women business owners Archives - Business RadioX ®

Lucy Mejia, Owner of The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East

July 19, 2024 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Lucy Mejia, Owner of The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Lucy Mejia/The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East

Lucy Mejia is a dedicated wife and mother of two small children, an Atlanta native, and a proud alumna of Georgia State University. She holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Geology and a graduate degree in Environmental Geosciences. Before starting her business, Lucy gained valuable experience working with gas and water utility companies in GIS (Geographical Information Systems).

As the owner of The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East, Lucy leads a community-driven, eco-friendly, minority-owned business committed to making a positive impact. Certified as a Minority Owned Enterprise by the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, her business takes pride in its diverse and inclusive approach. Connecting resources through recycling, donating to local non-profits, and supporting other small businesses is a passion of Lucy’s driving the businesses mission to create a more sustainable and connected community. At The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East, the team believes in the power of small actions to create meaningful change. With Lucy’s leadership and commitment to responsible disposal, they strive to declutter spaces while uplifting communities, ensuring that every piece of junk tells a story of positive impact and sustainability.

Beyond her business, Lucy is deeply engaged in her community. She serves as an ambassador for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, where she was awarded Ambassador of the Year for 2023-2024, sits on the Board of Directors for Dekalb Senior Provider Network, and is an active member of the Peachtree Corners Business Association and various other organizations. Through her various roles, Lucy works tirelessly towards a more connected and thriving Atlanta Metro East. In her free time, Lucy enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, camping, traveling, and reading.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Hosted by Amanda Pearch

Produced by Dan Braverman

LIVE from the GNFCC 2023 Women’s Leadership Summit: Rebekah Anderson, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

December 9, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC 2023 Women's Leadership Summit: Rebekah Anderson, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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LIVE from the GNFCC 2023 Women’s Leadership Summit: Rebekah Anderson, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 729)

Rebekah Anderson of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce sat down to reflect on the 2023 GNFCC Women’s Leadership Summit with host John Ray. In a live interview from the Summit, Rebekah talked about how the event aimed to empower professional women in the North Fulton area. She shared that the Chamber adopted a new approach by featuring three keynotes instead of breakout groups with speakers, a change that resonated with attendees. Rebekah also discussed intentional networking, goal-setting for the coming year, and the importance of maintaining a diverse and committed participatory committee dedicated to female leadership and career growth.

This show was originally broadcast live from the 2023 GNFCC Women’s Leadership Summit held at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Rebekah Anderson, Vice President, Member Growth & Engagement, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

Rebekah Anderson is Vice President, Member Growth & Engagement, with the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.

Connect with Rebekah: LinkedIn

Connect with GNFCC: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

00:05 Introduction to the Women’s Leadership Summit

00:38 Discussion with Rebekah Anderson

01:15 Reflections on the Summit’s Keynotes and Keynote Speakers

04:17 The Importance of Intentional Networking

06:14 The Timing and Impact of the Summit

07:21 The Role of Women in the Greater North Fulton Chamber

08:42 Looking Forward to 2024

09:05 Invitation to Join the Committee

10:01 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

2023 GNFCC Women’s Leadership Summit, presented by the Women INfluencing Business Committee

The 2023 Women’s Leadership Summit, organized by the Women INfluencing Business Committee of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, was held on November 28, 2023, at the Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Powered by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), the Women INfluencing Business Committee strives to engage female leaders and enhance the standing of professional women within the community. Its annual awards program recognizes women with exceptional vision who have implemented innovative ideas in both the workplace and community and who inspire others.

Website

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

OD Harris with Ready Set Go Sharise Erby with PWEN and Wendy McClellan with Structure for Success

September 11, 2019 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

OD Harris with Ready Set Go Sharise Erby with PWEN and Wendy McClellan with Structure for Success

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OD Harris with Ready Set Go Sharise Erby with PWEN and Wendy McClellan with Structure for Success

Ready Set Go Foundation, nonprofit based in Tempe, AZ, helps entrepreneurs start their business. Wisdom Tax & Business Consulting helps business and owners maximize their deductions to minimize their tax liability.

Event Information:

The National Ready Set Go Foundation’s 5th Annual “Entrepreneurs & Leaders Ignite”
Friday, September 27
11:30 am – 11 pm
Location: The Arizona Biltmore Waldorf Astoria Resort
2400 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix

Description: Aspiring U.S. veterans and women entrepreneurs will learn how to launch a successful business from high-profile experts at the National Ready Set Go Foundation’s (RSG) 5th Annual “Entrepreneurs & Leaders Ignite” (ELI) on Friday, September 27! Featuring presentations from corporate and nonprofit founders, interactive workshops, Mastermind sessions, networking, vendors and exclusive after-party with entertainment.

Topics include “Personal Branding in a Social Age,” “Go Global or Stay Local, “Sales Matter,” “Woman Up! Gender in the Workplace,” and how-to sessions on obtaining Minority-Owned Business Certification and financing, strategies to build influence in the community and other important information and coaching for new entrepreneurs.

Speakers at press time are Nick Sheppard, former player for the NBA LA Lakers and Phoenix Suns; Michael Bankston, former NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals and owner of Bankston Ventures; Sharise Erby-Castle, the founder of the Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Network; Dr. Angela Allen with Banner Alzheimer’s Institute; Jaysie Sheppard, former WNBA Player for the Phoenix Mercury; Pat Gilliam, founder of the Sisterhood Extravaganza Network; Norris Thomas, Fox Sports News Anchor, among other successful local and national business leaders

Company/Organization Information:

Phone Number: (623) 252-0784
Website: www.readysetgofoundation.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rsgfoundation/
Twitter: @rsgfoundation
Instagram: www.instagram.com/readysetgofoundation
Other information: YouTube Ready Set Go Foundation

OD Harris is an entrepreneur, an author, philanthropist, an award-winning authority in business leadership, and has served as an advisor for small to large businesses for the past 20 years. As veteran of the United States Army, OD has discovered the keys to unlocking his life’s purpose. He has the unique ability to synchronize faith and financial freedom personally and for those he develops. The scope of OD’s expertise is capacious, ranging from formation and development of business, to the advancement of individuals through personal and spiritual mentorship.

Mr. Harris has nationally impacted the lives of many as the CEO of the nationally awarded Ready, Set Go Foundation (RSG) which focuses on changing the status quo in business and entrepreneurship by closing the gap on economic depravity; offering programming that builds economic development. Ready, Set Go Foundation has helped over 700 veterans and entrepreneurs establish and execute their businesses and has given over 1 million dollars in financial service scholarships to assist with necessary requirements for business start-ups. Platinum Recording Artist Adina Howard praises RSG and OD for the work he does in the community and how she was a beneficiary of his program. RSG has been endorsed by AZ Representative, Reginald Bolding and US Congressman, Ruben Gallego.

OD Harris Media is a cutting-edge media company offering the trifecta of mass communication with an emphasis on providing meaningful content to audiences that encourages and inspires. OD Harris Media has covered major media productions from the Grammys to the Golden Globes; and has created content for 20th Century Fox, and StARZ. Red carpet events, radio, television, photography and film, this company provides stellar services to its clients.

In 2012, OD decided to sell his operation (34 locations & 7 States) to his office managers and a private equity firm. He later changed his business model to create a Home-base eco-system that uses innovation to assist individuals looking to start their own accounting practice; and used it to expand his platform to revolutionize the world of business and entrepreneurship.

Connect with OD on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Network’s (PWEN) mission is to meet women right where they are personally, professionally, and spiritually to provide them with the resources and tools to take their success to the next level and be emPOWERed, encouraged, equipped, and elevated.

PWEN achieve’s their mission through around the year programming, which consists of workshops, seminars, conferences, webinars, coaching and mentoring. Since 2013, PWEN has had the privilege of being part of the next level success of just over 11,000 women and a growing population of men.

PWEN enjoys serving the entrepreneurial movement through bootcamps, workshops, coaching and mentoring. PWEN has also added specific career training to our development mission and now are positioned to help women who may be struggling with finding work or a career to become a vibrant business owner while creating their own economy.

Sharise is the visionary founder of Go Tell It Communications & Publishing, LLC., the Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Network Inc. with chapters in Phoenix, AZ and Tulsa, OK, which hosts the Annual Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Conference, she is the Economic Development Co-Chair for the Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP, and has now authored two powerful inspirational books, Just Do You and Whole Women Win, Unleashing the Winner from Within, and the Social Media Come Up For Entrepreneurs workbook.

She has been recognized as a “Woman Rising Up” by Women on a Mission, and is the recipient of the 2016 Black Wall Street’s Community Leadership Award. Sharise has been seen and heard on KGUN, TV7, RightThisMinute, Carrying the Message Talk Show, Cz the Day w/ Susan F. Moody, and a host of prominent radio shows. It’s time to level up with Sharise L. Erby-Castle.

Connect with Sharise on LinkedIn.

Founded by Wendy McClellan, Structure for Success is an HR, business development consulting firm offering an integrated approach to growing small to mid-size businesses.

With more than 25 years’ experience in executive leadership, Wendy McClellan’s forte is hiring the right person for the right job and turning employees into managers, and managers into leaders. She removes uncertainty from the workplace, and believes that strong relationships and communication are the keys to successful leadership.

To pay it forward, Wendy serves on the GCU Honors College Advisory board, and recently served on the boards of the Women’s Enterprise Foundation and the National Association of Women Business Owners. Wendy regularly speaks on leadership, communication, personal empowerment, employee support, and business development. She is a Kolbe-certified consultant and an instructor at ASU’s Lodestar Center.

Follow Structure for Success on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Sharise Erby with Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Network and OD Harris with Wisdom Tax and Business Consulting

January 25, 2019 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Sharise Erby with Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Network and OD Harris with Wisdom Tax and Business Consulting

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Sharise Erby with Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Network and OD Harris with Wisdom Tax and Business Consulting

For over 25 years Sharise L. Erby-Castle has been coaching, leading, teaching, ministering, and speaking into the lives of women and a “few good men” in her community, her church, at conferences, on her job, in a parking lot, or wherever she feels the tugging of her spirit. Her mission is to speak next level success into the lives of those within her sphere of influence. She has a unique way of getting your attention and speaking to your heart! Sharise is the visionary founder of Go Tell It Communications & Publishing, LLC., the Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Network Inc. with chapters in Phoenix, AZ and Tulsa, OK, which hosts the Annual Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Conference, she is the Economic Development Co-Chair for the Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP, and has now authored two powerful inspirational books, Just Do You and Whole Women Win, Unleashing the Winner from Within, and the Social Media Come Up For Entrepreneurs workbook.

Connect with Sharise on LinkedIn.

Ready Set Go Foundation helps entrepreneurs start their business. Wisdom Tax & Business Consulting helps business and owners maximize their deductions to minimize their tax liability.

As the 2018 40 under 40 award recipient, OD Harris has been acknowledged both publicly and privately for his work in the community and business. His book, Unlocking Your Purpose takes its readers on a journey through the life of Mr. Harris, and provides tips and tools on how he built a successful accounting business- Wize Tax and Accounting, in 2003, with zero working capital. Within its first year, Wize Tax and Accounting grew rapidly by OD acquiring national and global clientele- successfully breaking even the first year. This led to a profitable second year, allowing OD to open multiple offices. In 2012, OD decided to sell his operation (34 locations & 7 States) to his office managers and a private equity firm. He later changed his business model to create a Home-base eco-system that uses innovation to assist individuals looking to start their own accounting practice; and used it to expand his platform to revolutionize the world of business and entrepreneurship.

Connect with OD on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Living Brave Co-Authors Dr Hilda Villaverde and Mary Beth Stern with Angela Johnson of FABRIC and Silver Rose of Silver Speaks

September 25, 2018 by Karen

Dr.HildaVillaverdewithMaryBethSternandAngelaJohnsonandSilverRose1

Phoenix Business Radio

Living Brave Co-Authors Dr Hilda Villaverde and Mary Beth Stern with Angela Johnson of FABRIC and Silver Rose of Silver Speaks

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Living Brave Co-authors Dr Hilda Villaverde and Mary Beth Stern with Angela Johnson of FABRIC and Silver Rose of Silver Speaks

Co-authors and business owners Dr. Hilda Villaverde and Mary Beth Stern have spent their life-long careers hearing the voices of other business owners, entrepreneurs and working women. In their most recent book, Living Brave… Women in Business, Compelling Stories of How ONE Can Make a Difference, they have included the voices of nearly 50 local Phoenix female entrepreneurs and business owners. Through a series of twelve questions, the women answer and address the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and business ownership and offer their candid stories of struggle, success, fear, and bravery. Each woman presents a call to action, inviting the reader to explore, embrace and eventually transform her life to her own version of what success means to her.

Dr. Hilda Villaverde’s career in the beauty industry as a highly respected stylist and accomplished business owner spans four decades. As the owner of Pluma Designs, a hair studio in Scottsdale, Arizona, she is a recognized public speaker and educator incorporating her business sense and use of humor to motivate and lead women to reach their highest potential in both their personal and professional lives. Hilda earned her Doctorate in Religious Studies with a minor in Pastoral Counseling from Emerson Institute and is the author of seven published books, including her newest book in the Living Brave series, Living Brave…Women In Business, Compelling Stories of How ONE Can Make a Difference.

Mary Beth Stern’s acumen in marketing, advertising, public relations, and special events consulting has touched countless customers over the past twenty-plus years. She has given a voice to numerous businesses and organizations to increase their visibility, awareness and profitability. She has worked with a variety of nonprofit organizations in creating unique fundraising events and has moderated and brought her distinctive touch to fashion shows, presentations and events. Mary Beth earned a B.A. from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana and recently co-authored her third Living Brave book in the series, Living Brave. . . Women in Business, Compelling Stories of How ONE Can Make a Difference with Dr. Hilda Villaverde.

Follow Living Brave on Facebook.

Angela Johnson is an award winning, eco-friendly clothing designer with nearly 25 years of experience in the fashion industry as a Designer, Production Manager, Educator, Consultant, Illustrator, and industry insider. She is best known for creating Arizona’s fashion industry directory LabelHorde, co-founding the non-profit AZ Apparel Foundation, and opening F.A.B.R.I.C., the AZ fashion industry incubator building in downtown Tempe. She also creates award-winning, elaborately constructed ball gowns and other garments from “thrifted” and recycled T-shirts at Angela Johnson Design, LLC.

Connect with Angela on LinkedIn, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Silver Rose is an Employee Engagement Thought Leader and was born and grew up in Boston. She went to San Diego City College, majoring in Journalism. When her family moved to Nevada she joined them and began her meteoric career. She was Administrative Assistant to the Governor of Nevada at 23. At age 25, she owned an insurance agency and was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Women of America. She was recruited by a British Media Tycoon to be his second in command including serving as Creative Director and Head of Sales.

For the next 20 years she was in the Computer industry where her three specialties were Human Resources, Sales and Marketing. Three of her management positions included Manager of Sales Database, Manager of Marketing Intelligence and Vice President of Sales & Marketing where she grew sales by 250%. For the last decade, Silver has been devoted to the study and implementation of employee engagement strategies, heading her own Management Consulting and Executive Coaching Practice.

Connect with Silver on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

NAWBO Phoenix Business Impact Award Finalists

May 30, 2018 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

NAWBO Phoenix Business Impact Award Finalists

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NAWBO Phoenix Business Impact Award Finalists

In this segment of Phoenix Business Radio, Host Karen Nowicki, sat down with incoming NAWBO Phoenix President, Ronit Urman, and the “Business Impact Award” Finalists to talk about their journeys to success, the challenges they’ve faced along the way and their untiring commitment to help others. While each of these leaders represent different industries and have their own unique perspective, talent and skill set, you’ll hear the shared enthusiasm, joy and mutual respect that quickly developed as their stories unfold.

The NAWBO Phoenix Business Impact Award is presented to a woman business owner who has built a successful and prosperous enterprise in spite of obstacles or challenges. This individual demonstrates innovation in her or his industry, gives back to the community, and has had a positive impact within her or his industry, community and economy of the metro Phoenix area. The Business Impact Award is one of several distinguished awards acknowledged by NAWBO each year.

Join NAWBO Phoenix for the 2018 “Desert Diamonds” Awards Gala honoring these women and many others who positively impact our community. The event will be emceed by Susan Casper, host of ABC15 TV’s Sonoran Living.

Wed, June 13, 2018
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM MST

The Clayton on the Park
7343 E. Scottsdale Mall
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

The National Association Of Woman Business Owners chapter (NAWBO) is the voice of America’s 10.6 million women-owned businesses. Since 1975, NAWBO has helped women evolve their businesses by sharing resources and providing a single voice to shape economic and public policy. NAWBO is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs in all types of businesses. There are chapters of NAWBO in almost every metropolitan area. NAWBO is represented in 33 countries across the world through its affiliation with Les Femmes Chefs d’ Enterprises Mondiales (World Association of Women Entrepreneurs). NAWBO’s strength comes from the diversity of its membership – all sizes from sole proprietorship to hundreds of employees; every industry from construction, importers, retailers to service providers – and in all areas of the country. Membership is open to sole proprietors, partners and corporate owners with day-to-day management responsibility. Active members who live in a chapter area automatically join both chapter and national. There is an At-Large Chapter for the women business owners outside the chapter areas

The Phoenix chapter is one of the top 10 chapters in US and has been around for 33 years.

Ronit Urman is the Designated Broker and CFO for Urman Enterprises, LLC, a family owned and managed real estate firm in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ronit began working in real estate in 1987 in Montreal, Canada, and has a lengthy background in accounting.

She and her husband Eitan have been working together for 31 years and have 2 grown children.

Follow NAWBO and Urman Enterprises on Facebook.

Arizona Sunrays provides the highest quality programs for children of all ages, abilities and needs. Programs include: recreational and competitive gymnastics, dance, yoga, aerial arts, Ninja Zone, Supercamp, Active Preschool, field trips, birthday parties and adult classes. Arizona Sunrays’ mission is to offer a variety of high quality programs to our community as well as to empower individuals through fun and fitness! We are families serving families!

For 28 years Julie Witenstein has provided children’s movement activities that are the highest in safety, quality, fun, and inclusiveness. The generations of family support and long time connections are the wonderful bonus’s that have come from years of nurturing the dancers, gymnasts, campers and staff of Arizona Sunrays. Julie has employed hundreds of enthusiastic, caring people over the years, while maintaining a dedicated, core staff that has remained for decades! Arizona Sunrays, through Julie’s direction, developed a successful community outreach class program that lead to the opening of their first, brick and mortar satellite location in Arcadia last January.

Julie strives to use local businesses and vendors for cleaning supplies, equipment, cafe food and drinks, and the realtor, architect and builder for Arizona Sunrays’ new building. Julie has elevated Arizona Sunrays to be a leader in their industry by continually adding programs, such as year-round camp, a licensed Active Preschool, cafe, gift shop, affordable staff childcare, continuous training, education, and certifications for their staff and much more. Most recently, she spearheaded the building of their dream facility that opened in September of 2017. Mayor Stanton stated, “Arizona Sunrays’ building is the crown jewel of North 32nd Street!”

Follow Arizona Sunrays on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Rose Law Group pc is a full-service real estate and business law firm practicing in land use, zoning, renewable energy, government relations and lobbying, administrative law, family law, transactional real estate, employment law, water law, Native American relations, ADA compliance, infrastructure finance, special districts taxation, business formation/corporation transactions, business litigation, school law, cyber-defamation, cyber-privacy, drone law, cannabis law, intellectual property, estate planning, asset protection, private litigation, class actions and DUI’s.

Rose Law Group pc values “outrageous client service.” We pride ourselves on hyper-responsiveness to our clients’ needs and an extraordinary record of success in achieving our clients’ goals. We know we get results and our list of outstanding clients speaks to the quality of our work.

Jordan Rose started Rose Law Group pc, leasing space for just herself in another lawyer’s storage room and has, in eighteen years, grown the firm to the largest woman-owned law firm in Arizona history.

Jordan’s passion is adding value to her client’s business propositions – her goal being “to make my clients more money”. The Phoenix Business Journal once asked Jordan what she enjoys most about the practice of law and she responded, “the ability to help people solve their problems.”

Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn and follow Rose Law Group on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

AMS Renatus Investing is an investment company focused on value add single family and multifamily investments. Strength in management and an emphasis on customer service has led to strong tenant retention and maximized ROI.

POTER Inc, is a 501C3 non-for-profit that provides over 50 support programs and outreach to various families, primarily focusing on refugees. The programs target infants, children, adults and seniors on a holistic level to help them become integrated and self-sufficient New Americans.

The combination of the for-profit and supporting non-profit leads to the success of the resident value as well as turning long time residents into vested homeowners within the immediate community, leading to the increased broad reaching neighborhood revitalization.

As the managing member of AMS Renatus Investing LLC since August 2011, Anna Sepic focuses on renovating homes with a specialty in the repositioning of large multi-family properties facing mismanagement and blight across the Greater Valley, with expertise in West Phoenix and Glendale. She has several other investment companies with her partners, all with the same mission and vision. Her oversite includes acquisitions, repositioning, management and dispositions for her companies. Grassroots community organizing is also a critical component that leads to such tremendous success of the housing projects and leads to overall large-scale community revitalization of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Anna is extensively involved in community work with refugees and the Hispanic communities. A firm believer in education, both formal and informal, she has seen the need for a multi-faceted approach at addressing complex social issues. As a result, POTER INC. was created back in 2013, whose vision focuses on formalizing the critical components necessary for empowerment and true raising up of the entire community. POTER INC takes a comprehensive approach to providing necessary tools to engage and empower the disenfranchised and marginalized. Its success lies in the extensive public-private partnerships with churches, schools, government agencies, businesses and other non-profit entities to provide trainings, orientations and various supportive programming for children, adults and seniors. POTER Inc. is officially active 501 (c) (3) since November 2015.

With a heavy community service attitude, Anna is very active in various community programs and boards. She has gone through several leadership and development programs as the youngest graduate at the time, including the DPS Citizens Academy, the Phoenix PD Citizens Academy as well as the FBI Citizens’ Academy, and most recently the MCAO Citizen Academy (2016). She also received the 2014 City of Phoenix “Volunteer Impact Award” from Mayor Stanton and Councilwoman Laura Pastor.

Anna also participated in the first two consecutive years of the St. Luke’s Health Initiative’s (now Vitalyst Foundation), invitation only, “Fellowship Cohort” that was established in 2013. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Maryvale Revitalization Corporation and working with various community groups in the Canyon Corridor as well as the North Mountain Redevelopment area, and was a graduate of the Valley Leadership Advance, Class #2 (2016).

A graduate from the W.P. Carey School of Business from Arizona State University with a Masters of Real Estate Development (MRED), she is now a “double devil” having previously completed her undergraduate degrees in just two and a half years (2011) with a double major and minor: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies and Social Inquiry, and a minor in English. She stays in close contact with her Xavier/Brophy alumni as well (2008). In her spare time, she continues her passion for volunteer work by mentoring refugee youth, tutoring in English and writing and speaking at various engagements about refugees, innovative housing, and a young business leader, most notably to the recent Mandela-Obama scholars visiting Phoenix in June 2017.

Connect with Anna on LinkedIn and follow POTER, Inc. on Instagram.

Littie Brown with NAWBO, Melissa Smith with The PVA and independent film producer Monique McGlockton

March 24, 2016 by Mike

Gwinnett Business Radio

Littie Brown with NAWBO, Melissa Smith with The PVA and independent film producer Monique McGlockton

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Mike Sammond, Littie Brown, Melissa Smith, Monique McGlockton, Steven Julian

Littie Brown/National Association of Women Business Owners

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the voice of America’s 10.6 million women-owned businesses. Since 1975, NAWBO has helped women evolve their businesses by sharing resources and providing a single voice to shape economic and public policy. NAWBO is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries. The organiztion started as an informal meeting of women business owners in the Washington, D.C. area who met to trade information about federal contracts, bank credit, and other business issues. Every few weeks, more women began attending the group and it became clear that there was a great need for a formal organization devoted to helping women business owners, so NAWBO was created. Today the organization features chapters in almost every metropolitan area in the United States.

Melissa Smith/The PVA

The PVA is a virtual assistant staffing and administrative consulting business serving small businesses (less than 10 employees) to help them stay competitive in an ever changing world without the high cost of employees. They create time so you make more money.

Monique McGlockton/Independent Film Producer

Monique McGlockton is an independent film producer who produces film and television projects written by herself or other script writers. She recently ventured to take producing on full-time to finish her most recent project titled “Dundu Dole – The Documentary” and to work with other entertainment professionals on future projects.