The Love Corner: With Dr. Yvette Maureen and Attorney Josiah Graham Contributors

Dr. Yvette Maureen (Holmes) is a 5x author, TEDx speaker, and visionary who is universally characterized as an authority on business marketing strategies, total-body wellness, and success. Dubbed the “Queen of Versatility”, she has inspired many to level up their personal and professional lives and is an advocate for influencing people to change their personal and professional well-being for the better through upliftment and innovation. She challenges people to learn, grow, and move beyond their comfort zones to achieve goals in the areas of business and total body wellness. As a visionary leader, Dr. Yvette launched The AMARA Woman brand which now has followers from around the globe. She creates specialized resources uniquely designed for the woman on her journey to improve total-body wellness through social connections, health, and happiness, and with a sense of purpose. Dr. Yvette is a highly sought-after business expert and has documented and shared principles and insight on peak performance with thousands of followers around the globe. She was recently appointed as the Vice President of Communications & Business Strategy for The Taylor Institute where she supports the firm's coaching and leadership development services. She serves as the Vice President of Operations and Strategic Planning for Black Women PhDs, providing a strategic vision to the organization. She facilitates opportunities for collaboration, exposure, and mentorship between current and future Black women with doctoral degrees worldwide. Connect with Dr. Yvette: DrYvetteMaureen.com TheAMARAWoman.com

Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Josiah Graham Esq. is a specialist in personal injury, medical malpractice, negligent security, and wrongful death. Josiah is the incoming President of the Florida Justice Association Young Lawyers Section—an organization dedicated to being a voice for Floridians who suffer injuries at the hands of others. In 2021 alone, he secured numerous multi-million-dollar recoveries on behalf of his clients. During that same time period, he recovered over eight million dollars in wrongful death settlements. Josiah has been routinely featured in the news for his victories in several high-profile personal injury cases. He was recently featured on the front page of the Daily Business Review for his hard work on a case that hit home. After the murder of a childhood friend in a Lauderhill apartment complex, Josiah successfully obtained a multi-million-dollar settlement against the complex. Josiah has received recurring nominations from his legal peers including Best Lawyers guide Ones to Watch recognition in 2021 and 2022 and named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Other recognitions include being listed on the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 list and the National Bar Association’s Top 40 Under 40.

In addition to holding a doctorate in Conflict Resolution Studies, Adrian N. Carter is the CEO of the Carter Development Group, a company specializing in equity and inclusion, conflict resolution, leadership development, and executive coaching. Dr. Carter has provided easier access to various conflict resolution resources through two of his conflict resolution initiatives, including the Center for Advanced Leadership and Conflict Resolution, a nonprofit organization he founded that is focused on male empowerment initiatives. Dr. Carter also founded the EmpowerMEN Conference, a male empowerment initiative focused on conflict resolution, leadership development, and redefining the identity of men in the 21st century. As a Conflict Resolution Practitioner, Dr. Carter is a trained mediator, facilitator, and executive conflict coach. He has authored must-have books including “Emerging as the Right Person in the Right Place at the Right Time”; “Let's Get Married & Do Everything Except Make It Last”; and “Black Fragility”. Using The Ellison Model, Dr. Carter teaches interpersonal and organizational leadership in a way that bridges the gap between people and organizations. @drcarterspeaks

Joey and Sonja Foster are college sweethearts who are passionate about seeing lives changed and relationships strengthened. Joey and Sonja's passion and ministry is to inspire, educate and empower couples towards relational health, happiness, and wholeness. After 10+ years of coaching and counseling couples in ministry Joey and Sonja are now serving couples in a unique way by coaching couples on ways to strengthen their marriages and relationships. Coaching is provided for individuals and couples, with their mission being to help couples have purposeful and powerful relationships by coaching and caring for them. Their podcast “Fostering Life with Joey and Sonja” is a must-hear for marriage, relational, and entrepreneurial insight and advice. The couple has also authored “Relationship Goals: How to Pursue the Relationship You Really Want”, a book that solidified them as the go-to voices for relational coaching. Married for 13 years, the Fosters have two amazing kids, Kiersten and Jace. They are the founders and lead pastors of The Fresh Church in the beautiful city of Dania Beach, FL and influencers to a thriving community.

Jasper and Kim met in 2000 during their freshman year at Xavier University of Louisiana while assigned as physics lab partners. They originally didn’t like one another but later became friends before dating during their sophomore and junior years. Their relationship ended in 2003 when Kim moved to Houston but they rekindled their relationship in 2010 and then got engaged one year later. They married in May 2012 and have two amazing little boys, Jackson (6) and Landon (3). Kim is a “lifestyler” and consignor, as well as the owner of a multifaceted lifestyle boutique where her professional services include interior design, luxury e-commerce consignment, and renovation consulting. Kim’s unique set of skills allows her to oversee structural changes to a building as well as furniture changes. Jasper is an electrical engineer by trade but his role has developed more into project management over the years. After 15 years working with the federal government, Jasper now works for Raytheon Technologies. The couple loves discovering investment properties and turning them into magic; Jasper also enjoys doing some of the renovations himself.

Whether standing on stage and captivating listeners or conducting workshops, Andy is celebrated for transforming audiences. Known as the “Master Storyteller” and founder of the Master Storyteller Academy, Andy is a business storytelling coach, keynote speaker, and author of the game-changing book, “Show Up For Your Life.” His motivational stories have been featured on Goalcast with over 7 million views and counting. Andy has also been featured in the Huffington Post and Black Enterprise, as well as on national television for his expertise in elevating brands, creating stronger connections, and increasing revenue by unlocking the power of their stories. Some of his past clients include Office Depot, Accenture, NASA, Pratt & Whitney, Bacardi, and Google to name a few. When love eludes you, there is only one woman who can help you capture it—and she is Dr. Casandra “Coach Cass” Henriquez! An intuitive love coach and matchmaker for successful women, Coach Cass designed The Real Love Network, the premier love coaching community for professional busy women who happen to be single. She is known to set stages aflame and leave a lasting impression. Coach Cass has been a TEDx presenter, has hosted the television show Fiscally Fit and has been chronicled and featured by Woman’s Day, Fast Company, and Black Enterprise, among other accomplishments. She is also a bestselling author and the creator of the Love Deck dating conversation cards. Coach Cass offers the WANTED Woman Assessment at www.WANTEDWoman.com to provide a personal road map. You can often find Coach Cass and Andy relaxing on the beaches of the world with their daughter Ava Skye while she jams to reggae vibes. @inspiremany

Jerome “Hutch” Hutchinson, Jr. is a visionary who is active across the South Florida community. Using his background in technology and marketing and his experiences from his numerous board affiliations, he mentors and coaches Black professionals and entrepreneurs. He is a formal advisor to several Black-owned companies, including MI Group, Inc and Sociallybuzz, Inc. Hutch is also the Chief Visionary Officer of Black Professionals Month (BPM), an unprecedented annual initiative celebrating Black professional excellence worldwide throughout October. BPM convenes Black professionals to build strong collaborations, enhance leadership, and promote wealth creation. As the Founder and Chief Servant Officer of the International Career and Business Alliance (ICABA®) World Network. Hutch strongly believes that it is through relationships that individuals advance their lives and careers so the core of ICABA’s work is using the world’s leading online ecosystem dedicated to assisting Black professionals and entrepreneurs achieve their career, business, and life aspirations. He serves on the board of directors for Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Broward County and Alan B. Levan NSU Broward Center of Innovation. He has previously served on the Broward Alliance Governor’s Council and other positions throughout Broward County. Hutch has received numerous awards for his business and civic leadership including the TJ Reddick Bar Association’s “Business Leadership” award and Vanguard Award for business advocacy and support from the Mosaic Group among others.

Florida State Senator Shevrin “Shev” Jones is an educator, public servant, and consensus builder who gets results on the issues facing Florida families. Growing up in Carol City, Jones’ parents instilled in him and his brothers the values of education, faith, and service to the community. In his role as an educator, he witnessed the inequities in education and society at large from a young age, which inspired him to enter public service. In 2012, he was elected to the Florida House and today Jones proudly serves Florida’s 35th Senate District, which includes portions of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Senator Jones served on President Barack Obama’s College Promise task force and is an active member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., among other organizations focused on improving the lives of Miamians. Jones has received widespread recognition for his service, including acknowledgment as Florida Young Democrat of the Year and Gold Coast Magazine’s “Top 40 under 40,” to name a few. Today, Jones is completing his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Florida Atlantic University and was recently appointed to President Biden’s board of advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). A native Miamian, Matthew is vice president and chief operating officer at The Carrie Meek Foundation. Matthew works to advance Congresswoman Meek’s legacy by creating and implementing the foundation's agenda to help residents of Miami-Dade County live better through education, housing, health, and economic development. His primary focus is on Black, Brown, and underserved communities. Matthew is a former student at The Cushman School, where he now serves on the board of trustees. He also earned his B.S. in management and M.B.A. in marketing at Florida A&M University. Matthew was named one of South Florida’s 40 Under 40 Black Leaders of Tomorrow by Legacy Miami South Florida magazine. Among other accomplishments, Matthew was also selected to Class V and the Board of Governors for Leadership Florida Connect.

Gordon Eric Knowles is a seasoned professional, accomplished in community consensus building, developing and implementing corporate strategies, while building collaborative relationships, internally and externally to enhance organizational effectiveness. Entrenched in the South Florida community Eric Knowles serves on several Board of Directors, not limited to the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, KIPP Schools, BAC Funding Corporation, a member of the 100 Black Men of South Florida and the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. An actor, yoga instructor, avid gardener, poet and golfer, Eric takes time to serve and be of service to the community.

Bilal has a personal passion for family, philanthropy, and traveling. He is the president and head of Advisor Engagement at DFD Partners, a data-driven platform designed to disrupt the asset management industry while connecting financial advisors to diverse asset managers The 17-year veteran of the asset management industry has been featured in Black Enterprise magazine and Wealth Management Magazine and regularly shares his knowledge through public speaking, including his accomplishment of raising more than $20 billion for large investment funds. He is a graduate of Hofstra University, with a graduate degree in business management from the USC Marshall School of Business-University of Southern California. He also holds a certificate in Blockchain Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology among other certifications in his field. Ashley is an entrepreneur with a passion for family, fashion, and traveling. She is currently running her own women’s clothing line, Eleven Twenty Two the Label, which she uses to empower women and make them feel confident through clothing. She is a University of Southern California graduate and competed for the women’s track & field team earning All-American academic and athletic awards. Bilal and Ashley currently reside in Miami, FL.

Rico Love’s songwriting career began with a bang, taking off with his work on Usher’s “Throwback” on the Grammy-winning album “Confessions” (2004). Since then, Rico Love has sold more than 150 million copies as a songwriter and producer and has contributed to Grammy-winning recordings such as Beyoncé’s 2009 Best Contemporary R&B album “I Am... Sasha Fierce.” During his success as a songwriter and producer, Rico Love released his debut project as a solo recording artist with his “Discrete Luxury” EP in 2013. The lead single “They Don’t Know” was recognized as “one of the hottest songs on the radio right now” by Vibe magazine and reached #4 on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop chart. In 2010, Rico Love formed the media group Division 1 and has since ventured into philanthropic efforts through this group, hosting the We Love Music conference and multiple writing camps in cities around the world. The conference is an immersive educational experience focused on providing aspiring artists with resources, training, and skill sets to thrive in the entertainment industry. Rico Love currently serves as the vice-chair of the Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees and the chair of the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective.

LeToya Luckett is a two-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur from Houston, Texas. Her rise began as a founding member of the multi-platinum-selling music group Destiny's Child and has continued to ascend as a solo entertainer. Luckett’s debut single "Torn" quickly became a smash hit and helped propel her self-titled debut album to #1 across multiple Billboard charts and achieve platinum status. She found herself back at #1 with her critically-acclaimed sophomore album, Lady Love, and later released a hugely popular three-part movie mini-series in support of her first independent album, “Back 2 Life.” Amid her musical achievements, Luckett is a burgeoning actress conquering television and movie screens. Her credits include the films “Preacher's Kid” and “Killers” and roles on VH1's “Single Ladies and Friends” and “Family Hustle”, HBO's “Ballers”, and the Oprah Winfrey-produced series, “Greenleaf”, as the beguiling Rochelle Cross. In 2022, you saw her in the Starz/Lionsgate Power prequel series, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan”, and in the Lifetime original thriller, “Line Sisters”.

I help individuals grow through life’s experiences by stimulating endurance, enhancing perspective conducive to growth, and amplifying their capacity. I believe that every situation we encounter serves a divine purpose. Life’s happenings empower our knowledge, understanding, personal growth, relationship interactions, and professional development. The messages that I share are relevant, applicable, real, and engaging to any individual & audience but I especially appreciate opportunities to share with queens, couples & teens By raising consciousness about harmful thoughts, practices, or viewpoints that people come into through personal experience, family history, or social influence, I help people have healthier hearts, minds, spirits & emotions. The way I coach individuals rehabs their quality of life and stimulates purpose.

Kenasha Paul, J.D. is an award-winning social entrepreneur and business professional who has dedicated her life to building thriving pathways lined with access points, opportunities, and community for black professionals. A dynamic force in community building, Paul founded the Black Professionals Summit conference (2014) while in law school, later advancing into the Black Professionals Network (BPN) in 2016, as a nonprofit social learning organization. Its work is centered on guiding black professionals in expanding their knowledge, network, and earning potential. Having built one of the largest and most respected college-to-industry professional pathway associations in the state of Florida, Paul received an array of awards including being named the 2019 Miami-Dade Chamber’s David A. Fincher Innovator of Year and 2019 Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce 20 Under 40 recognition among other accomplishments. Paul’s career spans from working for the Miami-Dade County Public School System (MDCPS), then her work as a business consultant for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to her current role as the Director of Operations and Ecosystems for the Center of Black Innovation, leveraging her vast knowledge and experience in creating system-based approaches to providing access and connections. Paul is a graduate of Florida International University (FIU), earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with minors in International Relations and English. She then obtained her Juris Doctorate at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) where she concentrated in business and nonprofit management. Bilingual in English and Haitian Creole, her happiest moments include seeing her gang of god-children, nieces and nephews thrive.

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Anthony and Ernisha Randolph, successful entrepreneurs, have been building their entrepreneurial empire in entertainment & hospitality and have a conglomerate of thriving companies under their Sweet Butter Hospitality group. The popular restaurant franchise ‘We Shuckin Southern Eatery’ and the new app & content network ‘The Smash Room’ are just some of the projects that the couple has been working on. Combining their talents in music, audio-visual production, food, and business, is what birthed this power couple's desire to become international icons. In addition to Anthony's work with music sensations Monica, SWV, Fat Joe, and others, Ernisha is the preferred caterer for select groups and her clients include U.S. congressional members, Miami Heat players, and even a mayoral wedding. Their next step will certainly bring them closer to their goal.

Monique and Melvin Rodriguez are both humbled to lead the dynamic and innovative beauty brand Mielle Organics as CEO and COO respectively. Mielle Organics was launched in 2014 after Melvin and Monique suffered the loss of their son at birth. The couple found a way to channel their pain into the creation of Mielle and have since grown the business into a multi-million-dollar natural hair care brand. After a growing Instagram following began to inquire about how to buy hair care products they saw her creating at home, Mielle — which came from combining the first and middle names of their son Milan and daughters, Mia Gabrielle, and McKenzie Ariel — was born. The couple is known for selflessly pouring into the Chicago community including the yearly Secret Sauce to Success retreat hosted for the aspiring and established woman entrepreneur who wants to elevate her life and business mentally, spiritually, and financially. There is also a podcast and academy bearing the same name that empowers entrepreneurs. In addition to her work with Mielle, Monique is celebrated as a leader in the business community and a role model among adult women and girls. She has been recognized in publications such as Allure, Black Enterprise, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, and Essence.com, in addition to popular, national daytime television talk shows – “The Steve Harvey Show”, “The Real”, and “The Wendy Williams Show.” Since 2014, the couple has created creams, solutions, oils, and more to empower women to embrace their natural texture as the beautiful crown that God has given them. In 2023, the couple increased their brand reach and sold the company to Procter & Gamble Beauty.

Rashad D. Thomas is the Regional Director for AT&T Florida overseeing local and government relationships in Miami-Dade and parts of Broward County. In his previous role as Assistant to Deputy Mayor Maurice Kemp he was responsible for the COVID-19 response team and he addressed all matters regarding essential and non-essential businesses, the Senior meals program, and new normal tactics related to the reopening of Miami-Dade County. He has served in various capacities in Miami-Dade County government for 18 years. Mr. Thomas is a Bethune-Cookman University graduate and attended Harvard Business School -Young American Leaders Program. He has achieved many accomplishments including the 2017 Legacy Magazine 40 Under 40 award recipient, a Class X Miami Fellow, and a 2021 Black Affairs Advisory Board Community Pillar. Shannon S. Thomas is the owner of Ice Cream Heaven located in Miami Gardens, FL and the owner and operator of mobile bistros Fry Head and Miami Slush located across Florida, Atlanta, GA; New Orleans, LA, and many other locations. She is also the concessionaire for Miami Gardens and the Battle Youth National Football Championship. Mrs. Thomas graduated from Miami-Dade College and received her culinary arts certification to become a Chef. During the pandemic, she worked closely with Miami-Dade County to provide more than 112,000 meals to seniors throughout the county. She is a community partner with the Miami Dolphins and in this role provided more than 10,000 meals to individuals and families after Hurricane Ian. As president of the T5 Foundation, she provides scholarships to high school seniors in Miami-Dade County and hosts an annual Easter Day Eggstravaganza in Miami and Miami Gardens to provide a safe haven for families. She is a 2017 Legacy Magazine 40 Under 40 award recipient, and 2020 Legacy Magazine Influential Leader in Business. Rashad and Shannon are both Miami natives and the parents of three handsome boys.

Ms. Jhori Stallworth, who goes by her artist name Jhori Ahnae, is a native of Tallahassee, FL. She is an active performer, songwriter, producer, and arranger. Jhori has produced four singles and just released her first EP entitled "Feels Like" in 2021, which is available on all streaming platforms. Her portfolio includes providing background vocals or opening for nationally recognized names such as Tweet, Angela Moss Poole, Anthony Hamilton, James Fortune, William Murphy, Jessica Reedy, Leandria Johnson, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Shenice Johnson, Boyz II Men and the world-renowned FAMU Gospel Choir. She has also been a background vocalist for the well-known band Tallahassee Nights Live since 2016. Jhori has performed internationally on the Carnival Cruise Line. Her most popular solo works include “Chocolate" (released 2020), "Overdosing On Your Love" (released 2016), and "Slow Jam" (released 2019). She is a graduate of Florida A&M University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Jhori is also a Spring 2015 initiate of the Theta Nu chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.

Clinton Harris was born and raised in Miami, FL. As a street dancer growing up, he developed a love for dancing at an early age, during summer camp. At the age of 15, he began his training in various styles of dance in studios all over Miami. Clinton is currently entering his third season with Peter London Global Dance Company.

Born and raised in Miami, FL. Tt’Shaylah Lightbourn is a Haitian/Bahamian dancer, arts educator, choreographer, and herbalist. Tt’Shaylah Lightbourn uses her ancestral gift of dance combined with technical skill to captivate, motivate, and educate audiences on the sacred forms of movement expression of the African Diaspora. She is trained in various dance styles such as ballet, hip hop, jazz, afro-Caribbean, and the Martha Graham technique. She began her formal training at the Ricky Danco School of Dance and later studied at Alabama State University. At ASU she began extensive training in sacred movements of the African Diaspora. Ms. Lightbourn has appeared on NBC 6 South Florida’s show “Voices with Jawan Snider '' as a member of Peter London Global Dance Company. As well as performing at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Tt'Shaylah has performed internationally in Trinidad and Tobago. As an Arts Educator, Ms. Lightbourn has taught at Dillard High School and Ricky Danco School of Dance. She is an original cast member of the children’s storybook musical FatCat Caterpillar written by Ja’Nia Harden.

Frankie "Red Wordz" Rosso, is a National Award-Winning media personality, creative curator, poet, and educator whose message is to promote self-confidence and empowerment through intellectual entertainment, interactive educational workshops, and the arts. Her brand caters to a wide variety of audiences that include women who suffer from body image dysmorphia, aspiring creative entrepreneurs, adolescent writers, and even millennials. She also serves as the Director at the Positivity Pays Foundation; an award-winning nonprofit. Through her philanthropy, she produced the creative writing and spoken word program Barz4Bars. It is an extracurricular program dedicated to helping inner-city and at-risk youth use poetry and storytelling as creative outlets to express their experiences and adversities. Frankie Red is a motivational, exciting entertainer whose brand messaging has made her an ideal representative and communications collaborator for a variety of brands ranging from fashion and pop culture to social activism and education. Now, in her very first-ever book & studio-produced album “R.A.P.” she invites you into her world of writing, creating, & expressing. [email protected]

@NickySaysYolo hosts MIA Soul via @MiamiMagazine