Lora L. Dean Lora L. Dean was born in Indianola, Mississippi, to the late Dr. E. L. Dean and Mrs. Ora L. Dean. As an only child, she was raised in a family-oriented environment that emphasized the importance of education. Lora is a 2000 graduate of Gentry High School, where she actively participated in numerous [...]

Entertainment Enterprises Entertainment Enterprises is a boutique public relations and production company. Established in 1992, the firm specializes in developing publicity campaigns for musical artists, celebrities, film, television and stage productions. It also produces special events and is intrinsically involved with television and music production. Founder Marcia Groff has worked in many areas of the [...]

Dr. Barbara West Carpenter Java Harrell Weathersby is the Owner, Editor-in-Chief, and Publisher of Beautiful Black Magazine—A Positive Magazine for a Positive People. Embracing life beyond 50, Java has been gifted with many roles, including daughter, sister, friend, mentor, dance choreographer, graphic designer, and a “pusher” for Christ. She was educated at McDonogh #35 High [...]

Beth Townsend Life on Purpose—Author, Speaker, Award-Winning TV Show Host, and Purpose Coach! On her own since the age of 17, right out of high school, Beth had no choice but to go to work. Starting as a property manager in Virginia, she climbed the corporate ladder and became a young executive, eventually serving as [...]

Tana Allen With over 23 years of experience in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, Tana Allen has served as an accomplished teacher, literacy coach, administrator, parish champion middle school track coach, high school volleyball coach, and administrative dean. As a parishioner and lector at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Tana remains deeply grounded in [...]

Carroll Morton Carroll Morton is a native of New Orleans and received a degree in Sociology from Tulane University. She is the Director of Film New Orleans in the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy. Carroll’s passion for film and culture led her to several positions in the Cultural Economy Office, including Manager of the City’s [...]

Ann A. Smith Mrs. Ann A. Smith is a visionary leader, compassionate advocate, retired educator, accomplished coach, and lifelong champion of education, dedicated to advancing the educational attainment and economic future of underrepresented men, women, boys, and girls across the state of Louisiana. Mrs. Smith was elected by her colleagues in November 2016 to serve [...]

DR. AUDREY SAULS Dr.  Audrey K Sauls Evangelist Sauls received her Evangelist proclamation through Covenant Bishop Global Council in July 2016. She received her Doctor of Divinity Degree through Pendleton Chapel Seminary on December 26,2016. Sauls has an optimistic attitude toward every situation. Sauls said, “in direct proportion to the intensity and degree of your [...]

MONICA NIJOKA Monica Nijoka’s history with Baton Rouge General dates back nearly 45 years, when she was an up-and-coming student nurse here in 1975. After graduating from nursing school, Nijoka officially came on board in 1977, working her way up to Vice President of Patient Care Services by 1999. After serving as The NeuroMedical Center’s [...]

NAYO ANDREWS Nayo Andrews is an entrepreneur and 2nd generation insurance agency owner. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Dr. Donald & Agnes Andrews. Nayo spent her childhood learning the importance of family, ownership and business from her parents. Keeping with her family’s tradition, she enrolled at the Southern University A&M College, where [...]