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David ManuelDirector
David Manuel is a celebrated who’s who in Atlanta and for good reason. A graduate of the Atlanta College of Arts with a BFA in Advertising and Graphic Design. David has masterfully used his talent, network and expertise to bridge different cultures together using art as a vehicle. Manuel is a champion of the arts, a compassionate community activist and self-published author of I Am a Father and I Am a Mother books. Formerly the Director of Community Relations at the Woodruff Arts Center, David now serves as the Executive Director for the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center and is the Interim Deputy Director of Recreation,Parks & Cultural Affairs of DeKalb County. There he brings a diverse range of programming to the region. His vision for the county is that it will be a place for cutting edge productions, beautiful parks and family friendly activities. Manuel oversees a dedicated staff and dozens of volunteers. He also sits on many boards and has partnered with companies such as Turner Broadcasting and HBO just to name a few.
Mr. Manuel is the founder of the I Am a Father Initiative, Celebrating African-American Fathers. In 2008 he self-published the I Am a Father book to dispel the myths associated with absentee African-American fathers. In 2015 he created the first of its kind, I Am a Father 5k Run/Walk. In its second year, David has successfully galvanized other male focused development organizations to the common cause of strengthening families. In 2013 David won the Non-Profit Executive of the Year from Regions Financial Corporation; was selected as the 2014 Voice of Influence from CBS Radio, named Positively Georgia by CBS46 News in 2015, received the Community Service Award from LUMM (Let Us Make Man) and recognized by Life Link of America in the 2017 Organ Transplant Calendar. Personally speaking, while he spends most of his time strengthening families in urban communities with the I Am Initiative, David is a certified mentor for the Georgia Transplant Foundation. As a liver transplant recipient, he believes the way to show gratitude for having a second chance is by educating and registering others to become an organ donor, thereby giving the most precious gift ever, life . David resides in the Metro Atlanta area with his wife Karren and is the proud father of three college students, Branden, Blake and Kaitlyn. |
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Miguel ramosBoard Chair
Miguel is dedicated and committed to God, Family and the continuous strive to strengthening our communities through diversity efforts. Proud member of Masonic Lodge Admiration Lodge No. 25, board member of I Am A Father 5K, Inc which shares the same vision and commitment to making a difference by being impactful in people lives. Ga State graduate with multiple awards, countless community partners, personal and professional accomplishments that does compare to the most important thing and that’s being a FATHER FIRST.
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Monique TylerBoard Member
Monique T. Grier currently serves as the Director of Juvenile Detention for the Jefferson County Commission in Birmingham, Alabama. There she oversees the planning, directing, and coordinating of operations. Prior to joining Jefferson County she managed the Faith and Justice Unit for the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. As a member of the Reentry Services Section she established vital linkages to services, employers, and faith leaders.
Prior to joining the Department of Community Supervision, she served the Department of Juvenile Justice as the Statewide Community Program Coordinator for Chaplaincy Services. Ms. Grier is also a member the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. She previously served on the Georgia Criminal Justice Reform Subcommittees for Housing, Behavioral Health, Adult Reentry Services, and the Atlanta Youth Crime and Pre Release Diversion Initiative Steering Committees. She is a proud graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement College at Columbus State University holding a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Georgia State University. |
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jody "supertrainer" smithBoard Member
Jody Smith is The SuperTrainer with the biggest smile
and huge expectations that his clients win in reaching their goals. For the past two decades he has been motivating people across the globe. From children, to those with disabilities, to actors, athletes, models, artists, executives, corporate offices, boot camps and yes senior citizens. In fact, his oldest client is 90 years of age. Jody is also married to Olympic Gold Medalist Gwen Torrence. |
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Dwayne BoydBoard Member
A self-described perfectionist; Actor, Writer, Producer, Director and Instructor Dwayne Boyd, believes in delivering the true essence of himself in every aspect of the arts. His ability to engage and affect his audiences through his craft proves the potential of this rising star. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Boyd recognized his love for acting early in life through high school. After his seven year tenure in the United States Army, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue his acting career.
Boyd’s commitment to the art of entertainment transcends his skills as just an actor. In 2003 he developed Premier Actor's Network, a group of more than 70 aspiring actors on his roster that holds weekly acting classes in Decatur, Georgia. That being an accomplishment within itself, Boyd finds great joy in seeing his diligent work with his students pave the road for their success; which continues to drive him to strive for perfection in the art, live his dream, and fulfill his destiny! |
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Miyra McKenzie merriweatherBoard Member
Courageous, passionate and inspirational, Myra McKenzie Merriweather’s dedication to her craft has been a flame that’s guided a successful career of over 20 years. Myra was born on February 19,1975 in Waukegan, Illinois, and raised in Atlanta, GA with her Jamaican parents. Her mother, Claudette “McKie” McKenzie was an entrepreneur and family matriarch. It would be McKie insisting that her children learn an entrepreneurial spirit and a value on education combined with Myra’s love for performing that would first blossom while attending high school at the North Atlanta School of Performing Arts & International Studies.
Myra’s academic pursuits would land her at Georgia State University, where her dedication to acting would lead her to becoming a member of the GSU Film & Television program. She earned her MBA and, after graduation, studied acting with several respected professionals from Atlanta to Los Angeles including: Bobbie Chance (LA), Actor/Professional Actors Network Dwayne Boyd (ATL), Actor/Breakthrough Acting Studio Greg Alan Williams (ATL), JoAnne Baron/DW Brown Studio (LA), Margie Haber (LA), Actor Michael Cole (ATL), Nick Conti (ATL), and Actress Terri J. Vaughn (ATL). Myra also modeled in Spanx ads, Macys bridal shows, many Atlanta local magazines, and on WE TV House of Curves. Myra is a dynamic talent, a skilled singer, as a member of singing group Cazhe, she has shared the same stage with platinum artist like Outkast and The O’Jays (1996 Olympics). Her first major projects as an actress came during her Walmart industrials where she debuted in 86 spots. She was also the production assistant to renowned actor, Ray McKinnon, in his Oscar-winning independent film, "The Accountant.” Her professional career has ranged from professional event management services to national customer care manager for a Fortune 500 homebuilding company. A member of SAG-AFTRA and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she was given the name, ‘Allwayz’. You will always find her working as an actress, associate producer, casting director, content creator, executive producer, event manager, and plus size model while helping others. |
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patrick harmonBoard Member
Patrick Harmon is a retired Veteran who served 34 ½ years in the United States Army. While in the military Patrick held a variety of leadership roles serving as 1st Sergeant, Training Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Specialist. He also worked 15 years for the Coca Cola Company Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
Patrick is a Peer Facilitator and Mentor for the Wounded Warrior Project. He volunteers as a way of giving back, being an active force for change, to set the example and make a difference in the community. He is active with programs such as Feeding the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity, Safari Club International, and Camp Twin Lakes just to list a few. In 2018, he was awarded the Atlanta Team Warrior of the year by the Wounded Warrior Project. Patrick is married to Sheila Triplett-Harmon, they have one daughter Brittney. The Harmon’s resides in Stone Mountain, Georgia. |
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Maurice F. CalhounBoard Member
Maurice is a graduate of the University of Toledo, Toledo Ohio where he was born and raised. He obtained his Degrees in Business Management and Public Service before relocating to Atlanta in 1989.
Maurice is currently V.P of new artist development for Magnanimous Worldwide Record Label. I n this role he is responsible for recruiting, educating the artist on industry operating procedures, trends and best practices for a career in the music industry. He worked in both local and National government at management level positions for over 20 years. He also was the Co-Founder and proprietor of two successful businesses in the Atlanta Market. Maurice is the father of 3 children, LaToyia, Krystal and Nicholas- Married to Danise St. Andrew of Toledo, Ohio As a Board Member of the 100 Black Men of Dekalb and BoardMember of the “I Am A Father Foundation” Maurice has continued to give back to the community and future generations of kids in and around the Metro Atlanta Area. A lover of all types of music, Maurice took pride in ensuring his kids learned to play multiple instruments, from Viola, Violin, Clarinet and Lead Guitar as they were growing up. Maurice live by the philosophy, you achieve excellence by believing in God, repeatedly doing what’s right and working hard for what you want in life. |
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Dior Davis
Founder of Truth Honey Wellness, Co-Founder & President, Truth Honey Corporation.
Dior currently has her MBA in Business Management and currently completing her Nutritional in Holistic Wellness Degree. Dior Davis is an Motivational/ Empowerment Speaker for Corporate Businesses, Churches and the Community for Entrepreneurship . After starting Truth Honey Dior realized there was a need in the community to empower individuals to be healthy, mentally, physically, and spiritually and how to obtain entrepreneurship and sustainability. Truth Honey is a new line of Pure, Natural and An Elegant Brand of Honey. The company was created due to the lack of honey variety, Black Beekeepers, and the knowledge of Agriculture in our Communities. Dior and her brother started a non-profit program called “Save The Honey Bees”. This non-profit program entails going into the all South Fulton Schools teaching students, teachers and parents about the benefits of Bees and Agriculture and getting the school STEM/STEAM Certified. Fulton County has currently awarded Truth Honey with the Blue Ribbon Award for demonstrating excellency, change and improvement in the community. Dior Davis has created a Green Refresh Wellness Drink, Rejuvenate Wellness Drink, Immune Booster and Brain Booster since her near death experience where she went off the embankment and her car was airborne into a tree. These drink has aided in healing inflammation, headaches, muscle cramps, giving energy, and nerve pain to rejuvenate their life just as Dior. Being a Former First Lady Dior’s passion has always been about uplifting women and men through poetry and motivational speaking. Dior’s expertise is helping women, men and children understand their Self-Worth, recognizing their Truth and Fulfilling their Purpose in Life. |
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Ric RossBoard Member
Ric Ross, Capitol Records, National Director Urban AC Atlanta, GA native Ric Ross is a thirty+ year veteran of the music industry, having first tested the waters as a student at the Music Business Institute in 1987. His professional career began at Warner Music Group where he serviced records to colleges and radio stations.
In 1991, Ross was named southeast Regional Promotion Manager for Reprise Records and in 1994 he became Regional Promotion Manager for Elektra Records. Ross would go on to work in management positions at Island Records, Capitol Records and Atlantic Records. In 2004, he returned to Capitol as National Field Director for the Southeast region. He currently serves as the National Director for the Urban AC format. As an expert in promotion and strategic marketing, Ross has worked with a wide range of well-known recording artists, among them Anita Baker, Keith Sweat, T.I., Snoop Dogg, Isley Bros. Al Green, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams, Tyrese, Trey Songz, Eric Benet, Twista, Mary J. Blige, Sam Smith, Kem, Ne-Yo, Sean" P. Diddy" Combs, MIGOS, Lil Baby and a list of others. In addition to his professional commitments, Ross is also the founder of the non- profit Music Education Group (MEG). The mission of MEG is to teach students life-skills development through music, film and digital media. The organization was formed to bring music, film and digital media based education to underserved youth and provide every child in Metro Atlanta with an equal opportunity for music education. Ross attributes his success in the music industry to “hard work, dedication and a passion for music.” His goal is to use the knowledge he has gained in the music business and apply it in other areas. He also serves as a board member of Development Authority for the City of South Fulton |
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Minister Frank LukeBoard Member
Minister Frank Luke is devoted to service and is governed by the call given to him, by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Minister Luke brings more than 20 years of Christian service to the body of Christ; 18 of those years have been as an Associate Minister at New Life Church in Decatur, GA. where Marlin D. Harris serves as SeniorPastor. His ministerial experience began as a young bible study instructor assigned to the deacons, which later transitioned to ministering to congregants, counseling (individuals, couples and families), serving as Teen Ministry leader, Small Groups leader, and as a gifted Bible study instructor.
He is the founder of Frank Luke Ministries, and Men Leading From Their Knees (MLFTK) men’s ministry, under which men assemble weekly for prayer and fellowship. They also participate in outreach, and various bonding fellowships. Minister Luke was ordained in August of 2014 by a counsel of pastors, and he maintains several certificates from professional organizations that range from the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), Beulah Heights Bible College Certificate in Contemporary Theology, in addition to training classes from New Life Church. Training that included Teacher Leadership Training (TLT) and Ministers In Training (MIT). Minister Luke’s ministry goes well beyond the four walls of the church. With his ability to speak with depth, candor, and simplicity, his message is well received with the church and the unchurched. -Which allows him to reach people from all walks of life. Prior to giving his life to Christ he was afforded the opportunity to travel the world, serving many celebrities as their personal barber/stylist. Now since Minister Luke’s conversion, he has continued to travel, speak, and minister the gospel. He is also a published author of, Life Is Not All Good...It’s All God. And, he is currently working on his sophomore book. Minister Luke is a native of Atlanta, where he currently resides. He is the proud husband of Dr. Erica Luke. And together they have five beautiful children. “Reaching You Where You Are” ability to speak with depth, candor, and simplicity, his message is well received. |