Britt Waters of the nationally syndicated "The Russ Parr Morning Show"
Also on-air jock and news reporter for 93.9 WKYS
Vivacious, artistic Event Designer and Planner, Jessica Echols, is most definitely making a name for herself in the event planning industry! Known as “Jessica Elizabeth”, she is the Chief Executive Officer of Artistyca Events, a full service Event Design and Management Firm –Specializing in the production of Entertainment, Lifestyle, and Charity Events. Jessica has
planned events for high end brands including Lamborghini of Washington as well as an extensive range of merchandise and clientele. Spearheading several successful events from concerts, fashion shows and anniversary parties to product launches, red carpet premieres and
weddings, she takes pride in facilitating dreams, building brands and developing platforms through innovative event creations.
Jessica Elizabeth was born December 4, 1987, in Fairfax, Virginia, and raised in Largo,Maryland. While being the youngest of three girls and raised practically as an only child due to the wide age gap between her sisters, Jessica grew to be very curious and mischievous with the
desire to expand her knowledge and create opportunities for herself. Given those characteristics at an early age, Jessica was no stranger to school and wanting to be involved in an array of activities as she matured. While attending Largo High School, she was a member of the SGA,
Marching Band, Concert Orchestra, Track and Field as well as Girl Scouts of America. Jessica continued to excel in her education and talents at Bowie State University receiving a B.S. in Pedology (Child Adolescent Studies) and a B.A. in Communications (Broadcast Journalism).She also participated in activities such as Fashion Shows and Pageants, where she was crowned
Miss Pedology and Ms. Black of Alpha Phi Alpha. Given Jessica’s sincere adoration for people and life, it’s no surprise that she is also a zealous volunteer for homelessness initiatives to end hunger with programs such as S.O.M.E. and Covenant House. In addition to performing volunteer work for non-profit organizations who focus on the youth and education such as
Tumaini DC and Living Classrooms, she also assists in fundraising efforts for various research developments including the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, MS Race, and ALS walk for cures. Jessica constantly knew there was a spark in her life that wouldn’t permit her to stop there. She
was forcefully driven by her passion. As a model in college, Jessica was always invited to some of the most astounding events and
remembered pondering to herself, “Who put this together?” She was
intrigued by the amount of exertion and precision that went into planning these events creating the wow factor! After being selected to be part of the planning committee for a variety of events on campus, Jessica’s love for
event designing and planning flourished. Followed by research and preparation, she was able to plan her first professional Mother’s Day event in Miami, Florida. She continued to be persistent in following her dream and discovered that the “key to sustaining your brand is to present something different and to be knowledgeable about whatever you are trying to build. Be Innovative!” With this vision instilled, Jessica opted to pursue design concepts and management, the “fun” events! The event you hear about and wish you could have attended. After five years of planning, Jessica readily started Artistyca Events in 2013, with the vision of being a one-stop shop for every client’s event desires and requests -- Custom floral arrangements, videography, photography, staging and lighting, and a widespread range of press and media to accommodate for each event occasion. Jessica has received numerous accolades from her countless clients to demonstrate their appreciation for her service. “The thing that I am most passionate about is the outcome of the production. The memories that will be created from the event and the instant gratification my client feels after the event is over!” Along with being the CEO of Artistyca Events, Jessica is the Co-Founder of Millennial Changemakers (MEChangemakers). With the mission to uplift and link other Millennial Changemakers together by supplying resources and hosting events, Millennial Entrepreneurs are able to exchange inspirational stories, provide networking opportunities, and convene with others who have comparable passion for change. Jessica is also the Founder of “Beauty Brains & Etiquette”, a Manners and Etiquette workshop for young ladies that demystifies social behaviors,
obliterate deplorable habits, and present tips on how to promote a successful lifestyle.As a “Jill of all Trades”, Jessica still continues to educate and evolve. Being a Millennial and successful African American Woman Entrepreneur, it is her goal to remain unwavering in her purpose and continue to be self-driven in achieving any goal set forth. With the fortitude to expand her brand, Jessica has relocated to New York City with limitless resources to continue to do what she loves! She will continue to build Artistyca Events and the development of the“Jessica Elizabeth” brand.
“I would like to be remembered as a woman who believed in her purpose and didn’t let moments of uncertainty, doubt, or fear deter me from achieving my goals!” – Jessica Elizabeth
Artistyca Events…”Where innovation meets precise execution.”
Jarrett M. Walker
Age: 23
The College of William and Mary
Bachelors Degree in Economics concentration: Economic Theory
Bio:
Jarrett M. Walker is a 2013 graduate of The College of William & Mary. At The College he served as President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and was awarded the Senior Leadership award from The College Alumni Diversity Board for his service to diversity inclusion and multi-cultural affairs.
Jarrett currently works at PriceWaterhouseCooper LLP as a consultant in the Federal Advisory Practice where he supports his government intel clients and departments in strategic analytics, asset management, and financial management. Outside of his work for PwC, Jarrett is the founder of The Network DC, a professional networking group aimed to engage DC's urban professionals though both social and civic related events. In 2014 Jarrett founded The Black Alumni Networking Expo in an effort to provide a uplifting networking environment for DC's African-American professionals, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nationally recognized organizations. Recently Jarrett was appointed The College of William and Mary Alumni Diversity Board for his post-gradate efforts in minority-inclusion. Jarrett lives life by a note his father gave to him when he was just 11 years old, "Inactivity breeds complacency and complacency is the killer of dreams. If you want to make a change and do something, don't sit there and think about it; GO DO IT"
Entepreneur, Speaker, Philantropist Timea Gaines is the 26-year-old CEO/Founder of Love Life Media a PR, Branding, and Consulting firm geared towards positive brands and projects. She is also a Radio Personality & News Correspondent for Thirsty Soul Radio Station. Gaines developed the passion and skills for media while working in the newsroom for the nationally syndicated Russ Parr Morning Show. She has worked on public relations and event projects including celebrities like Nicole Ari Parker,
Lamman Rucker, Dondre Whitfield, Veteran NFL Line Backer Chris Samuels, Veteran NBA Player & Activist Etan Thomas; and many more. She truly believes in being involved in her community which is why she lends her time as a volunteer to assist organizations like girl mentorship program Soul La Femme Inc., Aider Haiti Inc., American Diabetes Association, Angel Tree, Scarves for Seniors, Beyond the Surface, and many others. She continues to inspire others by gracing platforms at various schools, business workshops,
conferences, and ministries as a guest speaker and poet. Timea was graced with the opportunity to perform a piece for the Army Research Laboratory’s ALC Women’s History Month Event. She has been featured in various publications including Women’s Elevation Magazine, Examiner, and Onstage DC.Timea continues to live by the mantra "as we let our own light shine,we unconsciously give others permission to do the same".
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Timea Gaines
Love Life Media
Britt Walters
93.9 WKYS
Jessica Echols
Artistyca Events
Jarrett Walter
NetworkDC
Johnathan King
TheNetworkDC
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” -Johnathan Swift
Johnathan King is 26 year old eager and goal driven young professional who currently resides in Arlington, Virginia. Johnathan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Technology from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. Mr. King has a number of professional titles where he showcases his leadership, business and customer service skills. Currently he is the Superintend for Corenic Construction Group; which is a locally owned full service general contractor that specializes in commercial construction in Washington, D.C. Also, Jonathan is the Founder and CEO of a premiere event planning company by the name of King Promotions that is based in the Hampton Roads. King Promotions provides various engagements to a cross market of local brands in the social environment. He also holds the title as Director of Operations for a Washington D.C. based Marketing & Event Planning firm known as The Network D.C. The Network D.C is a lifestyle brand that exercises social networking as a means for professional development in the DMV area. Lastly, Jonathan is a Senior Brand Consultant for the O Agency in Washington D.C. Mr. King also has a long list of accomplishments, but his most recent accomplishment that he is most proud of is the Black Alumni Networking Expo. The Black Alumni Networking Expo was held at the Lima Lounge, in Washington, D.C to help foster a networking environment for the African American Professionals Organizations and African American Professional in the Greater Washington, D.C area. This event aimed to give organizations the opportunity to promote their missions, expand their reach, and broaden their network in a business casual, enjoyable, and social environment.
Trayon White
Ward 8 CouncilMember
Candidate
Trayon White, Sr., a native Washingtonian was born and raised in Southeast, DC. He was reared by his very devoted single Mother, Ms. Sherita Kennedy, who instilled hard work and determination into him early in his life that he continues to carry with him until this very day. Growing up as a youth, Trayon was always involved in community activities. He started his very own business at the early age of 12, by selling refrigerator magnets, gaining knowledge and wisdom, as an entrepreneur, which would serve him well, later in life. During his early teen years, he participated in the highly successful youth television program on BET “Teen Summit”. His time on the show enhanced his knowledge and passion for tackling social issues head on, as well as making lifelong friendships with another effective community leader, who recently passed, Mr. Jay Cooper. Mr. White is a proud father, community advocate, as well as humanitarian to his fellow Ward 8 neighbors. He graduated with a 3.7 GPA and honors from Ballou Senior High School, and continued his education at Southeastern University, studying Public Administration. He also attended the University of Maryland (Eastern Shore), graduating magna cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While enrolled at the University of Maryland, Mr. White dedicated himself to the children of the neighborhood, in which he was raised, by making the weekly trip home, to coach little league football at Boys & Girls club No. 11 for at risk youth. Another program, he was heavily involved in for youth violent prevention, was nonprofit, “East of the River Clergy, Police and Community Partnership”, which made positive advances in the relationship between community church leaders and police officials. Trayon demonstrates his commitment to accessible education to kids of Ward 8, by taking his personal time to mentor them from grade school, all the way to college. He’s also been on the front lines of keeping Malcolm X and Johnson elementary open, 2 out of 4 schools that were on course to close, in Ward 8. In 2007, Mr. White founded and continued to serve until recently as Executive Director of non-profit, youth oriented HICKS, Inc. (Helping Inner City Kids Succeed), which creates activities for youth engagement and violence prevention in some of Washington’s toughest neighborhoods. 2011 was a year of great accomplishments, as Mr. White won and was re-elected to his seat as State School Board representative for Ward 8. Unfortunately, he had to resign his position, due to personal family reasons. Even after his time on the State School Board of Education, his work in the community is well documented with its positive influence on 300 youth, annually. Mr. White is also known for his common sense approach and business acumen that show youth the correct pathway to successful living, personally and professionally. He really enjoys being a community leader and positive example for all youth in Ward 8 and across this Nation’s Capitol.
Natasha Brown
Think Brown Ink
Natasha Brown is an author, activist and award-winning social responsibility branding consultant who helps organizations and individuals create sustainable community and media programs. She was born in Chicago, IL and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Natasha founded Think Brown INK, LLC., (TBI) in 2009.Through TBI, she has created several initiatives, including Get Kids Movin' a tour to prevent childhood obesity; Smile NATIONWIDE #12MonthsOfService, a pro-bono cause communications community; The Build Up Lab, the learning division of TBI; and works closely with various partners to implement community and media campaigns. Through her work, she has successfully united arts and business organizations with philanthropic causes, thus expanding their reach and impact. Natasha currently serves as a Consultant for the Humanities Council of Washington, DC, managing organizational communications; Dreams Work, Inc., tasked with implementing a 21st Century Grant program in Prince George’s County and as the Brand Marketing Director of Will Rap 4 Food, Inc, a 501(c)3 non-profit that unites the artist community to fight hunger.
In the past, Natasha has managed development communications for Mercersburg Academy, marketing communications for SECU and served as the Interim Marketing Director for the American Composites Manufacturers Association, among other positions. As a multi-faceted consultant, she implements various programs in partnership with government agencies, education institutes and non-profit organizations.
In between working with non-profit brands and contributing to her local community, Natasha is also a writer, with two anticipated book releases in 2015. She is excited about continuing her work to advance important causes within society, while helping others do the same. Visit natashatbrown.com to learn more.