S. in Hospitality Management from Florida International University, a Certificate in Non-profit Leadership from the Harvard Business School and a MS Ed in Community & Social Change from the University of Miami. Austin currently serves as an organizational consultant.

Presentation Title: As My Sisters Keeper….Words Matter

As women, it is important for us to discover our truth, to use our voice, to be empowered and to stand affirmed in that truth. Words Matter, is about recognizing the power of language and the value of what we stand for. It is about having a comfort in how to say what we mean, and mean what we say. How to affirm what is true for you and to create that statement that says I AM………. As an interactive part of this workshop we will create our own I AM statements that affirms who we are as strong, beautiful, capable women.

Bridgette V. Baker, Proactive Business Concepts/PBCi Bridgette Baker is the President of Proactive Business Concepts, which serves the Small Business community by offering high-impact Training Services, quality Consulting Services, and creative Networking Forums. The primary focus of PBCi is providing creative, energized, and cost-effective mechanisms to assist small businesses in their missions. Over the years, Mrs. Baker has had the opportunity to partner with several notable organizations, including past and current projects with the Black Hospitality Initiative of Greater Miami. Mrs. Baker is passionate about contributing positively to her clients, colleagues, and community, and currently serves as an advisory board member and volunteer for several organizations, including Free Yourself Women Foundation, a non-profit which assists victims of domestic violence.

Presentation Title: Hospitality and the Customer Service Connection: Your Career Starts Here!

Join us as we explore Hospitality as an industry, and as a discipline which acts as a cornerstone of vast professions. Discussions and exercises will engage participants to make the Customer Service Connection, and discover the many career paths that begin with rudimentary soft skills.

Russell Benford, Deputy Mayor, Miami Dade County

Russell Benford serves as Deputy Mayor of Miami-Dade County, the largest county in the State of Florida and the eighth largest in the United States. Russell uses his knowledge of growth management, capital planning and economic development to provide direct oversight to the Community Action and Human Services, Public Housing and Community Development, and Juvenile Services Departments; as well as the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust, Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, The Children’s Trust, South Florida Workforce and Youth Crime Task Force. Russell Benford earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College (OH), and a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin, where he concentrated in Public Administration and Management and was named a Woodrow Wilson Public Policy and International Studies Fellow.

Russell is a member of the International City/County Management Association, the Florida City/County Management Association, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, the Urban League, 100 Black Men of South Florida, 5000 Role Models of Excellence and the Miami Children’s Initiative.

Presentation Title: MY Brother’s Keeper: Learn & Lead to Position Yourself for Success

This is the time to ask questions and have critical dialogue about career, education, life choices, manhood and relationships with your peers and mentors.

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Tracey Bowen Bell, Educator & Intervention Specialist, Miami Dade College The Anthea Prospera Alliance was founded in 2013 by Tracey Bowen Bell. Based in Cutler Bay, FL. The Anthea Prospera Alliance provides academic preparation coaching and consultant to individual youth and organizations that serve at risk and underserved youth.

The Anthea Prospera Alliance is a resource for people, organizations, and communities in South Florida who are dedicated the prosperity of our youth through coaching, mentoring and providing quality academic preparation for success. Our purpose is to prepare youth for academic endeavors through training and modeling; to train leadership coaches in best practices for effective coaching, and to provide support and training to organizations dedicated to the betterment of our youth.

Presentation Title: The Happiness Equation- Exploring the Role of Positive Emotions in your Personal and Professional Life

Life is a lot like taking a journey on a long, winding road through the mountains. There are ups and downs with lots of curves along the way. Our ability to be happy is what makes it all worthwhile. The beautiful thing is that happiness is our choice. Join us as we explore how you can use happiness to maintain peace and enjoy your personal as well as professional life.

Dr. Marcus Bright, Executive Director of Education for a Better America Dr. Marcus Bright is the Executive Director of Education for a Better America (EBA). In the past year EBA has launched a series of nationwide initiatives designed to increase the pursuit of post-secondary education, increase civic engagement, prevent school dropouts, increase the pursuit of S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) careers among urban youth, and promote health and wellness across the United States. Additionally, he serves as an Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University. Bright received a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and World Affairs from the University of Tampa, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Florida International University, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University. He is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post and has spoken across the country at universities, prisons, and other venues on a variety of topics related to civic engagement, education, and social justice.

Presentation Title: Design Challenge Competition: Education

Do you have ideas on how might we better equip young people with the skills, information, and opportunities to succeed in the world of work? Participate in this rapid fire fast paced designing session and your idea might be worth a cash prize at the end of the day.

Juan Casimiro, Founder, Casimiro Global Foundation

Juan P. Casimiro began his education and youth development career in 1987 after closing his first business in New York City. Now with twenty-five years of experience as a public speaker, entrepreneur, educator, coach and mentor, Casimiro specializes in building individual and organizational strength from within. His teaching of Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy, Coaching Sessions, and Personal Development Programs are known for the immediate enthusiasm they generate and the long-term benefits that flow from them. Casimiro is VP of Global Markets for Excent’s ULI, Co-founder of Magic Wand Foundation and Chairman/Founder of Casimiro Global Foundation.

Presentation Title: Design Challenge Competition: Entrepreneurship

Do you have ideas on how might we better equip young people with the skills, information, and opportunities to succeed in the world of work? Participate in this rapid fire fast paced designing session and your idea might be worth a cash prize at the end of the day.

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John Chin, Cisco Academy Program Coordinator, Miami Dade College

John Chin is the Cisco Academy Program Coordinator for Miami Dade College, where he supports the Cisco Academies and other instructors at the College, maintains the curriculum, the qualification of instructors, equipment standards, and the Quality Assurance.

Presentation Title: IT 101- Cisco Networking Skills Needed in the 21st Century Global Economy

The Cisco Academy at Miami Dade College helps students prepare for entry-level IT Networking career opportunities with the globally recognized CCNA certification. This curriculum teaches networking concepts using a hands-on approach for training students about network applications and network protocols and services.

Henry Crespo, Sr President, URGENT, Inc. Henry Crespo, Sr. is the current President of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida. Henry is also Founder & volunteer CEO of Urgent Inc., which started out as a grassroots initiative to promote solutions to problems facing urban communities. Henry is Managing Director of The Relocation & Development Firm a consultant and business development firm. Henry entered community activism in 1988 when he became the assistant campaign manager for Former State Representative Elaine Gordon, legislative aide for former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruce Kaplan and former Housing Director for City of Opa-locka.

Continuing on this path Henry served a Vice Chair of the City of Miami Zoning Board, Miami-Dade Hispanic Affairs & Black Affairs Advisory Board respectfully. Henry has also demonstrated leadership serving as the former State of Florida African American Campaign Coordinator for the Wesley Clark Presidential Campaign, President Miami-Dade Democratic Black Caucus, Chairman of the Miami Beach Black Host Committee, Deputy Political Director for Alex Sink for Governor {2010} and served on the Transition Team for District 17 (FL) Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson and vice Chair of Outreach for the Miami-Dade Democratic Party Currently. Henry continues to be very active in the fabric of this community from being a long standing board member of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau to serving on the Florida Democratic Party’s State Executive committee and columnist for the South Florida Times.

Dr. Tisa McGhee, Professor, Barry University School of Social Work

Dr. Tisa McGhee joined Barry University’s School of Social Work in the fall of 2010. She teaches social work practice, research, policy, human behavior, seminar in organizational development and domestic violence courses in the MSW program. Her practice interests have included her work in child welfare, working with families in trauma, and domestic/family violence. Dr. McGhee’s current research interests are in the management and administration of human service organizations specifically in the capacity building activities of non- profits, community partnerships, and the change and development of organizations.

The core of all of her work is building community and systems capability using engaging and empowerment techniques. Dr. McGhee is a member of the NASW.

Presentation Title: Design Challenge Competition: Employment

Do you have ideas on how might we better equip young people with the skills, information, and opportunities to succeed in the world of work? Participate in this rapid fire fast paced designing session and your idea might be worth a cash prize at the end of the day.

Erica Meyers, MS Ed, Program Coordinator, Educate Tomorrow

Erica Myers is from the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Spelman College and completed her master’s degree in Education focused on Community and Social Change from the University of Miami. She has always been passionate about serving youth and analyzing the systems that greatly impact them. Her experience includes but not limited to working alongside lead teachers to provide responsive classroom techniques, networking and forging new community relationships within the nonprofit sector, life-coaching, and task management. She currently serves as Program Coordinator for Educate Tomorrow, a nonprofit that serves the foster care youth throughout Miami- Dade County through educational empowerment.

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Jason Morin, CEO, Jobsy Wobsy Jason Morin’s passion for working with youth started in high school when he was on his state's championship basketball team. He volunteered to coach basketball to kids 8-12 years of age and this experience led to a life-long mission working with youngsters.

As Director of the First Work program at the Boys & Girls Harbor in Harlem, NY he worked with hundreds of students on "Work Readiness." He managed the intern program at the Harbor, where students received compensation for working in different departments - childcare, the kitchen, and in the office. In addition, he ran the S.Y.E.P. (summer youth employment program) for two years with over 200 youth. He realized while working with underprivileged youth that there was a critical unemployment problem in Harlem and throughout New York. In 2010, Jason founded JobsyWobsy, Inc., a career guidance website for youth 10-18 years of age.

Presentation Title: Discover Jobsy Wobsy- Every Students Personal Cloud-Based Work Document Storage

Resume, Cover Letter and Interview Clinic- Create, Revise or Re-Do your resume on the spot with professional help and learn to use jobsywobsy.com.

Brother Lyle Muhammad, Lead Facilitator, South Florida CARES

Mentoring Movement As South Florida CARES Mentoring Movement’s (SFCMM) Lead Facilitator, Brother Lyle trains our mentors and leads the group mentoring efforts at various school sites focused on addressing needs of under-resourced youth using SFCMM’s Rising | Champions of Change Group Mentoring program initiative created by Susan Taylor, Founder of the National CARES Mentoring Movement and Editor in Chief Emeritus , ESSENCE Magazine. Brother Lyle’s 25+ years experience in youth development starting with the formation of his own foundation as Executive Director and Co - Founder, Respect for Life Inc. , has worked with over 20,000 youth and adults in education and human services.

Presentation Title: POWER MENTORING- Anything Is Possible: Building the Three Legged Monster - Self Awareness, Technology, and Entrepreneurship

This is a high energy multi-faceted presentation that uses a blend of target subject areas (youth development, technology, entrepreneurship, empowerment), with a challenge activity in self disclosure) to take participants on a journey that proves; Anything Is Possible in terms of economic and career success. Using the South Florida CARES Mentoring Movement's (SFCMM) Rising Group Mentoring program pillar of Creativity. The presentation is interactive, soul searching and mind bending.

Saliha Nelson, MSEd, Vice President URGENT, Inc. Saliha Nelson, MSEd is an experienced non-profit executive and agent for social change specializing in strength-based approaches with low-income urban youth, youth participatory action research and forming cross-sector coalitions that engage in systems-level change. Ms. Nelson currently serves as Vice President of URGENT, Inc. a non-profit youth and community development organization dedicated to empowering youth to become agents of change and volunteers as the Chairwoman of the Overtown Children and Youth Coalition and Vice Chair of the Miami Dade County Public Schools Student Services Advisory. Ms. Nelson has been recognized for her work. Most recent recognition include being named as the MCCJ Student Silver Medallion Award for community-based leadership, service and advocacy; an ICABA Honors Community Leader and one of South Florida’s top 40 under 40 Black Professionals by Legacy Magazine. Ms. Nelson was also awarded the City of Miami's Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet commendation, acknowledged as a South Florida Freedom’s Sisters by Ford Motor Company Foundation, and received the Alliance for Aging’s Intergenerational Award. Saliha studied at the American University of Cairo, received a Bachelor of Science in Social Policy and Education from Northwestern University and earned a Master's of Education in Community and Social Change from the University of Miami.

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Christopher Norwood, CEO/President, The Norwood Consulting Group Christopher Norwood of The Norwood Consulting Group. Originally from Newark, New Jersey Chris attended the prestigious Newark Boy Chorus School, a world-renowned professional boy choir. He studied at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia where he received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work & Community Organization (1995). He pursued a Masters of Public Administration at Cornell University’s Institute for Public Affairs (1997) and a Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law (2002). In 2003, he established The Norwood Consulting Group and the Governance Institute for School Accountability (GISA) to further his goal of community building. Norwood's work as a consultant extends to several agencies providing children's services in South Florida. Norwood Consulting provides tools for public, private and non-profit institutions for Community Development that includes: Public Policy Analysis & Advocacy, Program Management, Board Governance and Community Organization. Civic Activities: Miami Dade County Public Schools Audit and Budget Advisory Committee, City of Miami Education Advisory Board (appointed by Commissioner Spence Jones) and Miami Dade School Board Student Services Advisory Committee (Chair).

Presentation Title: Design Challenge Competition: Education

Do you have ideas on how might we better equip young people with the skills, information, and opportunities to succeed in the world of work? Participate in this rapid fire fast paced designing session and your idea might be worth a cash prize at the end of the day.

Johanne Pradel Wilson, Executive Creative Director and President of

COOL Creative Think of Johanne as a brand stylist. She builds brands by helping to establish their visual brand identity. For the past 11 years, she has worked on advertising campaigns, packaging, corporate identities, non–traditional, interactive and social engagement programs. She obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in digital media & design at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art). She also attended Central Saint Martins College in London and has experience working at large, world-class agencies as well as smaller boutique agencies.

With all the accolades and experience that she has earned throughout her career, Johanne will tell you that she is most proud of her involvement in the community. She has a passion to help young people and women in crisis overcome their obstacles and help bring their dreams into fruition through her volunteerism.

Presentation Title: The Art of Creative Design- Designing Your Business Brand

Calling all entrepreneurs and business owners, take part in this technical assistance workshop and learn the power of your brand. Don’t know what your brand is? Then take part in this interactive workshop and create your own brand for an existing or fictitious company.

Dr. Deborah Rivers, PhD, MCT, CareerCoach.Me

Even before Dr. Rivers was a University Mascot, people said she had a gift for inspiring and bringing out the best in them and their organizations. Leaders and learners rely on Deborah to help create their destiny by design, not default. It was clear at an early age that her path would cross business, education, and technology—achieving success as a pioneer in multiple fields. She has earned a PhD in Adult Education, a Master of Science degree in technology, and concentration in organizational behavior. Her cache of credentials include being a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Board Certified Coach (BCC), and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). She is a sought after contingent professor at Miami Dade College (EnTec) who helps people learn how to learn through lessons that are real and relevant. At Manpower Group, Rivers helped thousands successfully navigate career transition. For over a decade, her ProSysIT™ real-time management system ran the back-end of the world’s leading IT consultancy firm. She is the founder of ProDev, Inc. which delivers the techniques and technology that assist organizations in the art and science of creating sustainable excellence. Most notably, individuals achieve more influence, impact, and income. She can be reached at info@CareerCoach.Me

Presentation Title: Be fit for IT

An interactive workshop that assists you in preparing for your unique career/ college journey by blending who you are with the hottest 2014 IT careers. Explore your personality strengths and see which of the top 2014 Information Technology (IT) careers might fit you best.

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Rachel Ruddock, CEO/President, RJR Global

Rachel Ruddock is the 24 year old CEO/President of RJR Global and member of the 7th class of Public Allies Miami, housed at Catalyst Miami. Ms. Ruddock opened up RJR Global in 2012 in order to make some extra cash for school books and tuition fees while attending Florida Atlantic University as a Biological Sciences major and has grown tremendously from this business venture. RJR Global, an e-commerce company affiliated with the Amway Global Corporation, began in Coral Springs, FL in Northern Broward County and is now all over South and Central Florida, including here in Miami, New Jersey, in the Bahamas, and even in Jamaica. 2014 has already shown to be a record breaking year for RJR Global, Ms. Rachel Ruddock projects RJR Global to expand to Tallahassee, New York City, Georgia, and Texas by September 2014.

Presentation Title: Mind Your Own Business!

The Mind Your Business Workshop will be broken into 2 parts: The first portion will be discussing Seven Habits of Highly Horrible Networkers and the 2nd portion will discuss the benefits of owning your own enterprise and how to learn your way to the top.

Presentation Title: The Seven Habits of Highly Horrible Networkers

The Seven Habits of Highly Horrible Networkers Presentation teaches young people about networking, how to network in a professional manner, as well as explaining the do's and don'ts when you're marketing your own company, your brand, and even yourself.

Graylyn Swilley-Woods, Executive Director of the Black Hospitality Initiative of Greater Miami Ms. Graylyn Swilley-Woods is the Executive Director of the Black Hospitality Initiative of Greater Miami. The mission of the Black Hospitality Initiative is to advance economic participation and open doors of opportunity for African Americans and Blacks of Africa descent in the Greater Miami visitors industry. The Black Hospitality Initiative distinctive competency is providing education and workforce development programs to its target populations. Our services and programs include Advocacy, Talent Development, and Career Job Connections.

Having spent more than twenty years in higher education, Graylyn has developed educational programs that received both state and national recognition. Since the 1980s she has had hands-on involvement developing youth programs, planning community development initiatives, teaching, training, and managing a host of local, national and international multicultural activities and conferences.

Ms. Swilley- Woods holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh and received her Master of Arts from Ohio State University. She has also completed studies towards a Master of Science in Rural Sociology and presently is a PH.D candidate at Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Presentation Title: Hospitality and the Customer Service Connection: Your Career Starts Here!

Join us as we explore Hospitality as an industry, and as a discipline which acts as a cornerstone of vast professions. Discussions and exercises will engage participants to make the Customer Service Connection, and discover the many career paths that begin with rudimentary soft skills.

Richard Wright, MA Youth Arts Facilitator Motivational Speaker

Multimodal Artist Richard Wright has an MA in Expressive Arts Therapy. He has harnessed what he learned to create his own program that is designed more specifically for our youth. His workshops honor ancestors, stimulate future thinking / envisioning possible futures, and are multimodal arts spaces that motivate, empower and guide youth to their higher potentials. He is also an accomplished multimodal artist. Richard has deejayed for almost 30 years as dj fflood, and co-produced a soulful, futuristic dub/reggae album with Transdub Massiv. The visual arts also inspire him, he is a visual artist who has displayed his works in several solo and group shows. A self proclaimed “afrofuturist”, Richard is also currently writing an afrofuturist/sci-fi novel. He strongly believes that simply envisioning black people in the future is in itself a radical and essential act, and he weaves this into his work with youth. He is a recent transplant to Fort Lauderdale, Florida from Oakland, California. Richard looks forward to using his skills in Florida to unlock the secrets of one of our greatest resources: the creativity of our youth. https://soundcloud.com/ffloodi https://soundcloud.com/transdub-massiv ffloodspace@gmail.com

Presentation Title: The Improvisational Spaceship: An Experiential Art-Based Workshop To Activate Successful Futures

Utilizing the arts in a solution-focused, experiential workshop, Youth Arts Facilitator Richard Wright will

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assist attendees in unearthing their creative potential and envisioning themselves in a prosperous future. Evoking philosophies of afrofuturism/sci-fi, the contributions of our ancestors, and using multiple modalities of art, attendees will embark on a journey where we create new languages to discover and articulate our goals and truths to ourselves and others. The Improvisational Spaceship intends to blast off and break through the limitations of stereotypes, internalized oppression, low expectations and creative blocks, into worlds where imagination, improvisation and adaptability empower us to find our power and reach beyond the stars.

Jesse Vazquez, Jesus Vazquez, MBA, Program Coordinator Miami

Culinary Institute, Miami Dade College Jesse began his career with McDonald’s Corporation in 1986. During his time with the food service giant, he held various positions, including Multi-Unit Manager, Business Consultant and Senior Operations Consultant. Internationally, Jesse was a member of the development team that opened new markets for McDonald’s in Mexico (1987) and Martinique (1990).

In 1999, Jesse decided it was time to take the next step and became the Owner/Operator of the first Chicken Kitchen franchise located in Pinecrest, Florida. First year sales for the new restaurant exceeded $2 million making it one of the highest sales per square footage restaurants in the United States. In 2001, Jesse open a second Chicken Kitchen restaurant in Country Walk, Florida. In 2008, Jesse opened his third own concept restaurant in Miami, Florida.

Jesse believes in giving back to his community and has served on several community service organization boards, including: Hands-In-Action, , Hacer, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, Aspira, South Florida Hispanic Network

Jesse has a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Economics/Finance and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance.

Presentation Title: How to Identify and Create Your Personal Brand

Personal Branding is essentially the ongoing process of establishing a prescribed image or impression in the mind of others. Personal Branding is the practice of people marketing themselves and their careers as brands. Personal Branding describes the process by which individuals differentiate themselves and stand out from a crowd. A well-executed personal branding campaign creates a strong, consistent, and specific association between the individual and the perceived value they offer. Developing your personal brand is essential for the advancement of your career and development as a leader.

About URGENT, Inc. URGENT, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) Miami, FL based youth and community development organization dedicated to empowering young minds to transform their communities. Guided by the principles of innovation, growth and transformation URGENT sees young people as the drivers of change and works to provide empowering opportunities to create the next generation of social change agents. MISSION To empower young minds to help transform their communities VISION All people have the social, economic and educational resources to thrive CORE VALUES Compassion, Innovation, Patience, Learning, Reciprocity, Responsibility, Teamwork

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