Aisha Gant, "A Life...", Founder of Eborya Enterprises LLC, is an author/poet, an entrepreneur, and last but not least, a mother. When she is not writing, she works in the health and beauty industry where she is a salon owner/operator, a nationally certified personal trainer, and a contributor to hair and beauty magazines abroad. The author is also the creator and designer of The Ears Free Hair Wrap, a product she developed to help herself and others overcome a common problem. Founding Eborya Enterprises LLC, to house each necessary division (including but not limited to; publishing, product marketing & distribution, personal training & fitness, and a beauty salon), became second nature. Every office that A. Life… operates in was birthed out of a need to be and do better when the struggles of life intervened on her creativity. If there is ever a question as to why or how, in her own words, A. Life… would say: “I am marked by the ability to create an interference… and I am imaginative enough to modify anything’s appearance… because my creativity was my intervention! Besides, I am ‘Billionarally Blessed’ to be a blessing to billions!”
Cheryl Everett was born in Beaufort, North Carolina by a midwife at home. She is the daughter of retired Naval Officer, Melvin Robinson, and mother Laura Bell Smallwood-Keyes. After living in North Carolina until the age of 5, Cheryl and her family moved to New York. After having four sons and surviving an abusive marriage, Cheryl returned to school and acquired her GED. She went on to the College of New Rochelle for three years and maintained a B+average, while working a full time job and raising her four sons.
Cheryl has faced many trials: the violent death of her 19 year old son Jason W. Everett in 1999; major illnesses, and multiple surgeries from a car accident in 2005. Cheryl says of heself, "I am disabled, but not broken." Cheryl's goal is to be the producer of her own written plays.
Ms. Charlotte E. Scottis a Life Coach. She has worked as a clinical therapist and trainer for a number of years. She has a zeal for life and a passion for empowering people. Her life has brought her to a deep understanding of the importance of positive input and its production of powerful outcomes. She has been working as a literary artist since her early childhood, documenting all that she's seen, heard, and felt. Ms. Scott uses writing as a vehicle for change, and as a mouthpiece that evokes thought, as well as, speaks peace to the masses. "Communication, in this world, is key." One of her life's goals is to assist people in developing effective communication skills, while cultivating, not working relationships, but relationships that work!
“Often the search proves more than the goal.” UNKNOWN
Johanna Brown is an award-winning writer and founder of the marketing communications firm Copy Write Consulting. Her articles have appeared in publications such as Southern Screen Report, The Miami Herald and Citizen Magazine. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Johanna is a lifelong lover of languages, travel and knowledge. She has studied linguistics, writing and marketing in Canada, Puerto Rico, England, Germany and Jamaica.
Johanna is the winner of the New Jersey Governor’s Art Award and the New Jersey Young Playwrights Contest.
She earned a bachelor of commerce in International Management concentrating in Latin American and the Caribbean from McGillUniversity (Montreal, Quebec) and a master of science in Mass Communication specializing in Integrated Marketing Communications from FloridaInternationalUniversity (Miami, Florida).
Renée Daviswas born and raised in the Bronx, but has lived in the Atlanta area for over twenty-five years. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education, before entering into the work force. She began a career in sales for The Prudential Insurance Co., Bell System and Pacific Bell. However, a sudden lay-off landed her into the world of fashion modeling.
In 1995, Renée founded The Agape Restoration Center, Inc. to assist women with children who are homeless or in a crisis situation. The Agape Restoration Center, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, opened the doors of its emergency shelter, and within the two years of operation, Agape House had sheltered over 250 women and their children. Plans are now being drawn to re-open the emergency shelter and to rename it Margaret's Manor, in honor Renée's mother. Agape continues to shelter women on an individual basis while offering other services.
As a professional commercial, print and runway model, Renée represents the "classic, mature baby-boomer" generation. Renée's strong faith in God and her belief that the true beauty of a woman should generate from the inside out, motivated her to develop workshops to help women enhance their personal inner beauty. She places a special emphasis on women who live in poverty and lack self-esteem. She is most enthused about being able to train women and teen girls in the areas of image enhancement, health, beauty, poise & carriage through her company "Renée & Company" ( www.reneedavis.com). Renée & Company offers a full day seminar on the modeling industry called "So... You Want to be a Model?" designed to give a fully informative picture of the modeling industry.
Renée is married to Ron Davis and is the proud mother of two adult daughters, three adult "bonus" daughters, and four grandchildren.
In 1999, Renée fought and won the fight against breast cancer. She is a strong advocate of breast cancer awareness, education and screening. She has served as a Community Health Advocate of the Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center of Grady Health Systems (a program of the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University).
C. Renee Phillipsis a native of St. Louis, Missouri. Renee currently works for an international consulting firm where she served as a Consultant in the Group Healthcare practice. She has over 22 years of experience in healthcare claims administration. Renee holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis in Management from Saint Louis University and is currently working on a MBA from Maryville University in St. Louis.
Renee has been journaling and writing short stories for family and friends over the past 10 years. The primary theme of her work is designed to move all people from church traditions to a broader perspective that we can have success and be well rounded spiritually, physically, financially and emotionally. "The same excitement and power we seek in churches should follow us in the classrooms, in our homes, on our jobs and while we interact with one another."
Renee has served as a mentor for the St. Louis Public Schools in her early career and now devote time and resources to help those who are in need. Renee loves to read books that inspire and promote progress and development. She also values spending time with her family and friends.
Sherry Dunnis a native of St. Louis, Missouri but now resides in Atlanta, Georgia, "the mecca of opportunity." She has written scripts and articles for many years. Sherry holds a degree in Communication with a minor in radio and television. "Writing is a beautiful thing that I love to do. My focus is to highlight our teens doing positive things for their community. The media frequently over-looks the positive things our teenagers are doing, but I am going to make sure their stories will be heard. Being a single mother of two teenagers has given me the desire to think about our future leaders. We have to let our children know we support them in everything positive they get involved in. So to all of my teenagers, I support you, and I would love to tell your story."
Terrica L. Hardnett was born and raised in North West Atlanta, Georgia, and is a graduate of Frederick Douglas High School and recieved her BS from Morris Brown College. She is currently studying for her MBA at Strayer University. Terrica is a Human Resources professional. In her spare time she is a Lead Vocalist, poetess, writer and model for Vertikal Magazine. She is currently working on a fashion line for the plus size woman. Her motto, "life is what you make it, celebrate and give God the glory." With a strong love for family, she ensures that family is still first on her agenda and loves to see the advancement of children in today's society.
Timeka L. Muhammad desires to strengthen our communities by providing needed resources for children and their families. In order to qualify for this work, Muhammad has recently earned her Master’s degree in Community Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. Muhammad is also working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). In her effort to assist families, Muhammad is also training to become a parent education facilitator with Active Parenting. This program empowers families by providing parents with the skills to help their children survive and thrive in our changing world.
Muhammad is also the creator and author of the new children book series, called We Water the Child. Stories in the We Water the Child series encourage, motivate, and inspire children and their families. The first book of the series called We Water the Child: the Bus Ride is now available.
Muhammad is a certified teacher and worked briefly as a public school teacher. She also established a career as a Software Tester and a Technical Writer in the Information Technology (IT) industry. After working close to 8 years in IT, Muhammad decided to make a career change that aligned her professional goals with a longing desire to assist more in her community. Therefore, she returned to school in order to build a new career in Professional Counseling. In an effort expand her skills set, Muhammad has begun training in Imago Relationship Therapy. This is an approach to relationships that weaves together many established psychological theories and spiritual traditions. She is a member of various professional organizations. Muhammad is also a dedicated daughter, devoted aunt, supportive sister, and trusted friend.
Albert L. Swepson Jr., born and raised in East Saint Louis, Illinois, is a graduate of Lincoln Sr. High School. He has earned a Bachelor of Science in Writing from Drury University (2005). He is presently enrolled at Fort Hays State University pursuing a Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in English (Humanities). He has lived in Wichita Kansas for 15 years and started working as a veteran service representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2006. In addition to being a husband, walking the dog and raising two daughters, he has worked, off and on, as a journalist in the United States Army.
James C. Warnerwas born in Hatford, Conneticut, and raised in Chicago. During his college experience he majored in English Communications. Now living in Tuskegee, Alabama, James is the author of the book entitled,"Thought Provoking Thoughts"; designed to foster an intricate knowledge of the inner self and how the self relates to others. "My reasoning for writing this book is to inform people to never give up on their hopes and dreams, because without hope we have nothing." James' newest book, "A Woman's Bible" is scheduled for release in 2010. Prior to writing this book, James was married for 10 years and divorced for 9 years. Upon his divorce, he was homeless for 9 months and slept in his car. According to Mr. Warner, that is when his writing began.
M. Alonzo Richwas born to Fannie R. Rich and Tommie Rich in Harlem, New York and was raised in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn and Rosedale, Queens. After attending New York City public schools, he furthered his education at NorfolkStateUniversity, then Syracuse University College of Law. After passing the New York Bar, he worked at various Park Ave. and Wall Street law firms. He is enjoying a second career as a writer and is currently completing his first novel, Sins of the Father – Black Boys Burden which should be available for publishing by March of 2010. When not in Atlanta or New York, he spends most of his time at his home in Fredericksburg, Virginia, a bedroom community outside of Washington, DC. His writing in VERTIKAL will focus primarily on the social and political world around us. He has a wife, Becky (whose currently on sabbatical), a daughter, Ashley, attending VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity, a son, Keith, attending GeorgiaStateUniversity, and a dog named Jackson.
He credits who he is today to his many role models that include his stepfather, the late Henry C. Smiths, his uncles, W.B. Wilson, Samuel C. Wilson, Bruce Rich, and the late Billie Cunningham, along with both his grandfathers, Sam Wilson and Tom Rich, along with a neighbor, the late McGlen Cherry who all took the time to talk to him about life, about being a man, and about being a father. He is currently a member of the Land of Promise Church in Fredericksburg, VA, where the Reverend Dr. James King is the pastor.
Dr. Michael K. Bednarzis a Podiatrist and specializes in Medicine and Surgery of the Foot and Ankle in Marietta, GA. He is an associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (AACFAS). Dr. Bednarz’s scope of practice includes general Podiatry, pediatric foot and ankle conditions, dermatology, elective surgery of the foot and ankle, reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle, trauma of the foot and ankle, sports medicine, as well as advanced wound care and diabetic limb salvage.
He is on staff at Wellstar Kennestone, Wellstar Cobb and Wellstar Windy Hill hospitals. Dr. Bednarz also treats patients at the Kennestone Wound Care Center along with the physicians/surgeons from Vascular Surgical Associates of Marietta.
Dr. Bednarz is actively engaged in the field of advanced wound care and diabetic limb salvage, and he participates in national and international research related to wound and soft tissue repair. He lectures widely on advanced wound care, diabetic limb salvage and tendon repair/augmentation of the foot and ankle to audiences throughout the world
Dr. Bednarz received his Bachelor of Science from Wayne State University in 1998 and his Doctorate from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 2002.
Dr. Bednarz completed a 3 year surgical residency program at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami, FL, as well as Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL from 2002 to 2005. He served as Chief Resident in 2005.
Michael Paragonwas born and raised in Sarasota Florida, and relocated to the Atlanta area in 2006. Having kept his finger on the pulse of high-end automotive designs since 1989 until now, he is by definition, an exotic-car enthusiast and lifelong devotee of the Lamborghini Marquee. As the owner of multiple businesses, he is considered by those who know him personally as a “Serial Entrepreneur”. Mr. Paragon holds a degree in Computer Automated Design and Drafting and is currently working on his first book entitled “The Nautilus Factor”.
Victor S. Kinghas been cooking professionally for 8 1/2 years. He attended Le Cordon Bleu to hone his family fostered culinary skills. Victor maintains his mother and grandmother have been very instrumental in inspiring him to learn to cook. Victor currently teaches culinary skills in his clientele's homes. He also teaches other chef's advanced culinary skills. Victor's upcoming book, "Vic's Culinary Corner" is scheduled to be released in 2010. "I just love food. There is nothing else I would rather do in life that to just cook and continue to make people happy with my food." Victor is a husband and proud father of two. "I am thrilled to be sharing my passion for food with the VertiKal audience."
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