Team emPower
STAFF
 DeShuna Spencer, Editorial Director/Publisher
Frustrated with seeing media outlets publish the same celebrity-focused, gossip-driven news and fed up with not having books, films and magazines strictly focusing on tough, relevant news to Blacks in the U.S. and globally, DeShuna Spencer was driven to start Liu Karama Productions LLC and emPower magazine. She sees this business venture as a calling, her mission in life. Spencer wants Liu Karama to be the prominent, positive voice for the African American community that promotes empowerment and advocates change. Spencer, a graduate of Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., began her journalism career while in college, where she was a staff/obituary writer for the Clarion-Ledger. She briefly worked at the Oakland Tribune, writing feature and crime stories, and at the Fort Campbell Courier, serving as the leisure section editor. She dedicated a year of her life volunteering in a low-income Buffalo, NY community with AmeriCorps*VISTA. Most recently, she served as magazine editor and director of publications in the Washington DC metro area. In her spare time, Spencer sits on the city of Alexandria’s Social Services Advisory Board and the Youth Policy Commission. In 2007, the owner was selected to participate in the 10th annual Hurston/Wright Writer’s Week, a weeklong writing fellowship for talented, creative writers of African descent. Spencer is an alum of the Chips Quinn Scholars Program.
 Crecilla Scott, Senior Blogger
Scott is the founder and CEO of Infinity Research, LLC, a social science research company located in Maryland. In addition to research, the company creates professional development workshops that focus on career planning skills that are critical to professional development, career growth, and advancement. Crecilla has worked for several nonprofit organizations committed to improving opportunities for youth. She is passionate about educational issues, particularly as they relate to underrepresented populations. As an education researcher, she has examined issues such as: the achievement gap, college enrollment and retention, and graduation rates. Her academic interests include researched-based approaches to educating hard-to-reach populations and current school models that work. She is an avid reader with interests in contemporary issues that affect the community. Crecilla is also a passionate speaker, who has given professional presentations for various organizations and federal agencies. She earned a Masters degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland, College Park. Contact: crecilla@liukarama.com
 Cherise Mattheson, Editorial Intern
Originally from London, England and now residing in Washington, D.C., Cherise Mattheson is a savvy young professional with a strong desire to inspire and empower through service. She posses varied experiences in academia, government, and community relations. Cherise is an alumnus of Frostburg State University and the University of Michigan where she studied Social Work and Urban Planning. She currently serves as acting President of Raise the Bar Young Savvy, a professional organization for young women ages 18-30. In addition, she is the CEO of CheRISE ebony EnterpRISE and founder of Savvy Cherise a motivational lifestyle blog. Cherise a single mother of a young son and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Contact: cema1913@gmail.com
 Shadae Paul, News: Education & Politics
Shadae Paul is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland in College Park, MD where she majored in English Language and Literature and participated in the university’s competitive four-year Life Science Scholar’s Program. Her interest in literature led her to study not only African American literature, but also Caribbean, Latin American, British and American authors. She has previously interned for UMD’s Writing Center where she tutored both graduate and undergraduate student’s coursework. Currently, the young journalist lives in Hagerstown, MD and works in the Office of the Legal Adviser at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. Following her passion for writing, she spends her free time reading works from her favorite authors (Toni Morrison, Paul Beatty, Ayn Rand, Pablo Neruda; the list goes on and on!) and thinking of new ways to contribute to the arts of writing and journalism. She also enjoys listening to music, volunteering, spending time with her beloved friends and family, eating food from her native country of Trinidad, traveling, laughing and enjoying the unending bliss of being in love.
 Adina Young, Editorial Intern
Adina Young is a part-time civil rights researcher for Montgomery County, Maryland and a part-time freelance writer. Born in Columbia, SC as one of a set of triplets, Adina has seen many parts of the world due to her military upbringing. Realizing her passion for writing after she joined her college newspaper, she transferred to Virginia Tech because the small liberal arts college she attended did not have journalism track. She received her B.A. in Communication with a minor in Sociology from Virginia Tech in 2007 and went on to earn her M.A. in Print Journalism from American University’s School of Communication in 2008. She enjoys learning and writing about multicultural topics but particularly enjoys writing about various issues facing the young African American community. She has written articles for the Washingtonpost.com, New America Media and other media outlets. Adina currently lives and writes in Lanham, MD. Contact: adinarochelle@gmail.com
BLOGGERS
 Fadesola Adetosoye, Social Issues
A great man once said, "Resolve to succeed. The greatest discovery one can make is that nothing is impossible." This quote resonates through Fadesola, an emPower magazine social issues contributor and blogger, as she strives to pursue and accomplish her ultimate goals in life. She comes from a Nigerian background and was born and raised Silver Spring, MD. Miss Adetosoye is a current graduate student, working on her M.S. in Health Policy at The George Washington University. Her focuses are health disparities, among disenfranchised population, and reproductive health, among residents of developing nations. Currently, Fadesola works as a Program Manager with a quasi-government organization in Washington, D.C. and will serve as a Faculty Advisor for PIC during the 44th Presidential Inauguration activities. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. Most recently, she was recognized as a Wyeth Scholar and received the Baer Award for Individual Excellence from The George Washington University. Miss Adetosoye is passionate about the social issues impacting our nation, especially as they relate to health and economic disparities. She has several years of experience in management and health sciences research. During her free time, Ms. Adetosoye enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, participating in community service activities and catching some 'shut eye' if time permits. Contact: fadetosoye@gmail.com
Tyree  Anderson, History, Culture & Theology
Reverend Tyree A. Anderson is a native of Birmingham, AL and he is married to the former Denise Brown, PhD and they have one child, Lesley Asantewaa Anderson. He currently serves as the Executive Pastor at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA under the pastorate of Rev. Lee A Earl. At Shiloh, he uses his gifts of preaching, teaching, and discipleship development to empower those he encounters. Recognized by his colleagues and former professors as a rising scholar. He is the recipient of a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a M.A. in American History from George Mason University, and a M.Div. degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. He is the 2002 recipient of the Evelyn Pugh Memorial Fellowship for Excellence in History from George Mason University Department of History. In 2005, Rev. Anderson served as the only student lecturer for the John Malcus Ellison Convocation at Virginia Union University School of Theology. Rev. Anderson has also studied African Traditional Religions in Ghana, West Africa. He has lectured on Liberation Theology in Uganda, East Africa. Rev. Anderson also serves as the founding director of an international theological Christian Education program at Shiloh for pastors and elders in Uganda. Rev. Anderson is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. former member of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences and the American Historical Association. He is also a mentor and confidant to many seminarians. Rev. Anderson has dedicated his life to make the Kingdom of God a reality in the lives of those he encounters. His scripture of encouragement is Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Contact: andersontaa@yahoo.com
 Bianca Ashton, Spirituality
Born and raised in Washington, DC, Bianca always had a passion for writing. She worked as writer/reporter for her high school newspaper and later attended Elon University in Burlington, NC to pursue a degree in Broadcast Communications and a minor in Sociology. An only child, her foundation was built on her strong relationship with her mother, a single parent. She has a passion for empowering others, especially black women and seeing them rise to their rightful places as queens on this earth. She currently works for the Network Operations Department at TV One. She will be furthering her education this fall at American University, pursuing a master's degree in Video/Film Production.
 Kaye Guidugli, Social Issues
Kaye Guidugli is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan and currently resides in Baltimore, MD where she is pursuing a Masters of Arts in Theology from St. Mary’s Seminary & University’s Ecumenical Institute. As a former middle school teacher Ms. Guidugli has a special interest in the moral and character development of children and adolescents. Contact: kaye1n02@yahoo.com
 Eric Legette, Fathers With Voices
In 1996, after hearing a story from a childhood friend describing the "baby mama drama" his fiancée was going through, little did Eric Legette know his life would change and a passion would take over the next twelve years of his life. While developing the concept of his program Fathers With Voices, he had to navigate the family court process in order to continue seeing his daughter. He won his visitation case but the lessons he learned and observed regarding the treatment of fathers made a lasting and motivating impression on Mr. Legette. Since that time, through his program Fathers With Voices, he has assisted countless numbers of separated and divorced fathers involved in family court related cases. His program has successfully accomplished the program's goal, which is to increase the involvement of fathers in the lives of their children. Over the past decade he has appeared on many local and national radio/television shows. Most notably the Michael Baisden show, the Tom Joyner Morning show and FOX 8 News. He was the invited guest speaker of the Indiana Fatherhood Coalition in September 2008. He has appeared in the New York Times newspaper and Honey magazine. Mr. Legette has contributed articles to online magazines Mybrotha.com, Empressmag.com and Solemag.com. In April 2008, Mr. Legette's first book was published-Closing the Curtain on Baby Mama Drama and in June of the same year he and his program was featured in Ebony magazine. Contact: fatherswithvoices@yahoo.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
 Michelle Carter, Community: Grassroots Giver, Non-profit Network
Michelle understands the importance of having a pro-active source to discuss relevant issues that affect all of our nation’s young adolescent girls and women but especially those of the African American decent. Her aspiration and inspiration stem from an innate obsession to stimulate a positive voice for change. As Founder of Conscious Mindz, an organization of women who are united to create a stronger voice for change on issues that have halted the growth of women across America. Her mission to Liberate, Educate, and Motivate have inspired her to take a more active role through her writings, workshops, political forums and networking events to address important issues regarding; social inequalities, drug and alcohol abuse, teen violence, homelessness and the epidemic spread of HIV/AIDS in the Black community that demand solutions. Her experience began in elementary school in the Washington, DC area with a collaboration of written poems and short stories that were later published by the school to inspire its Reading and Writing initiatives. Her communicational skills and service involvement extend over a 10 year span. She served in the U.S. Army receiving several leadership awards and recognition for her outstanding work and innovative approach in creating and solving critical issues under extreme conditions. She is a member of the Toast Master’s chapter in Dallas, Texas and enjoys empowering others through her speeches. She is a member of the Women Owned Business and the Business and Professional Women, Dallas Inc. She is currently enrolled and seeking a Communication/Journalism degree in Dallas, Texas. Contact: layba45@yahoo.com
 Lisa Rose, Community: Mission Accomplished
Lisa Rose lives near Detroit, Michigan with her husband and 17-month-old daughter and writes children's books. Look for her mid-grade novel Tia's Better Day about a girl and her mother living in a homeless shelter. Learn more about Lisa at Brown Ink Books, follow her on Twitter or be her friend on Facebook. Contact: lisarose@msbrownink.com
 Esther Coleman, News: Social Issues
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, at an early age, Esther became disillusioned with the images of children and teens being thrown into the juvenile justice system and racked her brain to find out how she could be a part of the solution to this burgeoning problem. Always , Esther participated in a number of community and leadership programs, such as Youth Leadership Jacksonville and the Joe Berg Society of Jacksonville. Esther attended the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University where she became president of the school's section of the National Council of Negro Women, participating in local city council campaigns and tackling an internship at the Florida State Senate. Esther's legal interests migrated from criminal issues to constitutional issues, through which she was able to do research and assist in preliminary drafting of an education amendment to the Florida State Constitution, while doing a summer internship at the Levin College of Law's Center for Governmental Responsibility at the University of Florida. Esther nurtured her interest in constitutional law by working an internship at the Advancement Project on issues, involving a citizen’s access to the vote, and continued her interest in government administration by interning with the D.C. Office of the Corporation Counsel and volunteering with the Friends of Young Immigrants at GULC. After a harrowing trip with Youth Leadership Jacksonville to the county jail, where the students were allowed to speak with several teen inmates who were housed in the jail, Esther's plans to become an attorney and legal advocate were solidified. She knew at that point, the only way that she would be able to help those in her community fight the allure of crime and against other civil injustices would be to be well versed in the tool that was being used against them-- the law. Esther found that the law would be a perfect utilization of her analytical skills and her gifts of language and creative expression. Esther's desire to empower her community through knowledge of law continues to be the motivating factor for all of the work that she does. Esther strives to continue to work with community-based groups to create and facilitate their public policy platforms and to address the legal issues groups that they serve face. Esther has a particular interest in advancing the rights of women and youth and works closely with small business startups. She currently serves on the board of directors of an arts education organization, Words, Beats, and Life, Inc. and believes that her work this organization helps to enrich the lives of local youth by providing them with a creative outlet, an opportunity to hone their analytical thinking skills, and the opportunity to build a community of youth from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Esther has written for many different written and online publications. Esther hopes to use her talents to inform and encourage others to discover their own power and voice. Contact: coleman.law@verizon.net
 Lisa Datcher, Literary: Living With Lupus
A native Southern Marylander, Lisa enjoys cooking, writing, going to movies and plays; and long sceneries, on which she enjoys the beauty and intrigue of nature. She adores animals- especially her babies (Pomeranians),Jaron and Taylor. Lisa is an aspiring writer, who has been working on several different projects. She recently completed a draft of her cookbook, “Meals in Minutes: Tasty Treats from the Table to your Tummy.” This cookbook is a small array of traditional recipes modified with her own ‘lil sumthin – and a few new dishes put together from experimenting. Her second book, “Annals of Shelia Jackson” is a work in progress. “Annals” is a collective montage of life experiences conveyed by “Sheila”. “Sheila” is an exposé for all intents and purposes. In 2005, Lisa became an advocate for promoting LUPUS Awareness through her volunteer work with the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR). LUPUS is a debilitating, often fatal autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 1.5 million to 2 million Americans, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. Lisa will be participating in this year’s Walk With Us to Cure Lupus Walkathon in Baltimore, Maryland on May 3, 2008 and in Washington, D.C. on November 2, 2008. For more information or if you would like to participate, please visit her webpage for either Baltimore or Washington. Contact: leesaleesa007@aol.com
Matthew C. Horne, Harmony: Life on Purpose
 Matthew C. Horne, motivational speaker and author, is the president of Optimum Success International, a speaking and publishing company located in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. He is an international authority on Maximizing Human Potential. Matthew is the author of “The Universe Is Inviting You In,” which is publicly endorsed by legendary motivational speaker Les Brown, and the soon-to-released book “All We Have Is NOW.” Growing up, Matthew’s ultimate vision for his life was to play basketball in the NBA. He positioned himself to live this reality through obtaining a full-athletic scholarship to play Division I basketball in college. Much to his surprise destiny revealed his true calling during his collegiate years, as he discovered a passion for motivational speaking. Matthew was told by his professors he would never make it as an English major, and to the astonishment of everyone he not only obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, but was offered his first book contract before he graduated in his last semester of college. Matthew’s message is one of creating your own reality according your vivid destiny pictures. Matthew empowers audiences live their unique truth, independent of the opinions of others. Matthew’s message is quickly spanning the globe through his books, audios and motivational speeches. He is the co-host of the television show “How To Survive In A Bad Economy.” He has also been featured on the legendary radio station WOL with his weekly minute motivational segments. Matthew is also a regular contributor the Internet’s leading motivational e-zine: Let’s Talk Motivation Matthew will bring any event to life! Matthew is available for speeches, radio and television interviews, and book signings. All who encounter Matthew C. Horne will leave with a heightened awareness of their limitless possibilities, and be positioned to live their Best Life Possible. Web: www.matthewchorne.com
 Gawon Hyman, Harmony: Physical Fitness
I am owner of a fitness and wellness company, which specializes in home fitness training. Our goal is to increase fitness awareness in North Carolina, keeping our clients active and healthy. Homebodizes is a lifestyle management company committed to the client’s success in helping them make fitness a part of their lifestyle. As fitness professionals, we take an active involvement in our clients’ lives. Trainers cater to our clients’ goals and give them the proper motivation and environment to accomplish their fitness goals. Contact: hymanprofitness@yahoo.com; Web: www.homebodiezinc.com
 Aisha Johnson, Literary: Poetry, Fiction
In a world full of narcissistic, materialistic poets, Aisha Johnson is a breath of fresh air. Armed with truth and a slick mouth, she is practicing her own philosophy. Aisha writes and delivers unapologetic poetry in the tradition of African American greats such as Ai, Sonya Sanchez, and Nikki Giovanni. In 2007, Aisha was selected to participate in Hurston/Writer’s week. Currently she lives and writes in Alexandria, VA. Contact: aisha@msbrownink.com
 Khaleelah Johnson, Community: Operation Green
Khaleelah is a recent graduate of William & Mary. The Virginia native currently works for the Department of Justice in Denver, CO. Contact: kejone@wm.edu
 Candace Y.A. Montague, News: Social Issues, Community: Grassroots Giver
Candace Y.A. Montague was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Lincoln University (Pa.) with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She graduated from Trinity University with a Master’s degree in Community Health Education. She has a certificate of advance studies in TESOL from College of Notre Dame in Baltimore.. After watching the documentary Blacks In America in the summer 2008, Candace was struck by an alarming fact. HIV/AIDS is the number one killer of Black women ages 18-35. Candace decided to fight HIV/AIDS particularly in her native Washington, D. C. where the rates are the highest in the country. Writing is another interest of Candace’s. She sees the written word as “the sword in the fight against ignorance”. Candace enjoys cooking, cooking, and more cooking in her spare time. She also loves to read, and shop. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Candace resides in Howard County with her family.
 Janessa Mondestin, Harmony: Nutrition
Janessa Mondestin--creator of Better Fit Body, an integrated training and nutrition company--hails from Rockland County, NY as a thirty-something Corporate America escapee gone rogue. She is a certified personal trainer and sports performance nutritionist coaching clients through their body transformations and also competes for the National Physique Committee (NPC) as an athlete. With the support and sponsorship of Muscleology, Janessa provides clients with the best information, training and supplementation to live a balanced life and attain a better fit body. Look forward to seeing more of Janessa Mondestin on the competition stage in 2010 as she is working on a new website, calendars, events and appearances. In 2011 Janessa will bestow another title under her belt: author. She is currently penning a personal growth book based on her life, tentatively titled Becoming You. Contact: janessa@betterfitbody.com
 Vernelle Nelson, Harmony: Spirit
Vernelle Nelson is a native of Washington, DC, who lives and writes in South Florida. Her latest book is called Don’t Invite Me to your Pity Party. Misery loves company, and Don’t Invite Me to Your Pity Party tells readers how to avoid the pitfalls that can land them on that slippery slope of feeling sorry for themselves and others when life’s challenges present themselves, blocking the positive energy that is essential to rising above those hardships. Nelson reminds us that “Life happens, bad things happen to good people. Our reactions to these challenges are what make the difference between our staying in the throes of fear and agony or moving on to find peace in our lives.” Her first book, Favorable Conditions, was released last year. In that work, she shows readers how to grow beyond the labels placed upon them by parents, friends, teachers and other authority figures. She contends that many if not all of these labels are not true descriptions of who we are, yet we wear them, eventually taking them on as parts of our own personalities, suppressing our true selves, and opening ourselves up to physical and emotional distress. She is a motivational speaker who presents lectures, workshops and panel discussions to large and small groups upon request. Website: http://yourlifeisgolden.webs.com Contact: yourlifeisgolden@yahoo.com
 William R. Patterson, BizTech Wealth Building
William R. Patterson is CEO of The Baron Solution Group and The Warcoffer Capital Group, LLC. He is ranked as the number one Business Motivational Speaker by Ranking.com, and is an internationally-recognized wealth coach and business coach, who has been a featured guest on over 300 television and radio programs. William is a two-time, award-winning lecturer and national bestselling co-author of The Baron Son. His Web site, BaronSeries.com, is winner of three 2008 Web Awards, including Best Speaker, Best Male Author, and Best Wealth-Building Site. As your wealth coach, world-renowned financial and business expert, William R. Patterson, will personally walk you through how to apply THE BARON SOLUTIONTM model to quickly improve your personal finances or business. THE BARON SOLUTION draws on over 200 proven financial and business accelerators and 500 wealth-building resources to help you rapidly achieve your personal or organizational goals. For more information and coaching on THE BARON SOLUTION Strategies for Wealth and Business Success, please visit: http://www.baronseries.com. Contact: info@baronseries.com
 Nana Ataa Ofosu-Benefo, Harmony: Nutrition: More Than Just Food
Nana Ataa Ofosu-Benefo is currently employed as a Clinical Dietitian for Morrison Management Specialists, Inc. at the Community Memorial Healthcenter in South Hill, VA. In March 2007, she was elected by members of the House of Delegates of the American Dietetic Association to serve a two-year term as an At-Large Delegate. Before passing the registration exam for dietitians in July 2006, Ofosu-Benefo moved from New York City to Durham, NC to complete the dietetic internship program at North Carolina Central University, a Historically Black College/University. Although Ofosu-Benefo is a newly credentialed registered dietitian (RD), she is not new to the field of food and nutrition. Her work experience is as diverse as her cross-cultural education and family background. Prior to making the transition to clinical dietetics from community and public health nutrition, Ofosu-Benefo worked as the Breastfeeding/Nutritionist Coordinator for the New York Presbyterian Hospital WIC Program in New York City. In this position she supervised the operations of the WIC Program’s Breastfeeding Help and Referral Center, spearheaded the development and implementation of strategies for breastfeeding promotion within the Washington Heights/Inwood communities, and served as the program’s liaison and resource person for hospital, community, and regional breastfeeding initiatives. Ofosu-Benefo offers 17 years of experience in the fields of nutrition and public health, with a specialty in professional and paraprofessional training. She also specializes in the development and implementation of maternal and child health programs that assist low-income communities both domestically and within developing countries. Her passion for her work and her strong belief that education and training are essential components of improved nutrition and health for all has inspired her to work for free! Ms. Ofosu-Benefo served as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in The Gambia, West Africa from 2000-2002. Since 1997 she continues to volunteer as an Executive Committee member with a small non-profit organization - the International Health Professions Network, Inc. Her experiences in community nutrition, public health and clinical dietetics are supported by a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, Black Studies, and Pre-Medicine from Oberlin College, Ohio; a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Public Health from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York; state certification as a dietitian/nutritionist in New York; international board certification as a lactation consultant; working knowledge of the Spanish, French, Wolof, and Twi languages; and a sincere love of travel as well as the sharing of experiences with people from different countries and different walks of life. Contact: nana_ataa@hotmail.com Web: http://nurture.gomangosteen.com
 Dr. Ivory Toldson, News: Education, Social Issues
Dr. Ivory A. Toldson is a tenured, associate professor at Howard University, Senior Research Analyst for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and Editor-In-Chief of “The Journal of Negro Education.” After completing coursework for a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Temple University, Dr. Toldson became a correctional and forensic psychology pre-doctoral intern at the United States Penitentiary. Upon completion, Dr. Toldson joined the faculty of Southern University and became the fourth recipient of the prestigious DuBois Fellowship from the US Department of Justice. He also served as the clinical director of the Manhood Training Village. He has held visiting research appointments at Emory, Drexel, and Morehouse School of Medicine. Web: http://www.toldson.com
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