Dennard Mitchell — Creator & Executive Producer
Dennard Mitchell “The Epitome of Empowerment”, is a motivational speaker, author, youth coach and the Co-founder of Men of Visions World Wide, LLC which is a company that specializes in personal development. Dennard is quickly becoming one of the most sought after speakers on the speaking and training circuit today. He has delivered messages for organizations such as Alonzo Mourning’s Over Town Youth Center, National Coalition of 100 Black Women and Monster.com Making it Count to name a few. Collectively with his business partner he has empowered hundreds of thousands ranging from grade schools throughout universities and organizations.
While at a young age Dennard realized the importance of identifying his purpose in life and living his dreams. Although faced with many challenges growing up, Dennard went on to earn two academic degrees which includes an Associate of Science degree in Mortuary Science from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Services, as well as graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from American Intercontinental University. Dennard is the creator and executive producer of “As Successful As You Want To Be: Youth Empowerment Night”. He’s also the Co-author of three books (From Mediocre to Magnificent; How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life), (Ready, Set, Succeed; Making Your Dreams Come True) and (The Top 10 Tips for High School Success). His life altering messages have been delivered at youth organizations, schools, colleges, universities and churches across the country.
As Co-founder of Men of Visions World Wide, LLC, Dennard speaks to audiences on the subjects of motivation/empowerment, living your dreams/purpose, leadership, overcoming obstacles, goal setting, and change. His mission is to change the world using the power of uplifting and positive words.
Website: www.menofvisionsworldwide.com
Quentin Whitehead Sr. — Creator & Executive Producer
Quentin Whitehead Sr., The Empowerment Specialist, is one of the most dynamic and electrifying young speakers in the industry today. He resides in Chicago, IL but has traveled extensively across the country delivering empowering messages that has touched thousands of lives. His sole mission and purpose is to pierce the very core of a person to bring about everlasting change. Additionally, his objective is to empower lives for success through the use of determination, inspiration, and information.
After graduating from a technical high school equipped with the knowledge and skills for a career in Residential Construction, Quentin knew there was more promised to him in life. Although he went on to earn his Associates in Business Administration and his Bachelor's in Human Resource Management from American Intercontinental University, he had to follow his dream. His passion led him to a career in public speaking, a vehicle that allows him to do what he does best which is changing lives through the power of uplifting and positive words.
Today, Quentin is the co-owner and founder of Men of Visions World Wide LLC, a speaking company that specializes in individual empowerment. As a motivational speaker and life coach, he has transformed his messages into written form and authored the best selling book "From Mediocre to Magnificent- How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life." Currently, he is in pursuit of writing another book tailored toward student life entitled "The Top 10 Tips for Students Success."
Quentin's power- packed messages will change your life! He speaks on various subjects and topics including: student empowerment, change, motivation, self-development, goal setting, vision, leadership, peak performance, diversity, and living your dreams.
Website: www.menofvisionsworldwide.com
Mack McGhee — Guest Speaker
Mack Dion McGhee was born May 10, 1971 in Chicago Heights, IL. At the age of 19 Mack became the victim of violence while at a New Year's Eve Party in which he took three blows to the head and face with the clawed side of a hammer, requiring him to receive 36 stitches in his face and head. This incident was however a turning point for Mack.
Determined to make something out of his life he worked diligently to climb off of academic probation and transferred to Governors State University where he successfully completed a BA Degree in Criminal Justice. He continued on to complete a MA in Political and Justice Studies by the age of 24.
Mack has since that time been gainfully employed with several Child Welfare and Human Services agencies in the State of Illinois. In the last 13 years he has worked in various capacities dedicated to the goal of empowering, encouraging and motivating youth and individuals to succeed no matter what their circumstance.
Mack has spoken to and inspired thousands of youth and adults in his time working in the field. His message is simply to help others to discover their purpose through inspiration. Read more . . .
Harriette A. Julian — Guest Speaker
Born in the small town of Kingstree, SC, I was raised in a multigenerational strict Holiness family. Most of my time as a child was spent in church with my Great-grandmother Mary, who was the pastor of the church. She had a profound influence on my entire life. She had a kind gentleness and a caring nature that I have not found in many people today. She passed when I was eight, but I still live by the lessons she taught me and the example of the life she led.
I graduated High school at 16 and attended Indiana University; I met my husband at the age of 17 and was sidetracked when I gave birth to my daughter. As a single mother I spent a lot of time figuring out how to get back in college and attain my degree. I was successful at getting a two year Technical degree, but not satisfied. I applied to the University of South Carolina and was granted acceptance, none of my credit from the Technical College were accepted so I started over to work on my Bachelors. Read more . . .
Brother Lyle Muhammad — Event Host
Brother Lyle has served as an education and human development specialist for more than 15 years, with more than 25 years in youth services. He has founded and directed several initiatives designed to produce transformation in youth and adult populations, lacking personal, social, and academic development, that have been historically denied an opportunity to develop a mastery of life skills. He has traveled internationally as a teacher, trainer, consultant, and motivational speaker. Brother Lyle has appeared regularly on numerous television and radio programs seeking guidance and solutions on the manifold issues that plague blighted communities and under serviced populations.
Natasha Naomi Calloway — Comedian
Natasha Naomi Calloway was born to be on stage, but she didn't get this revelation until joining her church home Redeeming Word Christian Center International February 2004. She got her first shot on stage February 2005 in none other than the church's Black History Month Production. Natasha portrayed a mother in the church giving her testimony about the healing power of Jesus. When she looked into the audience and noticed people running down the aisle laughing at her she was hooked. From that moment on she began doing small skits as self created characters and shortly after joined the drama ministry. While on the drama team Natasha wrote, directed and co-directed many of the productions done before the congregation.
In 2006 Natasha was given a chance to bring her talent to film when she was cast as Grandma Opal in the romantic comedy "Just Like Fire." In March of 2007 her spiritual mother and co-pastor, Prophetess Yvette Brinson, introduced her to Christian Comedian Akintunde. In a private meeting with Prophetess Yvette Brinson, Akintunde, and his wife Eunissa, Natasha was challenged to do stand up comedy. Knowing this was a set up by the Holy Ghost she accepted the challenge. In accepting the challenge Natasha ministered for the first time as a stand up comedian on March 16, 2007 on Streamingfaith.com with "It's Time Too Laugh." Shortly after that Natasha received a supporting role in her first stage play "Eye of the Beholder" and went on to compete in the "Heavy Hitters of Christian Comedy" Competition. Read more . . .
Rodney Royal — Artist
My journey of creativity started September 23, 1977 when I was blessed with a gift of expressing my feelings through art. A blank sheet of paper, a canvas, or a plain t-shirt, to me is the beginning of a story I never know the end to. My name is Rodney Royal, I was born and raised in sunny Miami, Florida. I am a descendent of the cotton fields of Georgia, and the island breeze of the Bahamas. I've dipped my paint brush in a few different areas of art such as murals, canvas, and clothing.
My painting on clothes started with me just wanting to be different. I began by customizing sneakers, taking an all white or black sneaker and giving them an totally new color way. Then I began to paint t-shirts to match. I've customized t-shirts locally and also for a few artist in the music industry. I am currently working on new works of art everyday and I also teach afternoon art classes to inner-city youth at the Alonzo Mourning Overtown Youth Center in Miami. Art is my gift, it is my passion, it is my life, and opening the minds of children is a blessing in itself. Read more . . .
Dre Marshall — Music Artist/Entertainer
On November 8th, 1981, one of the most musically prolific minds was born in "Roc-City" Rochester, NY. He honed his skills in South Florida becoming more than just an up and coming rapper or performer. He is the rebirth of poetic life music, the expression of a rare art form; he is Dre Marshall an artist with a message.
Dre Marshall sends a vindicated message of truth and life experience to those who struggle, and those with-out identities. He speaks to the everyday issues of life, refusing to dumb it down, his music far surpasses mediocre and exceeds the status quo.
His message is a formulation of high octane rhythms and "fire" lyrics that welds the heart and soul of every note to the bass line of every pulse. Dre Marshall literally strikes a chord in the hearts and minds of all who hear. He is an endless torch with a sound that resonates through all demographics. Read more . . .
Lorenzo Palmer — Poet
Ladies and Gentlemen I present to some and introduce to others a creative writer from Hollywood, Florida, an adventourus actor that made his first theatrical debut at nine years old as 'The black Willy Wonka' in the musical "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", an imaginitive performer that is persuing a degree in secondary education, and a talented poet that smothers each stage with verbal ecstacy . . . Lorenzo Palmer.