The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative

Monica Wood is the founder and managing partner of OFF-THE-FIELD BRANDING™ Professional│Personal Management, LLC.  A joint partnership with Visionary Financial Strategies, Inc., the firm's main objective is establishing, enhancing and extending the life of the professional athlete's brand through to retirement; thus, positioning them for a secure future... professionally, personally and financially.

Wood has been invited to speak or conduct workshops on all facets of PR by several national professional and community organizations including the National Council of Presidents (Presenter in Washington, DC 2008), National Black Public Relations Society Annual Conference (Panelist in Chicago 2007); Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Annual National Convention (Workshop Presenter in Orlando 2007 & Kansas City 2008); and, Morgan State University Earl Graves School of Business "Entrepreneurial Series" (Featured Series Speaker in Baltimore 2005).

A third generation graduate of Morgan State University, Wood holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech. She is a member of The Association for Women in Sports Media, The National Association of Female Executives, National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Wood resides in Charlotte, NC.

Brand Enhancer

Raoul Davis is CEO and Chairman of Ascendant Strategy Group (ASG) and its vertical, 4th Dimension Management, both designed for CEO branding and management to increase visibility for executive clientele in a global marketplace.  Respectfully recognized by colleagues and clients as the Brand Enhancer, Raoul founded ASG in 2004, and has developed a reputation for effectively setting CEO’s and their companies apart from their competitors.

Early in life, Raoul became very conscious of his journey to his career aspirations.  A Long Island, New York native, he completed his undergraduate degree at Winston-Salem University, and obtained his masters degree in Public Administration at one of the top ranking schools in public policy, the prestigious University of Delaware School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy.  During his matriculation through college, he was a key player in the community, and played active roles in Student Government.  An overachiever, Raoul secured an internship with Speakers, Etc., and rose to top sales person within a 6-month period.

Raoul’s professional potential was realized during his internship, as he was instrumental in garnering an entirely new line of business for the company in the college market by the end of his first year.  His years of experience have aided in him carving out a unique niche in helping clients create integrated brands that position them to be global leaders.

A dominating force in Raoul’s life is his dedication to incrementally growing his company and helping those in need.  He serves on several socially-conscious boards, including the Board of Directors of Life In Christ Cathedral of Faith, The Urban Literacy Project, and volunteers for the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. 

Raoul also supports American Breast Cancer and Firefighter initiatives.  Espousing the teachings of John the Baptist, Raoul’s legacy lies in his model of leadership – preparing the way for others.

The Social Capitalist

Named by The Michigan Chronicle as one of 2007’s ten people making a global difference. Ephren W. Taylor II is the youngest African-American CEO of any publicly traded company ever ‑ City Capital Corporation (stock symbol:CTCC). Described as “walking history” by popular radio show host Tom Joyner, Taylor started his first business venture at age 12, when he began making video games. By age 17, he built a multi-million dollar technology company; GoFerretGo.com.
In 2007, at City Capital Corporation, Taylor started the Goshen Energy initiative; which focuses on producing alternative energy specializing in biofuels. Taylor’s commitment to green energy is part of his concept of empowering local communities with both profitable and socially-conscious investing and development. Through his action on green energy and philanthropy, Taylor is leading a new wave of CEO’s focusing on corporate social responsibility.

Taylor’s diverse business portfolio is quickly transforming him into a household name. He appears weekly on FOX News and has been featured on network shows such as ABC’s 20/20 and Montel Williams show. He also has regular appearances in print and radio media including PBS, Black Enterprise, and the Miami Herald.

Beyond his unprecedented accomplishments at an early age in business, Taylor is an author, inspirational speaker, and real estate mastermind. His first book, “Creating Success from the Inside Out”, is published by the world’s number one business publisher, Wiley and is an Amazon and CEO Read best seller. The book serves as an expose of the mindset of today’s multi-millionaires while defining success as not only attaining wealth, but how to utilize it.

In celebration of their 170th anniversary, Taylor completed a specialized curriculum for high school-aged aspiring entrepreneurs at Cheyney University, America’s oldest historically black college and university. After providing a donation to get the program started, The Ephren Taylor Entrepreneur Academy opened in July 2007.

What Warren Buffet is for baby boomers, Taylor is for today’s generation X and Y ‑ a rapidly emerging premier financial expert.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

~ Made first million by 16
~ Youngest Black CEO of a Publicly Traded Company
~ Oversees over 250 Million in Assets
~ Starting Investment Clubs at schools across the nation
~ Developing national business plan competition for university students
~ Started business ventures at the age of 12
~ Works with superstar entertainers such as Snoop Dogg and Fat Joe
~ Diverse client list ranges from Stock Market Day Traders to Hip Hop Icons

No Apologies for Change

Energized with the enthusiasm to empower citizens and an advocate for the disenfranchised, Alisha Morgan decided early in her life that she was going to be the change she wanted to see in the world.  A valiant champion for justice, equality and empowering communities, Morgan made history in November 2002 by becoming the first African-American to serve in the Georgia House of Representatives for Cobb County.  At age 30, Morgan remains the youngest female member of the entire Georgia General Assembly. A political activist and inspirational speaker, Morgan is one of today’s trailblazing architects for change.

Morgan has spent her entire adult life carving out a unique niche of bridge-building between “real people” and the political process, educating citizens with zeal and dauntless activism.  Hailing from Miami, Florida, her introduction to the legislative process out of school was training high school students to organize and lobby for sensible laws against gun violence for the Alliance for Justice.  This campaign directly propelled Morgan into her interests as a change agent.  She went on to begin constructing change through the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) at the age of fourteen. Her involvement with the Miami Dade Youth Council of the NAACP, along with her eagerness to transform the political process led her to become President of the Spelman Chapter of the NAACP, and eventually, President of the Georgia NAACP State Youth and College Division.

Of paramount importance to Morgan is her political and social activism.  A fierce advocate for children and families, superior public education, access to affordable healthcare, voting rights, and juvenile justice, Morgan has earned the reputation as a voice for the underrepresented throughout Georgia. As a member of the House of Representatives, Morgan serves on the Children and Youth, Education, and Governmental Affairs Committees  In November 2008, upon recognizing her candor and ability to shape public policy to improve the lives for all residents, Morgan was re-elected to a fourth term, with 72% of the vote.  A servant of the people, Morgan strives to ensure that the voices of the people are effectively brought to the forefront.

Morgan has gained noteworthy support from citizens in her South Cobb district and in surrounding Georgia areas. In addition, she has garnered an immense amount of support from her constituents and colleagues. Receiving a multitude of leadership awards, Morgan is particularly appreciative of the honor, “2008 Legislator of the Year,” given to her by the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus during her for her work on children and youth issues, the Joe Mack Wilson “People’s Champion Award” from the Cobb Democratic party and the “Excellence in Service award by MALDEF. Morgan has received additional honors by the Concerned Black Clergy with the “Outstanding Young Woman Award,” a “Friend of Education” by the Cobb County Association of Educators, and the “Unsung Heroine Award” by the Anti-Defamation League.

Nationally-recognized for her accomplishments as a community leader, Morgan was named one of the Nation’s 30 Leaders who are under 30 in Ebony Magazine. She was further touted as one of “America’s Young Civil Rights Heroes,” by AOL Black Voices, one of fifteen women of the “New Power Generation” by Essence Magazine, and one of Georgia’s brightest 40 under 40 by both Georgia Trend Magazine and the Georgia Informer.

In 2004, Morgan was selected as a delegate to travel to South Africa with the American Council of Young Political Leaders.  She is also a 2006 Flemming Fellow, selected by the Center for Policy Alternatives.  Remaining the consummate community servant, Morgan holds memberships with the NAACP, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Rho Zeta Omega Chapter, Cobb County CASA Advisory Board, Joseph E. Lowery Institute, Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, and Austell Community Taskforce.

Living life without limits or complacency, Morgan plans to release No Apologies in fall 2009; a book based upon her unapologetic philosophy on belief in oneself.  She also plans to launch a speaker and training consultancy, focusing on advocacy, lobbying, non-profit initiatives, and community affairs.

Morgan is a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Sociology and Drama. She is a resident in Cobb County, and has also been joined in public life by her husband, David Morgan who was also elected to the Cobb County school board.  Relying on her platform of engagement and empowerment, Morgan’s legacy is to be a powerful, influential, and effective lawmaker, while maintaining her appreciation of family and her community.

Artistic Butterfly

At the age of twenty-nine, Jai McClendon has spent her life pursuing her passion for the Arts.  Having evolved into a diverse,  Artistic Butterfly with versatile talent and business savvy, Jai’s surmountable approach to success is clearly defined by her focused attitude, inherent work ethic, and her undying commitment to use her talents for positive change.  With her unique ability to merge artistic and analytical skills, Jai has balanced multiple careers ranging from dance extraordinaire to business entrepreneur.  At present, Jai is the Senior Artistic Director of AREA- Atlanta’s Resource for Entertainment & Arts; a renowned choreographer for television, commercial, and stage; and an active philanthropist, educating young people in the Arts.

Celebrating over thirty years of serving the Atlanta arts community, Jai is continuing the legacy and trademark of the McClendon School of Dance & Institute of the Arts.   Implementing its holistically designed curriculum, which incorporates dance and motivational instruction, an emphasis on academic excellence, and appropriate moral and ethical values; Jai has continually set the precedence of dance in Atlanta, by producing technically-trained professional artists and talent who have impacted change in the industry and beyond.  She remains creatively inspired by those who aided in cultivating her talents in all facets of dance, including: Denise McClendon (McClendon School of Dance), Karen Brown (Dance Theater of Harlem), Sara Yarborough (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre), Stephanie Dabney (Dance Theatre of Harlem), Patricia Bromley (School of American Ballet), and Allyne D. Gartrell (Dallas Black Dance Theater).  Ever-evolving, Jai’s new vision has led her to launch one of Atlanta’s leading metropolitan studios, AREA—Atlanta’s Resource for Entertainment & Arts in spring 2009.  AREA will not only yield the same emphasis on technical dance that has given Jai her current notoriety, but will feature a broad variety of sophisticated arts and entertainment offerings, including an on-site recording studio complex.   
 
Reaching beyond the confines of her family’s Institute, Jai is regularly tapped by corporations, organizations, pageants and celebrities to provide dance instruction and choreography around metropolitan Atlanta and throughout the United States.  Jai’s accomplishments have stretched from being a noted dancer to some of the industry’s greatest artists, from the late Curtis Mayfield to Kanye West, to choreography for prestigious organizations such as the Atlanta Aquarium to the Atlanta Hawks Dance Team.  She is a fitness and Dancercise instructor, servicing all Kaiser Permanente Medical Group locations in Georgia; has provided choreography for the McClendon School of Dance Annual Christmas Production entitled, ‘This is the Story’; 2009 Miss Clark Atlanta University Scholarship Pageant; 2008-09 Clark Atlanta University Homecoming Coronation; ‘Dave Hollister’ (recording artist) of Black Street tour; Musical Stage Play: Soul Kittens Cabaret; the 2003 NBA All-Star Game activities; and the Atlanta and DeKalb County’s school systems.

A dynamic professional dancer, Jai has invigorated and impacted audiences around the world. Utilizing her innate ability for dance and performing, Jai has performed for Comcast Media commercials on HGTV, MTV, and TLC; the 2007 Hyundai Car Dealers & Investors Annual Convention; 2006 & 2007 BET Awards; Black MBA Awards; NFL Super Bowl XXXIV Half-Time Show; NAACP Image Awards; Roy Jones, Jr. HBO Boxing Special; Atlanta Ballet’s “The Nutcracker and Midsummer Nights Dream”; Ballethnic’s “Urban Nutcracker”; and the 1996 Olympic Opening & Closing Ceremonies. 

A 2001 magna cum laude graduate of Clark Atlanta University (CAU) with a BS in Business Administration/ Marketing, Jai attended CAU on a full honors institutional scholarship and was crowned 1st attendant to Miss CAU for the 2000-2001 year.  Closest to her heart are opportunities to act as the Artistic Director and choreographer for prestigious pageants including Miss Black USA, Miss GA Teen, and Miss Fulton County.  Recently, Jai was named official choreographer for her alma mater, CAU. 

Understanding the imperative nature of philanthropy, Jai is active with the KTM Performing Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in tribute of the legacy of her older sister Keisha Toi McClendon, who was killed in a car accident.

A ‘Whirling Evolution of Inspiration' is the description that depicts the source of vision and energy of the KTM Performing Arts Foundation, with a focus to: inspire children and young adults to use their God-given talents to the utmost of their abilities; mold future leaders and achievers to position themselves as pioneers in the 21st century; challenge and motivate these future leaders to persevere until they attain their goals.

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Style Philanthropist

Alex Ellis is redefining the meaning of style.  An author, speaker, custom clothier, mentor, and gentleman of integrity and distinction, Ellis is turning heads across the nation through his well-dressed stature and inspirational words.  Honored with the distinguished 40-Under-Forty award from the Network Journal this year, Ellis is heralding a powerful message on image from the inside out.

In every role of leadership, this native of New Jersey proves to be one of this era’s leading men.  A man of conviction, Ellis accepts his responsibility of social impartation, fervently taking a hands-on approach with his campaign, “Tied to Greatness”, a national outreach program targeting the image of inner city high school males. This 11-city tour is an innovative approach that is making headlines across the country, as Ellis has called men of color to join forces to take action by teaching young men the power of image, and how to convey their inner and outer personalities with a sense of strong character, pride and dignity.  He has emerged not only as a non-traditional role model for the next generation, but also a leader who calls men to action.  A voice for each generation, he also inspires men as Chaplain for the Police and Fire Department in the city of New Brunswick.

Ellis completed his formal education by receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree at North Carolina A & T State University and Masters Degree of Theological Studies at Rutgers University. A strong advocate for “maintaining the posture of a student”, Ellis fervently believes, “We are always in a process of refinement, especially in the school of life.”

Nationally-recognized as an inspirational speaker, Ellis passionately delivers a fresh perspective that stimulates human potential; a lesson he shares from his own personal testimony of overcoming a battle with self esteem. In addition to his personal experience, several years of research and experience have distinguished him as an authority on image coaching from the inside out, which he hopes to inspire wholesome sophistication in others. He travels the extensively sharing this message of promise to anyone aspiring to defy mediocrity.

Ellis shows no sign of slowing down, as it is apparent in his passionate drive to revive the impeccable fashion chic of the Renaissance man.  He also wears an entrepreneurial hat as CEO of Simply Ellis LLC, a custom clothing company that specializes in fine custom suits, shirts, Italian neckwear, and exquisite cuff links, while celebrating the unique style of every client he services.

Ellis aims to restore the pride of men in his 2007 African American Literary Award-winning book, Restoring the Male Image…A Look From the Inside Out. While exploring the blend of character, style, and sophistication in the image of a man, Ellis introduces the reader to a powerful acronym by exploring a series of qualities to help men identify and understand their I.M.A.G.E.: I=Integrity; M=Manhood; A=Authority; G=Generosity; E= Excellence.  This book provokes men to take a deeper look both inside and out to determine whether their expression is a reflection of their authentic self. 

Ellis is a member of The Berkeley College Fashion Advisory Board, The Custom Tailors and Designers Association of America (CTDA), 100 Black Men of America, and National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP).

Equation for Life

Omar Tyree, a New York Times best-selling author, 2001 NAACP Image Award recipient for Outstanding Literature in Fiction, and 2006 Phillis Wheatley Literary Award winner for Body of Work in Urban Fiction, has published 16 books and sold nearly 2 million copies worldwide, generating more than $30 million. With a degree in print Journalism from Howard University in 1991, Tyree has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the literary community. He is an informed and passionate speaker on a variety of community-related and intellectual topics. Now entering the world of feature films, business lectures, and children’s books, Tyree is a tireless creator and visionary of few limitations.

Tyree is an admired speaker on the university and corporate circuits. In his “Equation for Life” lecture, Tyree weaves together a full-proof formula for attaining lifelong success in business, as well as everyday living. Ideal for innovation, corporate sales and marketing teams, one attendee of the lecture commented, “Omar Tyree’s Equation for Life speech made me rethink my whole life - it has given me the focus I need.”  The success of the speeches over the past 11 years landed Tyree his first nonfiction book deal with John Wiley, the premiere business publisher in the world. The Equation: Applying the 4 Indisputable Components of Business Success is being released this year. 

As an author, journalist, performance poet, songwriter, screenwriter, entrepreneur, innovator of various creations, and an energetic and fiery speaker, Tyree is no stranger to the world of contemporary urban influence. Tyree became one of the dominant literary promoters of the 1990’s, leading to offers of publishing deals by a number of influential mainstream book publishers. In 1995, he signed a lucrative two-book arrangement with publishing powerhouse Simon & Schuster. A few years later, Tyree signed an undisclosed long-term contract that established him amongst Simon & Schuster’s top authors.

His journey as an entrepreneur began in his early 20’s, by launching the book publishing company Mar Productions to release his earliest works of fiction. Tyree’s entrepreneurial ventures have evolved to include the Urban Literacy Project, a nonprofit organization to inspire reading, writing, thinking, visualization, application and financial literacy skills among disadvantaged youth and adults. He has also formed Renaissance Entertainment Group, a partnership with self-made multimillionaire Arthur Wylie, to produce Tyree’s body of fiction novels into feature films.

Tyree’s articles have been published in the Washington Post, Essence, Upscale, Ebony, TheDailyVoice.com and other prominent publications.