2023 Entrepreneurship & Small Business Summit

Thompson Management Consulting, LLC

9th Annual Entrepreneurship and Small Business Summit (ESBS 2023)

Virtual Webinar and Speaker Series on ZOOM

Austin Thompson - Host and Panel Moderator

Austin E. Thompson, Jr., MBA, MPM
CEO
Thompson Management Consulting, LLC
ESBS Founder and Event Organizer
Austin E. Thompson, Jr. is the founder and owner of Thompson Management Consulting, LLC, for which he serves as a Management Consultant currently working with small business owners and entrepreneurs on various business strategy, planning, and development initiatives. Annually, Austin plans, organizes, and executes the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Summit (ESBS) attended by hundreds of small business owners, entrepreneurs, strategists, consultants, academicians, researchers, policy makers, thought leaders, and many others in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Austin is originally from the Republic of Guyana, South America, and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Business and Project Management in the College of Adult and Professional Programs at Shorter University in Atlanta, GA. In addition, he has over 17 years in (EMI) regulatory compliance engineering. His published book, A BRAND New You, Taking Ownership of Your Personal BRAND is the basis for many of the personal development workshops he facilitates. There are upcoming literary projects currently in the pipeline.

In addition to writing, teaching, and business consulting, Austin formerly co-hosted a monthly radio program on WATB 1420AM, for which he created the Entrepreneurship and Business Empowerment Hour on the Carib and Company Show. On the program, Austin invited business owners into the studio for personal interviews and a discussion about their businesses. He publishes the monthly Empowered Business Journal for Thompson Management Consulting, LLC, which features articles written by Austin, and those contributed by consultants and entrepreneurs for the small business community. His company is a member of the award winning Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Austin is no stranger to keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, mentoring youth, serving on various business panels and non-profit boards, moderating town hall sessions, fundraising for political candidates, leadership development, and managing political campaigns. He is currently on the Advisory Board of Discovery High School Entrepreneurship and S.T.E.M Academies, and serves as Chief Strategist on the Executive Board of Community Action Network Initiatives (C.A.N.I). In 2012, Austin was elected widely by constituents in the 7th Congressional District of Georgia to the position of District Delegate, and in December 2014, appointed directly by Mayor Judy Jordan-Johnson of Lawrenceville, Georgia to serve on the Downtown Architectural Review Board, which reviews plans for economic revitalization and city planning projects for the City of Lawrenceville, and in addition, serves on the Development Advisory Board for the Board of Commissioners of Gwinnett County, appointed by District 4 Commissioner Marlene Fosque. Always one to serve, Austin recently completed his Declaration of Intent to campaign as a candidate for the Lawrenceville City Council – Post 1. He will contest with three opposing candidates in the November 5, 2019 election.

Austin is a graduate of DeVry University and Keller Graduate School of Management. He holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronics Engineering, a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management, a Master of Project Management degree with honors, and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). He continues ongoing development in various key disciplines to strengthen his value proposition.


Rosemarie Rodriguez

Bilingual Business Development Director and LOA


Perfect Moments Event Planning, LLC No bio submitted, but here is a link to an earlier interview: Meet Rosemarie Rodriguez of Perfect Moments Event Planning LLC. in Gwinnett - Voyage ATL Magazine | ATL City Guide




Nury Castillo Crawford

Educator


Nury Castillo Crawford has a positive track record of being a transformational leader, with over 25 years of experience in the public education sector. Her journey as a leader in education has included collaborations with community stakeholders in order to maximize resources and information for the students and families she advocates for. She has been a teacher, a school administrator and a district level leader. Nury is originally from Peru and emigrated to the USA when she was a young girl. She values education and knows that it is an important variable in ensuring the success of our country’s youth.

Nury is also an entrepreneur and uses her vision to support literacy all around. As a bilingual Latina, she is the proud owner of 1010 Publishing, a small press in GA that disseminates about 5 bilingual books annually. She recently opened THE little BOOK SPOT- a multilingual bookstore in Metro Atlanta, along with a brick and mortar free library. Both entities were created to increase access to literacy and literacy related resources with an emphasis in bilingual and biliterate books that reflect biculturalism and pride in ancestry and culture.

Nury has been recognized nationally for her work and leadership including in 2022 being recognized as a national Latino leader and a recipient of the TUMI Award, a recognition highlighting the leadership of Peruvian Americans in the USA. Among other recognitions include being named “50 Most Influential Latinos” for three years in a row, 2019, 2020 and 2021. She was also named National Educator of the Year by Mundo Hispanico. Recently she was highlighted in a national organization focused on the elevation and empowerment of the Latino community in the USA, “The Hispanic Rising Star: The New Face of Power”. She is a sought national speaker in the areas of parent involvement, education, mentoring, equity, and bilingualism. She has authored numerous books and continues to present throughout the country, highlighting the role Latinos have in American culture.

She has been featured in national media in both English and Spanish, including but not limited to ABC, NBC, CBC, NPR, Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper, Mundo Hispanico newspaper, many national blogs and podcasts, and local television stations.




Marlene Taylor-Crawford, M.S.

Councilwoman
City of Lawrenceville



Marlene Taylor-Crawford is unwavering in her commitment to serve. Marlene has pursued her love for community service and education throughout her life, investing more than 20 years of community service in Gwinnett County. Marlene has worked in the New York City Public Schools, DeKalb County Public Schools, and currently in Gwinnett County Public Schools. Most of her educational career has been as a school counselor. She focuses on the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion for each person to have a sense of belonging and thrive to their fullest ability. Marlene has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the City University of New York, York College, Master of Science in School Counseling from the City University of New York, Hunter College, Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Human Services from Nova Southeastern University, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Marlene is a member of the Community Action Network Initiative (C.A.N.I.) focusing on civics and civic engagement, and the Social Action Ministry at her church. Marlene was the past President of the United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County, Inc. served as the past chair of the Gwinnett Historical Restoration and Preservation Board, served on the Hooper-Renwick Legacy Preservation Committee. In addition to participating in numerous committees, and volunteering for various events/activities. She started E.C.H.O.E.S (Ending Child Homelessness Organizing Effective Strategies) for Change, a nonprofit organization. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Marlene Taylor-Crawford has been recognized and honored for her dedication and accomplishments as President of the United Ebony Society and her activism in the community. She was honored at the state Capitol with Georgia House Resolution 1054, Rho Kappa Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Community Service Award, Nikki T. Randall Servant Leadership Award by the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Georgia, Trail Blazer Award from The Family, Robbie S. Moore Community Service Award, Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 2021 Community Leaders Award, One Life Church Black Excellence Award, New Bethel AME Church Champion for Justice Award 2023, and received recognition for serving on the Gwinnett County Public Schools Inaugural Educational Equity Teams 2020-2021.

She is a proud mother, grandmother, wife, and daughter of immigrant parents. She is proud of her diverse cultural background embracing her Jamaican and Cuban heritage. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, dancing, and listening to a variety of music.




Brenda Lopez Romero, J.D.

Former Georgia State House Representative
Chairperson – Gwinnett Democratic Party



Brenda Lopez Romero is Senior Assistant District Attorney for the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit leading the Justice and Community Initiative. Brenda was the first American Latina elected to the Georgia General Assembly where she sat on the Education, Retirement, and State Planning and Community Affairs committees. She is the Chairwoman for the Gwinnett County Democratic Party and is a raising star in Georgia politics.

She has worked over 20 years in the legal and political advocacy of immigrants and low-income communities. Formerly, she was a principal attorney handling removal defense and immigration and nationality matters.

Brenda holds a law degree from Syracuse University with a National Security and Counterterrorism certificate and a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University in Political Science and Sociology. Brenda has extensive involvement in community organizing and affiliations with the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, and Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Atlanta, International Women’s Forum, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and Truman National Security Project. Brenda is on the board of directors for the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials and leads its federal political action committee. Among her lengthy volunteerism, she is most proud of her work as a former G.E.D. instructor with the Marist School Adult Education Program.




Chinwe Okoye

Database manager
Mrs. Chinwe Okoye is currently a Database Manager with the Board of Regents of the University System of the State of Georgia. She holds degrees in accounting, computerized accounting, and a master’s degree in information technology. Additionally, she also holds numerous IT certifications, including:

ITIL Foundation Certification
Oracle Certified Database Administrator
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Unix Certification.

She is a fervent believer in community service. As a fierce advocate for women’s issues, Mrs. Okoye played a pivotal role in forming the following organizations:

Co-founder – Divine Daughters International
Founder – Sisters of Love, Atlanta
Co-founder – Umuadaigbo Atlanta, Inc
Founder – The African Women PAC
Founder -The African women Global Empowerment Inc

She is a recipient of numerous recognition awards.

Mr. Okoye hails from Enugwu-Agidi in Anambra State of Nigeria and is married with four lovely children.




Dr. Agitu Wodajo

Author
Born and raised in Ethiopia, Agitu Wodajo has more than thirty years of experience in the areas of women empowerment, healthcare, community/economic development, and social policy. The NGOs she founded in both Ethiopia and the United States helped underprivileged women and families with services that build self-sufficiency and policy-change advocacy that lift barriers.

She holds multiple degrees including diplomas in community nursing and as a pediatric nurse practitioner from colleges in Ethiopia, a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Metropolitan State University, an Executive Master of Public Affairs from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs/University of Minnesota as a Bush Leadership Fellow, and a PhD in Christian Leadership from Christian Leadership University. She has received awards and recognitions from the governor of Minnesota, Metropolitan State University, the Department of Homeland Security, and KARE 11 News for her commitment to bringing about a positive change in the immigrant community of the Twin Cities metro area.

She has travelled extensively for study tours, trainings, international conferences, and workshops, and has witnessed firsthand the need to address our shared problems. She now resides in Atlanta, Georgia where she spends her time writing and serving on a non-profit board as a president.




Millicent Yalley

Educator
Millicent Yalley is a dedicated certified educator with a passion for shaping young minds. Born and raised in Ghana, West Africa ,she migrated to the USA in 2009 and continues to live here with her family.

She has under graduate and graduate degrees in education from University of Education Winneba, Ghana and Central Michigan University respectively. Her career journey in education has spanned over two decades, during which she has touched the lives of countless students.

Millicent Yalley's commitment to her profession extends beyond the classroom. She has been involved in various educational initiatives and community outreach programs among the Ghana immigrants , making a positive impact on the local community as whole.

Millicent is a family loving person and a mother to three children , Davida, Prince Emmanuel . Her interest are in children and youth development, socioeconomic development, and self development through education. She enjoys cooking, and gardening as hobbies.




Bior Bropleh

CEO
Liberian Association of Metro Atlanta (LAMA)

Originally from Monrovia, Liberia, Mr. Bior Bropleh has travelled extensively including to over 30 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America and currently has Australia on his bucket list.

Bior Bropleh is an experienced digital marketing and eCommerce professional with a wealth of business experience with major multinational corporations including Ogilvy & Mather, AT&T, and Home Depot, and has recently joined NAPA Auto Parts as a Digital Merchant. He also has extensive experience as a strategic organizational consultant for non-profits in all over the world. He has held multiple executive roles with AIESEC, the largest student-run nonprofit in the world, and served as the Chairman of the Board of Advisors of AIESEC at the University of Georgia for nearly a decade. He currently leads the AIESEC Alumni chapter in Georgia and serves as Membership Chairman on the national board of directors for AIESEC’s alumni organization called AIESEC Life.

Bior Bropleh is a former co-chairman of the Board of Directors of the Liberian Association of Metropolitan Atlanta (LAMA), and organization that supports over 25,000 Liberian immigrants in Georgia, and currently served as the Executive Director since January 2022.

Mr. Bropleh is happily married and lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and 5-year-old daughter.




Tod S. Rose

Panelist
Tod S. Rose is an entrepreneur, business owner, leader, and mentor. He is the owner and principal consultant of T.S. Rose Enterprises, LLC, which provides Digital Media Marketing, Copywriting and Business Develpment services for small businesses. He is a 1997 graduate of the Historic Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications. He started T.S. Rose Enterprises to combine his 20+ years of professional experience to help businesses grow and succeed. He spent 3 years as a professional journalist before transitioning to the Georgia Divisoin of Public Health where he spent 8 years. From there he spent 3 years as an independent freelance writer before joining the newly established YP.com in 2010 (the digital arm of Yellow Pages) where he developed and managed digital search campaigns. Today he is the Digital Media Director for the New Black Wall Street Market where he directs and manages digital and social media properties.

As a father and husband, his greatest joys are being a loving husband to his wife LaKimbriea and father to his four children, Tiana (13), Catherine (22), Malik (25), and Jarell (27). As an author, he has ghost-written two books and co-authored three others. He is also a talent acquisition agent for LEEDS Publiching Corp., a black owned national publishing company. Rose is also a leader and mentor in his community. He co-founded an organization called Men Magnifying Manhood, a men’s empowerment organization promoting the tenets of Purpose, Responsibility and Identity among like minded men. He is also the program director for the Ryzer Generation diversion program which mentors pre-juvenile youth focusing on 12 key areas including, personal growth, character development, conflict resolution, and goal setting.

Websites
Nbwsm.com
tsroseenterpises.com





Dr. Malcolm Muhammad

Panelist
Dr. Malcolm Muhammad is the Vice President of Engagement & Outcomes at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) in Atlanta, GA, where he directs organizational thought leadership and defines the measures that drive economic impact and performance. He holds a PhD in entrepreneurship from the University of Louisville where he conducted research on the power of community to fuel the collective growth of entrepreneurs. At RICE, he is extending his research program by studying the specific needs of entrepreneurs, developing strategies to address them, and mobilizing economic mobility and sustainability. His extensive background in data analytics and theory development is being applied to establish an evidence-based framework for building Black businesses.




Renee Walters

Panelist
Renee Walters is a Visionary, and Serial Entrepreneur. She is the owner of the Chic Charcuterie, a Stone Mountain based mobile catering and events company. She along with her husband Own Dynasty Events and Entertainment, where they provide DJ and Hosting services throughout the Atlanta metro area. She has a background in retail management, on board training and Neuromuscular Therapy. She currently serves as the President and Creative Director for the Freedom Georgia Initiative, formed in 2020 to create a safe haven for the black community in response to racial trauma, social injustices, and systemic racism and a global pandemic. Renee is an activist in her own right as she was able to bring 19 families together to purchase 97 acres of land in South Georgia to build a self sustainable, Eco-Friendly intentional community. They currently have 502 acres and are preparing to build a thriving smart city. Renee Walters originally from Chicago Il. She Left there in 2002 after high school, with only a 5 dollar bill in her pocket to pursue a career in Door to Door sales. During her time as a salesperson she learned things that would help her along her journey to success, she also maintained top seller 3 years in a row. In 2005 she moved to Atlanta, Georgia and started working for a retail chain and she was quickly promoted to management. She has managed, merchandised, and trained employees, in multiple retail chains across the metro Atlanta.

In 2013, tragedy struck, Renee was in the attic of her previous home when she sustained multiple injuries and a spinal cord fracture that left her paralyzed from her waist down due to a fall. She was admitted into the Shepherd Center rehabilitation after a couple weeks of recovering from a 10-hour surgery on her spinal cord at Atlanta Medical. Doctors told Renee she would never walk again. Through hard work, perseverance, and the grace of God, she learned to do everything the Doctor's said she would never be able to do again. So now a single mom with a disability Renee was determined not to let anything stop her from completing the goals she set for herself early on in life. Although she was unable to work full time due to injuries, she took on volunteering with different ministries in her church to keep her busy. With help from her church she formed outreach ministries to clothed and feed the homeless, provide groceries to families for holidays, she also opened her home to young women in need.

In 2014, Renee met the love of her life Zukenn Walters and they formed a union in 2017. In 2018 Renee pursued a career in medical-massage. She graduated from Gwinnett College for Neuromuscular Therapy. Her dream of working in the hospital industry with her husband after graduation was put on hold because Renee was expecting her 3rd child in 2019. Unfortunately, Renee's daughter suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury during birth causing her to have special needs. Yet, in 2023, with grace Renee rises to the occasion daily as she serves as the President of The Freedom Georgia Initiative and leader within her community, She is an amazing Motivational Speaker, Wife and Mom. She is recognized from multiple apperances on CNN, The Black News Channel, and Yahoo.com. Her Story has been featured in Atlanta Magazine, The Washington Post, Black Enterprise, The Real, and a long list of other media networks and podcasts, she was also Viola Davis's Women Crush Wednesday.






Samuel Richmond

Panelist
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

As a CFP® professional, I strive to serve my clients to the highest ethical standards of care. Taking the time to understand what is MOST important to you is paramount, while utilizing an established process to work towards your stated goals. I engage with my clients in a fiduciary capacity, providing specialized, objective and independent advice, putting your needs and best interest first. My practice is geared towards how my clients measure peace of mind as business owners and families navigating the unique challenges, we face in our world today. I offer my clients a holistic financial planning approach to help them maintain overall financial health and pursue multiple (and competing) financial goals. Whether it’s a more comprehensive financial plan or a specific planning need, my services always align with your current priorities, including ongoing review and monitoring. For over a decade, I passionately seek out all investment personalities with confidence, expertise and insight. As part of your executive team, we will partner with your CPA's and attorneys to coordinate the components of your entire financial picture, making a positive impact on generations to come. Most notable accomplishments include the marriage to my beautiful wife Melanie going on 17 years and the birth of my wonderful boys Samuel and Isaiah. Our hobbies include exploring the great outdoors as well as our appreciation for the arts, theater and music. We also enjoy a worship experience that adds great value to our lives.

Community involvement is very important to me. I am on the Board of Visitors for the School of Business at Georgia Gwinnett College. Furthermore, I was appointed by former Commissioner Marlene Fosque to serve on the SPLOST Citizens Project Selection Committee overseeing the funding of transportation projects throughout Gwinnett County. I have been involved in various non-profit organizations throughout Georgia and Tennessee such as Gwinnett Chatt outreach, Preface, The Urban League, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Operation Hope. Finally, I am a proud member of Rotary International.

Education and learning is high on my list of priorities. In 2009 I earned a Bachelors of Science in Organizational Management from Covenant College followed by a Master’s in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University in 2014. I achieved my CFP® designation in 2015 and continue to feed my appetite for learning through ongoing trainings, workshops and books.

To discuss the unique needs of your situation contact me at samuel.richmond@nvestfit.com or call my office at 770-648-2348.






Marc Hamm

Panelist
Marc Hamm - Co Founder of Team Hamm Group

Team Hamm Group is a husband and wife real estate advisor and investor's group. We specialize in providing research, analysis, and advisement services on investment properties to potential buyers within and outside of the greater Atlanta area.

Marc Hamm - Being a resident of Georgia for over 10 years, my passion for real estate consulting is apparent through my excellent communication skills, knowledge of investments, and warm friendly approach.

Shana Hamm - As an Atlanta native, I have witnessed the city's great transformation. My intimate knowledge of this region and experiences of having lived here all of my life gives me excitement and a desire to make my home your home.

Together, we have the special ability to listen to the client's wants and needs to deliver the best outcome in every transaction. We strive to ensure the home buying process is exciting, awarding and stress-free.

Our goal is to earn the respect of our clients by working on their behalf, offering quality services, and making sure they have the best consultant on their side.








Dr. Ronald Cetoute

Panelist
Dr. Ronald Cetoute has a dynamic dual passion for education and business. With extensive experience in both realms, he has dedicated himself to fostering small business development in communities across Georgia and Haiti. As the founder of the BEL Initiative Fellowship, Dr. Cetoute spearheads an entrepreneurial exchange program for aspiring entrepreneurs in Haiti. Additionally, he serves as the Associate Director of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurial Development at Clark Atlanta University. In January 2022, Dr. Cetoute assumed the prestigious roles of President and Chairman of the Board for the Georgia Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Under his leadership, the chamber has thrived, establishing a robust business ecosystem that bridges the gap between Haiti and the United States. With unwavering commitment and a vision for positive change, Dr. Ronald Cetoute continues to make a significant impact in the fields of education and business, empowering communities on both sides of the border.




Stephanie Logan-Settro

Panelist
Stephanie was born in Jamaica, West Indies. She has a background in Law and Corporate Administration and has worked in the areas of Law and in the Medical field for the majority of her adult life. She now drives a vision for the Liberian Chamber of Commerce in America.




Dr. Joan Wright-Good

Panelist
Dr. Joan Wright-Good is an accomplished International Speaker, Preacher, Business Coach, Best-selling Author, and Award-Winning CEO. Her expertise lies in empowering individuals to harness their gift, talent & purpose leveraging them into financial success. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Dr. Joan overcame significant challenges throughout her life, the most recent was the loss of her spouse. Her remarkable journey began at the Maxfield Park Children's Home, a government-run orphanage, and led her to the pinnacle of success, including meeting the President of the United States in 2016 and being recognized for her outstanding achievements in business.

The ordained Minister of the gospel, also teaches from experience that wealth, wholeness, and salvation can be obtained without compromise. In her opinion, "it does not matter what we do on earth, if we do not have a biblical relationship with Christ, we will be unfulfilled and lost, but with Christ as the focus, we can be righteous and rich, ask Abraham, Job and Jacob." Dr. Joan is the Founder and CEO of two thriving businesses, Business Startup & Marketing Co established with a mission to empower ambitious individuals who have ingenious ideas but need assistance in building thriving businesses. At the second business, JWG Publishing House, she manages a team of 8 staff as they write and publish books and magazines for their clients. Both businesses are rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. Throughout her career as a speaker, Dr. Joan has discussed topics such as healing relationships, financial growth, women's development, youth development, and all things business. She heads a 14 U.S. city, 10 country business tour formerly called the Good Life Global tour. If you are looking for a multifaceted, well-rounded, experienced speaker for your audience, look no further! As a Game Changer, Dr. Joan's deep understanding of business and sound biblical doctrine sets her apart. Her books are all bestsellers and are guides for entrepreneurs aiming for success and believers looking to mature in their faith as biblical believers.

Dr. Wright-Good recognition as a Business Game Changer by the White House in 2016 and as a corporate responsible CEO by the Wheatle Ball Association in 2019 shows her dedication to the business community. In addition to being honored by several corporations, private organizations, and government agencies, she has also received many awards. A number of media outlets have featured Dr. Wright-Good, including FORBES, Fox26 News, Sheen, Black Enterprise, RollingOut, The Tom Joyner Show, Huffington Post, Voyage Miami, CVM TV, The Gleaner, The Jamaica Observer, TVJ, BYTV Miami, iHeart Radio, Houston2Houston, Empower Magazine, MadameNoire, and more. Her compelling story of triumph over adversity, rising from the ashes of sexual and physical abuse, teenage pregnancy, and homelessness, serves as a poignant testament to God's grace. She firmly believes that "His purpose will always outweigh our pain." Wright-Good holds a Bachelor's degree in Management Studies and Politics from the University of the West Indies (Jamaica). She holds a law degree (LLB) from the University of London. A Master's degree (MBA) from Kaplan University (USA), and a Doctor of Psychology in Biblical Exposition from Liberty University. Annually, the corporate responsible CEO assists aged-out orphans whose dream it is to attend college through the Maxfield Park Children's Home.





Ricardo Berrís

Panelist
Ricardo Berrís (pronounced Bereece) is a Serial Entrepreneur, Investor, Speaker and Coach. He founded the MI Group of Companies in 2010 to help entrepreneurs who are challenged with technology and marketing to grow and scale their business. The group now include MI Group USA, MI Group Colombia and MI Group Bahamas, and focuses on software development, digital marketing, digital infrastructure and SaaS products for non-technical businesses throughout the Caribbean, North, Central and South America. The company is particularly interested in businesses looking to grow and scale locally and internationally using next level digital marketing and technology solutions. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of the group.

Through his companies, Ricardo has led successful projects with various organizations worth over $100 billion combined, including but not limited to: Government Departments, Retail Banks (Fidelity, First Caribbean), Hotels (Courtyard Marriott, Warwick, Ocean Clubs), Quick Service Restaurants (McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Domino’s), Universities (Florida National University, Nova Southeastern) to name a few.

In 2020, he founded Purpusly, a multi-channel immersive commerce platform connecting cause-conscious customers with purpose-driven Creators that are making an impact on the environment and society through amazing unique products. Today, Purpusly serves Creators from over 8 countries and provide fulfillment facilities in 3 states.

He’s Chairman of the Atlanta Black Chambers Global Opportunities Committee (GOC) focusing on Investments, Trade and Partnerships for its over 600 members.

He’s a Scholar of the Goldman Sachs 10KSB, a network of over 12,500 small businesses supported by Goldman Sachs. He’s a SCORE Mentor, a Digital Marketing Coach with BizHack Academy, member of the Sir Richard Branson Entrepreneurship Center of the Caribbean, Miramar Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce, Woodstock Business Club and ICABA World Network.

He’s the author of Who Says You Can’t, a motivational booklet for getting out of your own way into achieving anything you want in life. He also produces a podcast called MORE…now in its 55th episode, the podcast interviews creators and master users of growth tools, systems and methods that other entrepreneurs can use to be successful.

With now more than 20 years of entrepreneurship and business development experience growing and selling companies, Ricardo built all his companies without formerly raising capital and is self-funded to date. The first company he built and sold was an education company tutoring children in mathematics and English. He is a former owner of an international music franchise called Global Battle of The Bands, headquartered in Malta, Italy. He successfully produced two food and music festivals with more than 6,000 attendees to prepare over 15 stage bands for international competition; one of the bands came third in the world finals among 40 other countries hosted in Scala, London.

Ricardo studied Entrepreneurship and Business Development in Jamaica and further completed a Business Management program run by Omega College in association with St. Thomas University. He is certified through his company with Hulu, Google and Meta.

On his creative side, Ricardo is a musician and enjoy singing, composing music, producing, and playing instruments (piano and guitar). He is also an active member of a worship band. He expresses his musical art through Riccii Anthony which can be found anywhere music is listened. In 2021 he composed a musical tribute “Hats off to you” and dedicated it to the Bizhack Academy’s students who demonstrated exceptional courage through the COVID-19 pandemic. His most recent piece is called “It’s Your Time” and is available everywhere music is listened.

He enjoys cooking, (loves Moscato), playing golf, travelling, reading and doing life. His philosophy: “Your choice determines your destiny; therefore, be today what you wish to become tomorrow”


Rhonda Solomon - Moderator

Moderator
Rhonda “RoSolo” Solomon, is a Mother, Media Correspondent, Speaker, Lifestyle Coach and International Best Selling Author, whose integrity, dedication, authenticity and tenacity have all earned her the reputation of being “FEARLESS”. Affectionately known as “The Phoenixx”, Ro demonstrates an innate

ability to fearlessly move through life’s challenges unscathed and continues in pursuit of what ignites the fire in her soul...HELPING OTHERS!!!

Born to Caribbean parents, Ro spent her formative years in St. Ann, Jamaica where her passion for Caribbean culture and community was cultivated. “American born... Yardie raised...Trini to the bone”...is a phrase you will often hear Ro say to comically describe her diverse heritage. Throughout her multifaceted

career, her ultimate mission has been to encourage others to remain in constant pursuit of their dreams. Providing the tools, resources, and encouragement for others to turn their struggles into successes and their pain into purpose. Ro utilizes her various media platforms to spark conversations and awareness in her communities.

Her authentic and honest approach to conducting interviews and interacting with her guests leaves audiences mesmerized and wanting more. Ro was featured in VoyageATL in December of 2018. Additionally in 2019, Ro was honored with a nomination from “Atlanta’s Hottest Entertainment Awards'' for “Atlanta’s Hottest Red Carpet Host” and in 2023 she was honored with an Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award by the Secretary of State.

Working with multiple media platforms, the now syndicated “RoSolo Show” is celebrating its fifth year on the air. In addition to her weekly podcast, Ro is co-host on (3) other weekly podcasts/talk shows. Ro put her fears to paper in the #1 International Best Selling book, “Broken Crayons Still Color v2 - Life After”, with collaborating authors.

In the Fall of 2023 Ro will begin her most challenging adventure as the Founder and Owner of Phoenixx Media, launching Phoenixx Radio to international audiences.

Ro’s WHY is to master the art of encouraging others to uncover their identity by cultivating a love affair with their passions while manifesting a life living in their purpose.

IG: RoSolo_The_Phoenixx
IG/FB:TW: The RoSolo Show
Email: rosolo@rosolo.net
Website: www.rosolo.net
Author: The Purposed Woman a 365-Day Devotional (Pub 2019), Passion & Purpose (Pub.
2021) & Broken Crayons Still Color-Life After (Pub. 2022)
Host: The RoSolo Show
CoHost: Dayz After Dark, The Rush Hour Show, Caribbean Runnings
Founder: RoSolo LLC & Phoenixx Media


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