Leadership Council

2010-2012 Executive Board

Click here to view information about each Committee.

President President@YPOrlando.org Karen N. Anderson 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”!

Vice President VP@YPOrlando.org 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 Metropolitan Orlando 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."

Treasurer Treasurer@YPOrlando.org Antonio Mackey Antonio J. Mackey joined the Metropolitan Orlando Urban League Young Professionals in fall 2008 and he has been an asset to the organization ever since. Antonio is a graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Since graduation, Antonio has been working hard to make a mark in the corporate world as a Financial Consultant. He has worked with major firms such as Edward Jones Investments and he is now currently employed with SunTrust Investment Services, Inc. Antonio is extremely involved within Young Professionals and tries his hardest to assist where needed. In addition to being a member of the events committee and the financial empowerment committee, he currently volunteers weekly with the Orange County School Board Additions program. Antonio feels that MOULYP is a great organization that embodies many of the attributes Antonio possesses. Young Professionals consists of a diverse group of hard-working, intelligent, and motivated individuals, which makes this association the premier organization in Central Florida. By accepting the position of Treasurer for the period 2010-2012, Antonio looks forward to assisting further in the organization and in being at the service of the community.

Secretary Secretary@YPOrlando.org Dinam Bigny Dinam Bigny joined Metropolitan Orlando 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.

Chapter Relations ChapterRelations@YPOrlando.org Michelle Scott Michelle Scott is currently the Director of Research and Analysis for The Institute of Internal Auditors in Altamonte Springs, Florida. In her role within the Institute's Research Foundation, she leads research efforts and produces research reports on emerging issues for practicing internal audit professionals across the globe. 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 mange 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.  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 on its Family Support Committee to provide emotional support to future homeowners.  In addition, she works extensively with Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Florida, coordinating fundraising/networking events through JAs Professional Connection committee as well as volunteering in the classroom, especially at schools for "at risk" children. 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 unparallel. Michelle is excited to be a part of YP and hopes to play a significant role in its continued success.

Parliamentarian Parliamentarian@YPOrlando.org Peter Hornbuckle 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.

Immediate Past President IPP@YPOrlando.org Donell Hicks, Esq. 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.

Civic Engagement CivicEngagement@YPOrlando.org Benjamin Wilson 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.

Membership Membership@YPOrlando.org Tai G. Thomas 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.

Youth & Mentoring Youth@YPOrlando.org Jabari Jackson 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.”

Community Service Community@YPOrlando.org 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 MOULYP. Community Service Co-Chair Community@YPOrlando.org Monica Cameron Monica Cameron grew up traveling to many locations throughout the United States and Central America with her family as a result of her father’s career in the United States Air Force. She is a graduate of Florida State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. She relocated to Orlando, FL in 2004. Monica will earn a Master in Business Administration degree from the Crummer Business School at Rollins College in August 2010. Monica has worked for SunTrust Bank in the mortgage division for 5 years where she serves on the African American Diversity Council. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Orlando Alumnae Chapter. Monica has been a friend of Metropolitan Orlando Urban League Young Professionals for years and recently became a member in August 2009. When the Community Service Co-Chair position became available she quickly nominated herself for the responsibility as she believes that giving back to the community is not only her duty as a citizen, but an honor.

Events/Public Relations Chair Events@YPOrlando.org Carlyn Tribble 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.

Personal and Professional Development Chair PPD@YPOrlando.org Rudy Saint Cyr 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    Personal and Professional Development Co-Chair PPD@YPOrlando.org Reginia Cotton Reginia is a recent graduate from Nova Southeastern University in Orlando, FL where she has earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Leadership degree from the same university. Reginia also is a youth mentor and a youth leader at Redeeming Light Center Church of Eatonville, FL (www.redeeminglight.org) under the leadership of Pastors Thomas & Beverly Brown. She’s also the Director for Empowered4Life! Youth Mentoring & Leadership Development Program (ages 13-19) and a volunteer youth leader with Young Life, Inc. Reginia is also a member of the National Black MBA Association and a Contributing Editor for B.I.G. The Magazine (Black is Good) www.bigthemagazine.com. Reginia’s passion for the heart of women and young teen girls compels her to take this leap of faith and lean on God’s infinite wisdom through prayer and faith. Having dealt with abandonment, rejection, disappointment and abuse; yet Reginia has risen up against all odds and continues to move forward in the spirit of excellence. She believes that through Kingdom connection and reaching out to women who feel that all hope is gone and their dreams are shattered that restoration can take place. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” (3John 1:2).

Financial Empowerment Financial@YPOrlando.org LaShea Laster 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.

Corporate Sponsorship Corporate@YPOrlando.org Robert Foster, III 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.

2006-2007 Leadership Council