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Jodine N. Dorcé migrated from Miami to Atlanta at the turn of the millennium. Her passion for good music and culture, led her to explore Atlanta’s entertainment scene. Unsatisfied with the current happenings, Dorcé decided to produce her own brand of entertainment. Since then Jodine has become one of Atlanta’s prominent female hosts, promoters, and innovators. She’s garnered a reputation as a crowd-pleaser and a savvy businesswoman.

In 2001, along with Kemi Bennings, she co- founded and produced an all female talent showcase called Soul Sista’s Juke Joint. In 2003, along with Goode Stuff Entertainment, she created the Southern Poetry Conference. In 2006, she co-produced the Soul Music Summit in Atlanta, GA. Dorcé was also nominated for a 2004 Hip-Hop Appreciation Award. She has hosted and sponsored numerous events, fashion shows, concerts, and panel discussions including the ASCAP Liquid Soul Café, SoulVille Festival, The Soul Lounge, and many other performances including acts such as Joi, Ledisi, Fertile Ground, Donnie, SEEK and Dwayne Wiggins. Ms. Dorce began Jodine’s Corner (JC) as simple emails between friends to recommend restaurants, events, and music.

In just five short years, Jodine’s Corner has evolved from a fledgling email newsletter to a biweekly e-zine to an advertising/marketing organization. Debuting July 31, 2004, Jodine’s Corner became the newest program to hit WBCX’s Eclectic 89.1 FM airwaves. Jodine is currently the on-air personality, producer, program director, promoter and engineer for Jodine’s Corner radio show which airs live every Saturday from 12:00p.m. – 2:00p.m.EST and can be heard online at http://www.digital-djs.com and other various websites. Jodine has also produced and contributed her television personality for various television shows such as What’s Happenin’ TV, Harmony in Life, Herside.net and many others. Dorcé is indeed an asset to the arts movement and the community. She is dedicated to creating an artistic legacy for generations thereafter. We encourage you to visit her website at: www.jodinescorner.com

Myra McKenzie, a Jamerican born in Chicago, but grew up in Atlanta is a divine Christian woman, who puts god first and has been blessed in many areas of her life!

Acting, Singing, and Modeling has been my passion throughout the years, but my choice was to obtain my degrees, while focusing on my passions!

I obtained my Bachelor of Arts & MBA degrees while performing in a singing groups, acting and modeling.

Our singing group, CAZHE', opened for author Nikki Giovanni's book signing and we have also worked with "The Manhattans", "The O'Jays", Montell Jordan, DJ Taz, Outkast, and the Goodie Mob.

We also performed during Atlanta's 1996 Summer Olympics. One singer from each hit boys group, N'Sync & Silk wrote a few of our singles, on our prospective album projects, while we continued to tour all throughout the Southeast region.

We have worked some top producers & artists within our singing career. In addition, I began studying and working with one of the industries’ leading acting coaches in the Southeast, throughout my matriculation.

My acting performances were stemmed in most of Nick Conti's Pro Actors Studio Showcases. He gave me the segway into acting & the voiceover industry. My voiceover works range from Publix, independent artists, and some musicians throughout the years. One of my associates gave me the ability to work extensively, with many Atlanta Falcons events and services.

As an upcoming actress, I got my first break assisting in “The Accountant”, an Oscar-Nominated Independent film and "The Motive", a major Blockbuster released film. I have performed in various theatrical productions throughout the southeast. In addition, I have been the principle in over 80 Wal-Mart industrials films. I was the assistant director, producer, and host of my own television show. My most recent major performances were in the independent film "The Regulator", Kierra KiKi Sheard’s music video, and Secrets of a Women Stage Play  www.secretsofawomen.com

My modeling experience has been with some major promoters throughout Atlanta, in addition to local magazines, and Macy’s bridal shows. My previous affiliations with the following organizations are Atlanta Association of Black Journalists, BMI, IMAGE Films, Women in Film & Television Association of Georgia, and Writers Guild of America, East. I have been on the move in music, film & video, stage, voiceovers, and modeling ever since!

I am a dreamer with a vibrant personality that is ready to enhance my career in becoming one of the best actresses & voiceover talents in the nation! All actors & actresses, producers, directors, and casting agents, when you are ready for the next Oscar winner...look out for me! Visit Myra's myspace page

Yun Bai was born in Beijing, China and migrated with her parents to the United States at age five.  Although she grew up in a traditional Chinese setting--complete with extracurricular activities, strict discipline, and high expectations, she was also heavily influenced by Southern American culture, due to her Southern upbringing.  Consistent themes found in Yun's work include explorations in identity, social stimulus/experiments, a fascination with science, a feminine comment, sarcasm/mockery, and sometimes, influence from urban culture. Yun also creates artwork under her alter ego, "Yunny Bunny".

As she reached adolescence, Yun began to embrace her artistic abilities and pursue art seriously. Thirteen years since this decision, Yun remains committed to exploring her artistic voice, while pushing the edge in creating innovative, progressive ideas.

Bai sees the world as her medium, thus exploring with porn magazines, ping pong balls, and machetes, besides traditional mediums (oil paints, watercolors, etc). Identity, social experiments and stereotypes, playfulness/ mockery, feminism, and scientific references are reoccuring elements found in her work.

She graduated from Agnes Scott College, a private women's college in Atlanta, Georgia in 2001. She has shown both nationally and internationally, and has been reviewed by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, ART PAPERS Magazine, Pittsburgh Pulp, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh City Paper, Creative Loafing Atlanta, Art Asia Pacific, and was recently recognized as one of LA Weekly's top 10 Emerging Artists.  

 Yun's favorite past time is laying on the nude beach with a coconut rum pina colada slurpee. She's nice, bubbly, but intense. Yun lives and works in Los Angeles. Click here to visit Yun's website: www.yunbai.com

 

Director of Community Affairs, CARE USA
It takes a big heart to give to others who are less fortunate. That is what Mia Redd does for a living. She is the director of community affairs for CARE USA, a nonprofit organization that helps eradicate poverty in developing countries around the world. Redd is passionate about getting people involved with poverty eradication.

“I think the most difficult aspect of my job is getting the local community and the state to grasp the need to help people in developing countries, because our goal is to eradicate poverty. If we help people in developing countries, then it makes our life better, but getting people to understand how we connect is a challenge.”
Redd also created a program through CARE USA called “Care Core Teens.” This program is her brainchild and focuses on getting high school students involved in global issues.

“They come once a month to learn about global issues and how they can have a voice in the political system through advocacy…and then at the end of the year, they culminate their learning by going abroad and spending 10 days to see some of these same people that they’ve learned about.”

Redd encourages others to step outside of their comfort zone in order to help the less fortunate. “Become more global and think outside of your own backyard. Everybody is the same, trying to make a living and trying to make a better way for themselves and their family. So it’s the same here and abroad, and I would encourage people to take more advantage [of that] and go out and see that.” -asheleigh conley ro logo 

Director of Business Development, MACTEC
Kwanza Hall has a name fit for his job. As the new director of business development for the engineering firm, MACTEC, he’s working to spread the word regarding the abundance of opportunities MACTEC has available for minorities.

“I know there are a lot of talented African Americans and minorities out there who may not know that these opportunities exist,” says Hall, referring to both in-house career openings with the engineering giant, as well as their solicitation of minority-owned firms to contract with. “I think it’s part of my job, as well as my duty to get the word out.”

That’s quite a coincidence, especially since Hall’s first name, Kwanza, actually means “first fruits.” His hopes are that the diverse community of minority-owned firms and applicants will be able to reap what he is set to sow.

“We have at least 30 or 40 positions open within the company in the Atlanta area, primarily for applicants with engineering backgrounds,” he says. “But we also have some administrative positions.”

The full-service engineering company specializes in everything “from the ground down,” says Hall, including wastewater, transportation, ground fill and remediation projects. The company’s history stretches over 60 years, and was once known as Law Engineering.

The MIT graduate is especially focused on seeking female and minority firms as vendors in an industry that is often difficult for such entrepreneurs to break into. As long as such companies have the necessary qualifications and experience, MACTEC is open for business. “There are opportunities we have where we can basically ‘bless’ a company into the game.” -rodney carmichael ro logo

For more information, e-mail Mr. Hall at khall@mactec.com.

After more than twenty years in the marketing, special events and entertainment industries, Warren A. Huntley launched the Atlanta based special events planning and event design firm, Warren Huntley Presents, Inc. in 2005, as a full service company specializing in production and logistic services specifically for the entertainment, retail and marketing industries as well as high end weddings. Huntley is considered one of the best event planners in Atlanta, when it comes to making a grand statement, with your event!

Warren graduated in 1982 with a degree in Business from The Art institute of Atlanta and in 1984 from New York University with a BA in Marketing.  

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Warren is a published writer of both short stories and poetry and is an avid art collector. Professional and volunteer affiliations include The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, The March Of Dimes, ISES (International Special Events Society) and sits on the Board of Directors of Project Open Hand. Warren has been named to Who’s Who In Black Atlanta for the past 5 consecutive years and Who’s Who in Industry Professionals for the past three years. Visit Huntley on the web at: www.whpatlanta.net

Vice - President, Community Affairs, Atlanta Visitors and Convention Bureau
Articulating the attributes and assets of Atlanta with the precision and eloquence of a tenured college professor, Kathleen Bertrand’s powers of persuasion will make visitors do more than just want to move to Atlanta. They’ll leave skid marks in their old hometowns.

Bertrand, the vice president of cultural affairs for the Atlanta Visitors and Convention Bureau, says Atlanta possesses a rich and vibrant history, particularly its legendary African American heritage of excellence and ties to the Civil Rights Movement. The “Capitol of the New South” is considered by blacks nationwide and worldwide as the epicenter of modern intellectual black America—much the way Harlem was during the 1920s.

“It’s a joy and a pleasure. The city has so much to offer, both from the standpoint of infrastructure that meetings need, meeting space, and ease of getting into the city, and great restaurants,” says the Spelman College graduate and 22-year Convention Bureau veteran. “There is such a welcoming spirit here, and for the African American visitor in particular, really communities all over the world really look at Atlanta, because of the legacy,” states Bertrand.

Bestowed by Black Enterprise as the best city for blacks to work, live and play, and validated by the Travel Industry Association as the best place in America for blacks to visit, Bertrand says Atlanta’s strong intellectual, cultural and political foundation has been growing since the 1800s.

A multifaceted recording artist and writer Kathleen Bertrand is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and graduate of Spelman College. Over the span of her more than 20 year career as an entertainer, her captivating performances have ranged from two Olympic Games to performances before two sitting US presidents to appearances at jazz festivals world-wide.

This three-octave vocal artist has been honored by the United Negro College Fund as one of "Atlanta's Legends" and by Spelman College with its 1998 "Alumnae Achievement Award for the Arts & Entertainment." She was an invited performer for both 1999 and 2000 at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and the 2001, 2003 and 2005 Atlanta Jazz Festival as well as the 2003 Nuremberg Meets Atlanta Festival in Nuremberg, Germany. She is the 2003 recipient of the James O. Costen Award for the Arts presented by the Interdenominational Theological Center as well as the Spelman Nia-Angel Award presented by Spelman College's Decatur Georgia Chapter. In 2002, she was honored to have sung for the inauguration of Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, and to open for the legendary Ray Charles at the Atlanta Jazz Festival's opening night at Chastain Park. Additionally, Kathleen has opened for a variety of America's finest jazz artists, including Will Downing, Rachelle Ferrell, Jeff Lorber, David Benoit, Roy Ayers, the Sounds of Blackness, and most recently for Kenny G. Her fan base includes radio listeners in England, Finland, Norway, Hong Kong, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Brazil among others.

In late 2005, Kathleen was chosen by the Brand Atlanta Campaign to record the blues version of "The ATL", penned and produced by Grammy-award winning producer Dallas Austin.

Combining her love of jazz and her love of gospel, Bertrand performs regularly as the featured vocalist with the Jazz Vespers Series produced by the Reverend Dwight Andrews primarily at the First Congregational Church of Atlanta, as well in Detroit, Michigan and Pasadena, California and Columbia and Yale Universities.

As a songwriter, she has written the national theme song for the 100 Black Men of America, as well as several songs on her recorded projects. Her discography includes CDs "All of Me", "No Regrets" and "Reasons for the Season." Her newest CD, "New Standards" released in May of 2006. Visit the website: www.kathleenbertrand.com

Director, Independent Black Film Festival
Sometimes the best way to reach a desired destination is by creating your own avenue. That’s exactly what filmmaker Asante Addae has done.

“I tried knocking on Hollywood’s door and I just kept getting rejected,” says Addae, who had a screenplay optioned by a Hollywood studio once, only to see it sit in limbo for a year. Experiences like these inspired the L.A. native to start his own film festival to broaden access for black filmmakers.

The Independent Black Film Festival, based in Atlanta, is currently celebrating its second season, March 3–6. Over the four-day period, the IBFF will screen 70 films (both shorts and feature-length) in addition to four special screenings featuring star-studded casts, like the film Fair Game by Michael Whaley.

Despite the growing number of film fests that focus on African American films, Addae “doesn’t look at them as competition,” he says. “I do think we have something a little different, of course.”

In this case, IBFF is focusing on how the music industry intersects with films, as well as introducing the gaming industry to festival-goers. “I don’t think anybody has really hit on any of those subjects,” he says. “The key that’s missing in a lot of film festivals is that I’m actually a filmmaker. Most film festivals are usually not run by filmmakers.”

As a result of being plugged into filmmakers’ needs, Addae has established the Independent Black Film Market in order to help films showcased at the IBFF secure distribution deals. “We’re going to be the black Sundance [Film Festival],” he says. -rodney carmichael ro logo For more information, log onto  www.indieblackfilm.com.

Public relations manager, Jen Farris, a native of Atlanta, GA, is a former communications major and college queen from Bennett College in Greensboro, NC, who later earned her Master's Degree in Media Management from USC. Since then she has worked in radio, corporate marketing, music promotions, and music publishing with companies WQMG 97.1fm, Bank of America, MCA Records, Baylo Entertainment and The American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). In 2004, she launched a boutique public relations firm, ZDennis Marketing, LLC after developing an overwhelming passion for developing quality programming and media relations campaigns in the arts, music and entertainment industries. Farris also plays a key role in the Omega Media "Got Jazz" series every year in Atlanta, as well as spearheading and working behind the scenes on numerous other projects. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, a committee member for the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and an Atlanta Board Member with The National Association of Black Females in Music and Entertainment. 

Evelyn Mims is the only African American woman NATAS chapter president in the country. She is currently serving her fourth two-year term.

Her television career spans more than 30 years. A graduate of Jackson State University in Mississippi, her first job was at NBC affiliate WLBT, later she rose to Program Coordinator of WXIA another NBC station in Atlanta.

Evelyn works in front of the camera as well behind the scenes, receiving 3 EMMY nominations for her role as the ‘Soap Sultress’ on 11Alive’s top rated ‘Noonday’show, leading to guest appearances on “Days of Our Lives”.

Currently, Evelyn’s title is Program Coordinator at Gannet’s WXIA, where her job involves working with News, Sales, Programming, Promotion and Satellite. She is also extremely active in Community Service. On the Board of Project Open Hand for ten years; her commitment to Aid Atlanta is currently in its ninth year; to PALS, the organization providing pet services to home-bound HIV patients, fifteen years. Atlanta’s Shepherd Spinal Center is just one of many that relies on her ability to rally community support. Evelyn was honored as ‘Most Valuable Atlanta Volunteer’ and featured on The Discovery Channel.

Evelyn has helped lead and nurture Atlanta Southeast for the past 22 years, bringing it healthy and financially viable, into the new millennium. She served consecutive terms as president in the mid-nineties, is a skilled administrator, and remains the only two-term woman president in the history of the chapter. Nationally, Evelyn has been both an alternate and full trustee and is presently both Trustee and President of Atlanta Southeast.
 

If you have ever read or heard the work of inspirational speaker and poet, 2007 Emmy Award Winner Hank Stewart, then you might find it hard to believe that this profoundly talented writer did not pen his first poem until May of 1991. Stewart, a self published writer who has been called a catalyst for action and a messenger of hope, considers spirituality, history and love as his major influences for delving into the world of literature. “My (life) experiences have had a great influence on the poetry… Poetry has helped me to deal with many issues,” says Hank, who released his first book titled, “The Answer” in 1993.

Stewart recently won an Emmy Award winner for best commercial, with FOX 5 Atlanta, for his African American poetic rendition of a journey through the power and struggle of our people. Hank Stewart also won bronze recognition for a Promax award as well as the Gabby award.    
Hank has made tremendous impacts to the community and has recently started The Stewart Foundation, which addresses a variety of issues facing the youth. Many of those thrusts include career guidance, student leadership development, student achievement, and personal skill development. As a non-profit organization, his primary focus has been to provide participating youth with exposure to a variety of leadership opportunities within the metro Atlanta area.
A devoted Christian, Hank believes that a firm spiritual guidance can help an individual remain true to the mission of life and success. Therefore, he incorporates this belief in his poetry by encouraging people to move to new emotional heights and spiritual levels. For more information, visit his website www.hankstewart.net.

 

The View at King Plow stands as the magnum opus of Christian Ruffin, founder of One Stop Productions. Before developing the special events space, Christian Ruffin spent more than 15 years in the audiovisual production business, beginning with Convergent Media Systems and his own company C&C Sounds. In 2002, he formed One Stop Productions, which today operates as one of the Southeast's most well-admired and highly-recommended audiovisual production company providing audio/video reinforcement, staging and lighting production for clients such as Coca Cola and the Atlanta Falcons. By opening The View, Ruffin has created a home for his production talents and can ensure that clients need only make "one stop" to host a technologically forward and creatively stylish event.

Visit the website: http://www.theviewatkingplow.com

 955 W Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318,(404) 541-9040.

 

 

Dewayne Searcy, a.k.a. Emperor Searcy, hails from Atlanta, GA, is a graduate of B.E. Mays H.S. and is an On-Air Personality / Mixer on Atlanta's WHTA-FM - HOT 107.9 from 2-6PM.  He's also The National Mix-Show Coordinator for Radio One ...and is presently working on a syndicated radio show with Lil' Jon called, "Crunk Radio" that targets Hip Hop and R&B Stations. American Urban Radio Networks CrunkRadio With Lil' Jon & Emperor Searcy will open on 42 stations ...with additional stations being added weekly.

 

 

As a Record Producer, Emperor Searcy has created cutting edge Production & Beats for successful projects that include:  Ginuwine's "Pony" Bass Remix, "Swing My Way" by KP & Envy, "Holiday" by Witchdoctor, So So Def Bass Allstars Compilation, and Nationwide Compilation with Too Short. And most recently Searcy signed a deal with Warner Brothers Records for his new artists: Trillville and Lil' Scrappy.

 

On the Music Business side, you'll find Emperor "The Entrepreneur" Searcy handling his business at the headquarters of BME Recordings in Atlanta. This is where 'Mr.' Searcy is an Executive and Co-founding Partner of Black Market Entertainment - along with his other savvy business partners; Robert McDowell, Jonathan 'Lil' Jon' Smith and Vince Phillips. 

 

Billboard Magazine has recognized BME Recordings as: "The #1 Indie Label of The Year for 2003". ...This was after many weeks of holding down the #1 Chart Position - on Billboard's Independent Album Charts.

With his many Gold & Multi-Platinum Awards  , a highly successful Record Company - BME, and one of the Hottest Radio shows in the Atlanta Market, it's no wonder that Emperor Searcy is constantly featured in numerous Music Industry and Entertainment Publications such as "Holla!" and "Rollin' Out".

 

Emperor Searcy's further overwhelming achievements include: "The AIR Radio Award for 2000 and 2001", "Atlanta's Best DJ Award" - from Cox Communication's Atlanta Journal & Constitution Newspaper, and  "Best DJ of 2003" - by Atlanta Magazine.  And recently, "Source Magazine named Emperor Searcy: "One of Hip Hop's Most Influential DJ's".

Darrell Searcy, Assistant VP, Director of Business Development - Element Funding is a native of Atlanta, Georgia and a graduate of B.E. Mays H.S.

As a Element Funding mortgage banker, Darrell is committed to serving each customer with the highest level of service. He strives to provide the best comprehensive mortgage counseling in order to meet the needs of each individual. His experience in providing world-class service makes the mortgage process hassle free.

Darrell is a strong advocate for community revitalization and has been instrumental in the revitalization efforts currently taking place in South Atlanta. Darrell has been recognized for his service to South Atlanta by his community, his peers, and local media outlets.

Experience, Integrity and Service

With over 30 years of combined residential lending experience, Element Funding will seamlessly guide you through the home buying process. We take pride in our altruistic commitment to serve you, as a satisfied customer is our greatest reward. We realize that when you decide to buy a home or refinance a mortgage it is a big step. Our goal is to find the loan program that is best for you - the right mortgage with the right monthly payment. Our experience, integrity, and attention to detail ensure a pleasurable home financing process for you.  Call Darrell today..........work with someone that you know and trust!

Darrell B. Searcy

Assistant Vice-President

Director - Business Development

Element Funding

One Glen lake Pkwy Suite 1250

Atlanta, GA 30328

Telephone: 770-604-6040

Fax 404-601-7502

Mobile 404-643-9747

 dsearcy@elementfunding.com

Click here for more info: www.elementfunding.com

 

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