Stephanie R. Bridges
Author | Producer | Entrepreneur
Stephanie R. Bridges is a spoken word artist, author, publisher and entrepreneur. She has published four children’s books, a book and journal for tweens, as well as a book of poetry and short stories more suitable for adult readers. Stephanie is very passionate about collective economics in the Black Community, and she loves sharing her knowledge and platform with entrepreneurs and writers, young and old. Hence, the Bridges Book Club!
Ashante
Author | Model | Community Activist
Ashanté is a young author from Chicago, currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Texas A&M University. She’s one of six siblings, and finds delight in helping others. Ashanté also enjoys art, poetry, dance, and spending time with elders from different walks of life. As the author of an upcoming memoir that magnifies some systematic obstacles met while attending Public Schools and facing inner-city struggles of survival, her dedication is to liberation.
Whitney L. Barkley
Author | Podcaster | Digital Marketer
After being teased about being a “skinny black girl”, Whitney Barkley decided to take her four-eyes and slim behind to the World Wide Web to express herself. Through her blog, she has helped women overcome obstacles imposed by self-doubt, low self-esteem, and societal constructs. The Skinny Black Girl’s Guide to Freedom discusses how she conquered colorism, sexual assault, toxic relationships, abortion, and depression to live confident and abundant life.
Amber Hill
Author | Educator | Entrepreneur
Amber Hill is an educator, publisher, and entrepreneur committed to encouraging, and inspiring young people to see the greatness in themselves. After many years of being in the classroom, God has placed it upon her heart to write Children’s Books to promote early learning skills. Not only will the books support bridging the gaps in early learning, but they will build self-esteem and foster the joy of reading for our youngest learners, in particular children of color.
JJ Winston
Author | Advocate | Community Activist
JJ Winston is a Licensed Social Worker and Attorney whose novels have won multiple awards. Ms. Winston is a Magistrate in the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court and previously she was employed for 19 years as the Behavioral Health Advocate for the Cuyahoga County Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Bd. Ms. Winston uses her voice to create stories that entertain, educate and raise awareness related to mental health, human trafficking and sickle cell Disease.
Colette R. Harrell
Author | Playwright | Public Speaker
Colette is an author, poet, songwriter, content creator, entrepreneur, and playwright. She holds a master’s degree and has retired as a Director of social services. She believes God has a plan for every life, but you hold the key to manifesting its fullness. She owns Intentional Entertainment LLC and Co-founder of COJACK Productions LLC, both Spirit-fed entertainment companies that inspire through literary, film, stage, and audio platforms.
Danielle D. Smith
Author | Filmmaker | Advocate
Danielle is the founder of the “Don’t Be Quiet”, an organization with a mission to help victims of child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, sexual assault, and suicide. In April 2018, she released a Short Film by the same name that gives a visual account of her book and walks you through the challenge of going from victim to victor! She is a passionate speaker that brings people together through shared experiences, taking away the struggle of beginning the healing process alone.
Nicole Smith
Author | Minister | Public Speaker
While being single and celibate for 20 years, Nicole Smith speaks to Singles and shares the desperate need for Holiness. As a Minister, a public speaker, author, and founder of Opened Palms Ministry, she teaches men and women how to operate and function in the kingdom. Her books include interactive daily devotionals and Bible Studies for Singles. She writes and gives Singles a voice and believes in just “keeping it real.”
Keshia Caldwell
Author | Advocate | Entrepreneur
Keshia Caldwell is an author, mother, and entrepreneur. She recently published her debut novel, Chronicles of a Broken Girl, on June 3, 2019. She has always believed her purpose is to share her gift with the world and be a positive impact in someone’s life. Keshia has a heart for young women and believes part of her purpose in life is to be a beacon of hope that they can rely on for wisdom and guidance.
Kimberly Davis - Peters
Author | Marketer | Business Coach
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Leslie H. Coley
Author | World Traveler | Comm. Leader
Leslie is an aspiring author. Her vision is to encourage hope in the hopeless and to show how learning to love the space that you're in can bring positive results. Having gone through some difficult issues while attending school for several years, Leslie vowed to make every day a gift to herself and to share that gift with the world. She's going to give a small visual by way of a memoir to help you understand her plight and that of those like her.
Kim Bullock-Hennix
Author | Speaker | Coach
My first journal assignment was in the eighth grade. My English teacher, Ms. Ammon, told me I had a future in writing. After 17 years as a photographer in three states, I’m very excited to announce that the novel, “The R.I.C.O Verdict,” has finally manifested and is due to be published in June of 2019. This will be the first in a series of courtroom dramas. I still have a passion for photography. Follow my everything social media @ LFX MEDIA to view my work. Create your own destiny.
Sheri Brooks
Author | Filmmaker | Consultant
Sheri is a literary entrepreneur who devoted over a decade to educating and encouraging writers on their journey. The managing partner of Malku Media is a filmmaker, playwright, speaker and dance minister. As founder and host of GloryReelz Christian Film Festival & Writer’s Lab, a conference for Media Makers to fellowship, learn, promote, and prosper, she evangelizes the nations. The Kingdom Strategist's focus is now on edifying and entertaining with her literary brand.
Seneca Bing
Author | Educator | Advocate
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Valerie J. Runyan
Author | Photographer | LGTBQ Advocate
I am Valerie J Runyan and I write because I am words and words are me. Words are my breath, words are my thoughts, words are what I feel, words are what I constantly hear and see; I can't not write. I write for my fellow human beings to escape their world and find refuge in mine. I write to live and I live to write. I began in LA. I raised my children in Las Vegas, where I took up photography and published my debut collection of narratives "Quandaries of Love."
Tina Lee Jones
Author | Podcaster | TV Host
Original GOAL DIGGER, Tina Lee Jones is an author, speaker, podcaster and TV Host. She founded the GOAL DIGGER movement to educate, empower and entertain women through her t-shirt brand. Eventually her business expanded to a podcast, TV show and her book, Goal Digger Tips: For Millennial Women Starting A Business. After overcoming childhood depression and most recently, type 2 diabetes, Tina feels it's her purpose to inspire through her story.
Joylynn M. Ross
Bestselling Author |Literary Coach| Speaker
BLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy, is the author of the “New Day Divas” series coined “Soap Operas in Print.” She’s an Essence Bestselling Author who wrote secular books under the names Joylynn M. Jossel, JOY, children's and middle grade books under N. Joy, and non-fiction under the name Joylynn M. Ross. Her award-winning children's book, The Secret Olivia Told Me, received the ALA Coretta Scott King Honor, Scholastic book club rights, & sold over 100,000 copies.
Robin F. David
Author | Advocate | Public Speaker
Robin is driven by a passion for elevating women through empowerment. From her personal journey of healing from childhood trauma, abandonment, rejection, blame and abuse, she draws upon direct experience and knowledge to help women live to their full potential. Robin is a speaker, healing coach, and bestselling author. She is also, the facilitator of a women circle, The Healing Gathering, and the director of The Golden Foundation in memory of her son.
Seneca Bing
Author | Educator | Advocate
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Jamila D. Smith
Author | Educator | Producer
Jamila D. Smith was raised in Massachusetts and Indiana. She became inspired to pursue her writing talents during early childhood. Smith has enjoyed creating amazing fictional stories that are filled with fierce, thrilling and engrossing plots. Jamila holds a bachelor and masters degree in social work, and a graduate degree in secondary education with an English as a Second Language (ESL) certification. She enjoys coordinating fashion events, and traveling to the Caribbean.
Gerald R. Jones
Author | Comedian | Entrepreneur
Since September 2014, Gerald R. Jones has strengthened the hearts of many through his unique gift of comedy. Gerald is an entrepreneur who is passionate about utilizing laughter to encourage the homeless, provide healing to those in recovery, and creatively impact our youth. As the owner of Blessed Indeed Communications, Mr. Jones uses his gifts, talents, and skills to share laughter and joy with others by delivering clean comedy and live entertainment.
Tia Ramey
Author | Photographer | Cinematographer
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Nicole Brown-Horston
Author | Educator | Public Speaker
Nicole Brown-Horston earned a BS in Ed.
from Ohio State, her M.Ed. in Admin from Ashland University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the Franciscan University. Committed to inner-city schools, Nicole developed a love for helping people become the best version of themselves. Nicole created Shades of You, a platform that empowers women who feel life has dealt a deadly blow, but they possess the desire to heal and rise better than ever.
Gregory L. Porter
Author | Investor | Antique Dealer
Gregory L. Porter is the founder of Angelwealth Inc. He is a real estate investor, marketing entrepreneur, and microfinancier. He loves writing poems and short stories that are delightful to children. His love for authoring children's books derives from the enjoyment he experienced while reading to his grand and great-grandchildren. After seeing their excitement and passion for reading his books, he knew this is something he was destined to do.
Rachelle L. Lawson
Author | Educator | Coach
Rachelle is a motivational teacher and coach. She helps people uncover their authentic selves, purpose and cultivate healthy relationships. A gifted educator, Rachelle is a two-time recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Teaching Excellence Award. Her mission is to motivate abundant life in young women; and she is regularly seen doing just that, using her innate ability to connect with people. Rachelle is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and the Founder of At The Table Communication, LLC.
James Witherspoon
Author | Public Speaker | Drug Counselor
My name is James Witherspoon, and I am an alcoholic in long term recovery. I was in active addiction for 26 years and in that process, went through being in jail, homeless, and multiple treatment episodes. I have now been clean and sober for eight years, and I am a college graduate with a Bachelors in Social Work, a drug and alcohol counselor, motivational speaker and published author.
Angela Ramos Fields
Author | Autism Advocate | CEO
Angela Ramos Fields is the founder and CEO of Emerging Autism Solutions (EAS), a nonprofit in Columbus, OH. She was inspired by her son’s diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to write about the experience. Additionally, her mission quickly evolved to connect families together to learn advocacy strategies and tactical practices focusing in the underserved and under-represented communities. Angela is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and frequently speaks throughout Ohio on Autism related topics.
Ebony P. Little
Author | Travel Agent | Entrepreneur
I have been writing since middle school. I recently picked my pen up again after taking a long break to become a mother and getting rid of toxic people that were holding me back from being the best me. I also go by my middle name Paige and it’s part of my travel business, Paige Travels. I’m passionate about helping people which is why I love helping my clients create their dream vacation whether it’s big or small. My first book will be released in 2020, so look out for it!
Anthony Battaglia
Author | Educator | Producer
Born in Ohio and raised in Texas, I have had an appreciation for the differences between people as well as the ties that bond us together. I have a BA in Economics and a BS in nursing – currently working on a master’s in nursing education. Writing has recently become a primary focus in my life and a way in which I hope to enrich the lives of others as they have done for me.
Lola I
Author | Poet | Entrepreneur
L. Isijola is a Nigerian born, American raised poet and writer. She's written two poetry books, "Oracle" and "Spoken Silence," detailing her immigrant experience with undertones of faith and self-discovery. She is currently working on her first young adult novel. Isijola is passionate about cultural diversity and bridging the gap among Africans across the globe.
Nicole C. Carter
Author | Comedian | Disability Advocate
Nicole “Lady Xtreme” Carter is a speaker, author, promoter and advocate for people with disabilities. Considered a pioneer of Gospel Rap, Lady Xtreme, has shared her gift across the nation. A loving wife and mother of three, it was her oldest son that has autism, who sparked the idea for her and her husband to create a comedy show called Xtreme Gospel Comedy. Operating from the motto: “The greatest gift you can give God, is yourself,” Nicole Carter has done just that.
Dr. Lisa Hunter
Author | Pastor | Community Leader
Dr. Hunter was an Evangelist who traveled extensively in the United States preaching the Gospel. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, she was called to Pastor in 1997, moved to Columbus, OH, and started a church, Total Life Ministries, in January 1998. Total Life Ministries, a 501 C (3) organization, also has Let the Children Come Daycare Center under its umbrella. As a life-long learner, Dr. Hunter holds multiple undergraduate, graduate level and doctorial degrees.
Ciara Ijames
Author | Poet | Public Speaker
Ciara Ijames is a multi-award winning poet and author. Her works include the,
"There's Beauty Inside Series..." and range from children's books to adult poetry collections. Ciara Ijames continues to use poetry as an outlet and avenue to inspire all walks of life to the capacity of which she has been inspired. She currently resides in Columbus, Ohio, where she conducts workshops and inspires youth to follow their dreams.
Dr.Tameka Donaldson
Author | Educator | Coach
Dr. Tameka Donaldson-Bridges earned a B.A. in English from The Ohio State University, an M. Ed.in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University, and an Ed. D in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University. Dr. Tameka commitment, love, dedication, and passion for children has led her to begin writing children books, and in the future becoming a business owner of a childcare center.
Dr.Norma McLauchlin
Author | Publisher | First Lady
Dr. McLauchlin’s humility for God’s Word and His people are beyond reproach. As she organizes, guides, coordinates, and executes, one could categorize her as a profound minister, teacher and visionary. As founder of Norma McLauchlin Global Ministries, Chosen Pen Publishing, Ministers’ Mates Matter, Free to Choose Ministry and the annual Lady Lifers TM Women’s Conferences, Dr. McLauchlin inspires women to embrace spiritual change and live more fulfilling lives.
Lisa Aguirre
Author | Attorney | Mentor
Lisa Aguirre grew up Maryland and has traveled the world in her work for the U.S. State Dept and more recently, the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services. She holds a master’s in clinical psychology and a law degree from Tulsa University. Lisa began mentoring teens and young adults in foster care. From that experience, she published, "Faces of Foster Care." Time with her autistic nephew prompted Lisa to work on a similar project with those on the spectrum.