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A native of Toronto, Ontario,
Canada, Karen and her family relocated to the city beautiful, Orlando, Florida in 1989 where she now calls home.
She is a 1999 graduate of Dr. Phillips High School. She left Orlando and went to Baton Rouge, Louisiana
where she attended The Southern University and A&M College. During her tenure at Southern, she was
the Activities Coordinator for the Student Government Association. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Marketing in 2003. She moved back to Orlando & quickly realized that events & management
was her niche in life. She joined the Young Professionals in November 2005 and when the Events/Public Relations Chair
became available a month later, she jumped right on it. In mid 2006, she then took on another position
as the Parliamentarian. Currently, Karen is a wedding/event planner with her own company, Matchless Weddings &
Events (www.matchless-events.com). She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
and the Orlando Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council but calls the Young Professionals “A Home Away From Home”!
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Darnelle Cadet
A native of
Miami, FL. Darnelle Cadet, relocated to Orlando to attend the University
of Central Florida where she earned her Bachelors in Marketing/Orginational Communication. Upon completion Darnelle
held positions as a Teacher with OCPS, Mortgage Broker with Main Street Mortgage and now Community Relations Specialist with
Progress Energy. In addition her position
with Progress Energy, she is also a Diversity Facilitator, teaching and embracing diverse
viewpoints within our work environment. Darnelle has been an active member of the Central Florida Urban League Young Professionals
since October of 2008. Giving her time, dedication, and resources to the chapter helped her win the nomination for "
2009 Outstanding YP Member of the Year". Life's motto: "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope
and confidence."
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Dinam Bigny joined Central Florida
Young Professionals in 2007. He is a graduate of DeVry University, Keller Graduate School of Management, where he received
a Master’s of Project Management and a Master’s of Business Administration. In addition to his tenure with the
Young Professionals, Dinam held positions at JetBlue Airways, Hitech Electronics Displays, and America Online. He is also
fluent in French. Dinam’s
social engagement in the Orlando Metropolitan area includes Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, an association of outstanding
scholars, and R.I. Research in addition to holding a seat on the Board of Directors of Outreach Love, a non-profit organization
for mentoring and tutoring youth from at-risk neighborhoods in Orlando.
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Michelle Scott is president of MDS Auditing and Consulting LLC, a MWBE
specializing in government internal auditing. Michelle also works as an instructor for The Institute of Internal Auditors
at seminar locations around the country. Lastly, Michelle currently works as a grant writer in an effort to help local non-profits
achieve their funding goals. Michelle is a graduate of Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
where she received her B.S. in Accounting. Following college, Michelle worked in the risk consulting/internal audit practice
of Arthur Andersen (later Protiviti, Inc.) where she helped multi-billion dollar, international organizations manage business
and financial risks as well as assisting in their compliance efforts with rigorous legislation such as the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 and other industry specific regulations. Subsequent to that role which she held for six years, Michelle
became the Director of Research and Development for The Institute of Internal Auditors in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
In her role within the Institute's Research Foundation, she led research efforts, fundraising and produced research reports
on emerging issues for practicing internal audit professionals across the globe. Because of her deep passion for giving
back, Michelle volunteers heavily in the local community serving on the board of Habitat for Humanity Orlando and volunteering extensively
with Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Florida by volunteering in the classroom, especially at schools for "at
risk" children. Michelle also volunteers with Jobs Partnership of Central Florida. Michelle believes that the mission
of YP is directly in line with helping her to meet her own personal and civic goals. The opportunity to be involved in YP
initiatives from community empowerment events to networking with Central Florida's best and brightest is unparalleled. Michelle
is excited to be a part of YP and hopes to continue to play a significant role in its success.
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Peter is originally from Warren, Ohio where he honed his skills of community service at a young age at the constant involvement of his mother in numerous projects. Peter later went on to graduate from Warren G.
Harding High School. At which he excelled
and received awards for football, tennis, choir and other school organizations. After 2 years at a Hiram College in Ohio, Peter transferred
to Kent State University where he served as student assistant worker for the Vice Provost of
Diversity and Academic Initiatives. Peter stayed involved at Kent State University as
a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Black and Latino Greek Council, Student Health Advisory Board and All-Campus Programming Board to list a few
organizations served and lead. Peter went on to graduate from Kent State
University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2005 and now currently resides in Orlando where
he works for Lakeside Behavioral Health Care as an Assessment Specialist. Peter is a dedicated member of any community that he may be from or reside in. He believes in working toward a common
goal to establish strong and uplifting tomorrow. Mr. Hornbuckle joined the Young Professionals in early 2009 after making a promise to become a member of the Urban League
after receiving insight and help from the organization upon graduating from college. Peter has been a devoted member ever
since.
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Donell Andre Hicks, Esq. was born in Milford,
Delaware, and he moved to Central Florida less than two years ago. Donell attended Cornell University and received his Bachelors
degree in government in 1997. He received his Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School in 2000. Since
his admission to the Maryland and District of Columbia Bars in 2000, Donell has engaged in regulatory matters before various
state and federal government agencies. He has also handled several complex civil litigation matters.
Since moving to Central Florida, Mr. Hicks has become a real estate specialist. Donell was admitted to the Florida Bar in
2006. He currently serves as an associate for the law firm of Conroy, Simberg, Ganon, Krevans, Abel, Lurvey, Morrow &
Schefer, P.A. in the liability division and handles a variety of cases including construction litigation, commercial litigation,
and general liability/personal injury. He is also a Florida licensed Real Estate Sales Associate. As an associate with Main
Street Realtors, he serves the Windermere, Dr. Phillips, and greater Orlando area. His legal expertise is definitely an asset
during the price negotiation and contract drafting phases of a real estate deal.
Donell
is a passionate and involved community leader. Mr. Hicks is a member of the Board of Directors for The Metropolitan
Orlando Urban League. Donell is the Treasurer of the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association and Treasurer of the Cornell
Black Alumni Association.
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A native
of Miami, FL. Benjamin Wilson, relocated to Central Florida in January of 2007. He received his Bachelors
of Science degree in Public Management from Florida A&M University, and is currently a Masters of Public Administration
candidate, with a specialization in Public Finance at the University of Central Florida. In May 2007 he joined the City of
Orlando’s Office of Management and Budget and is a member of the Florida Government Finance Officers Association. His unique perspective
on policy issues comes from significant involvement at the grass roots level, where they originate and ultimately must be
resolved. Through his involvement he realizes that economic and social capital (including the equitable distribution of wealth)
is the key to equality and social justice, both domestically and internationally. As the Chair of Civic Engagement his main
policy goal is to provide a more egalitarian civically-engaged Central Florida community.
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Tai is a graduate of Hampton University
where she earned her Bachelors in Journalism and Communications – Public Relations. Upon graduation in May 2006, Tai
moved to Florida to work with Disney Institute, a part of The Walt Disney World Company. It is with great pleasure that Tai has accepted the responsibility of Membership Chair for
Young Professionals. The potential growth and endless possibilities within the membership body will be an exciting venture.
She looks forward to the development of the organization and believes coming together is just the beginning; staying together
is progress and working together is success.
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J. Jackson, Sr., the President and CEO
of Pure Platinum Enterprises, is also known as “Action” J. Jackson by many. Jackson
is an Orlando native and accomplished entrepreneur with close to 14 years in business management and business ownership. Jackson offers a wealth of knowledge in the field of commerce. His professional expertise as a small business
specialist has been featured in news media including The Orlando Times and Fox News. A true entrepreneur at heart, Jackson shortly began his second business
venture, Jay’s Pure Platinum Hair & Nail Studio, a full service unisex hair and nail salon that services men and
women of various cultures and backgrounds. Jay’s Pure Platinum Hair & Nail Studio started out in a 900 sq. ft. strip
mall with 10 available stations. Within six months, Pure Platinum Hair & Nail Studio was fully staffed with a waiting
list of licensed professionals knocking on the door. In less than a year, Pure Platinum grew into one of the largest
salons in the Central Florida area. Now located in its own 3,000 sq. ft. free standing building, Pure Platinum Hair &
Nail Studio has 17 floor stations, 4 private rooms, 2 spacious customer lounges, a separate manicure and pedicure room, and
a staff of over 20 licensed professional
stylists and barbers. An accomplished professional speaker, Jackson's engaging and vigorous style has energized a variety of audiences. Jackson's leadership
and entrepreneurship presentations have included topics such as: business start up, leadership development, homeownership, as well as leadership and development programs for the youth. Organizations
that Jackson has had the privilege of addressing include: Orange County Government, Valencia College, Metropolitan Orlando Urban League, The Moderneers Men of Tomorrow, and the African American
Chamber of Commerce among many others.
Jackson lives by the motto, “A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works hard to develop those talents into skills, and uses those skills
to
accomplish their goals and dreams.”
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Tristesia "Trish" Bellamy A native of Ft. Pierce, FL. Tristesia Bellamy, relocated
to Orlando in August of 2008. Tristesia received her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from Florida
A&M University in 2003 and her Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management from Florida State University
in 2006. She is a Setup Configuration Analyst for Hewitt Associates.
Tristesia became a member of Young Professionals
in 2009 because she wanted to serve her community with other young professionals. She is committed to volunteering in
her community and currently is an active volunteer for the American Diabetes Association and Habitat for Humanity. Because
of her desire to serve her community, she was very grateful when the role of Community Chair became available and is very
excited for the opportunity to be more involved with the community in her role with CFULYP.
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Carlyn is a graduate of The University of Florida where she
earned her Bachelors in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism. After graduation Carlyn moved to Orlando where her parents relocated
from South Florida in 2006. Carlyn works for the Athletic Association at UCF as an Assistant to the Director of Special Events
for Development. She plans to attend Graduate school at UCF to receive her Masters in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
She also hopes to own her own event company in the future. Carlyn became a member of YP in August 2008 and is very grateful
for the opportunity to become more involved in YP and is very eager to see this organization continue to grow.
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Rudy Saint
Cyr has been a stockbroker and financial planner with over 14 years of experience contributing to two of the largest and most
innovative financial firms in the United States . Furthermore, he has been recognized by the Chairman of
the board of one these firms multiple times, due to his contribution as well as his team of brokers, which he trained and
developed into super achievers. Rudy is extremely passionate about training and development. He recently started his own professional
speaking company called "Saint Cyr Group" whose mission is to take people to the next level in their personal
and professional development. Rudy has been an active member in the Young Professional
organization since it originated in Orlando in 2005
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LaShea Laster is a native of Riviera Beach, FL. While
attending Florida A&M University, she became a member of the Infamous “Marching 100”, Essence Dance Theatre,
Phi Beta Lambda, and Hancock Bank Committee Co Chair of the United Way. After receiving her Bachelors degree, cum laude,
she embarked on her career in Banking & Finance in 2007.
Ms. Laster has had the privilege of serving Regions Financial
Corporation in a variety of capacities such as Management Associate, Assistant Branch Manager, and currently as a Consumer
Banking Officer and inductee of the 2009 Branch Leadership Academy in Central Florida.
Having a desire for success, LaShea will begin her masters’ degree in Non Profit Management at
the University of Central Florida Fall 2009. She hopes to continue being a prominent leader in the banking industry while
continuing her passions for community involvement and Young Professionals.
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A native of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area, Robert
is currently serving as a District Executive of the Central Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America. He is a 2006 Graduate
of North Carolina A&T State University and has been residing in Orlando since January 2008.
As an Executive with the Boy Scouts, Robert is responsible for securing various corporate gifts for
the organization. These corporate gifts are both monetary and in-kind Donations. He also prides himself on building
strong, lifelong professional relationships.
Robert has also
been a member of the Northern Virginia Young Professionals Chapter, an adult volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America in Greensboro,
NC, and a youth Basketball Coach. All of which are experiences that he cherishes and would like to build upon as he
plans to be a CEO of his own non-profit organization in the future. He looks forward to working with others in Young
Professionals that have a passion for uplifting and strengthening their community.
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2006-2007 Leadership Council
Copyright 2010-2013 Young Professionals, an auxiliary of the Central Florida
Urban League.
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