Theme: The New Essential From Multiple Perspectives

We experienced unprecedented change, ambiguity, and uncertainty individually, in community, and as humanity. We made and continue to make pivots throughout our lives. We witnessed overnight shifts about what is essential in the light of now. What is the new essential-- the lasting big ideas that we take with us as we rebuild? The Tara Blvd community is no stranger to change, rebuilding, reinvention, and rebirth. Join us virtually as we share ideas about the new essential from multiple lenses.

Virtual Online Via Zoom
Jonesboro, GA
Jonesboro, Georgia, 30236
United States

A Circle of Women

Circle

A Circle of Women Offer an Acknowledgment of Harm What if we start speaking the truth about what has been happening here? What would it feel like to see people demonstrate the possibility of healing by first acknowledging centuries of racial harm? Can we stop these injustices and truly liberate all of us? Recognition of harm is the new essential for deep healing needed in America. As white women who recognize that silence is complicity, we are speaking out about the racial injustices in this country. In other nations, healing began once the harm was publicly recognized. In addition to using our voices, we are committed to doing the work required to repair and restore the harm against our fellow Americans. We humbly offer this spoken word from our hearts to yours—to be shared and experienced by people who wish to hear it. Our hope is that you join us, so that we can together begin the healing process.

Beth Ruffin

CEO, The Everyday Inclusionist

Beth spent 20 years in Corporate America before realizing her dream of entrepreneurship, opening her own boutique consulting firm, The Everyday Inclusionist. Beth is committed to making our world more inclusive through consulting, coaching, and speaking. She is also the host of “At the Table,” a weekly podcast about elevating the voices of the underrepresented. Beth’s first book, Get Up, details her journey to self-acceptance. Her second book, You Belong Here, explores the topic of Self Inclusion. Beth believes that everyone has a purpose and the power within them to impact lives. She is a mom to one daughter and in her spare time blogs and travels.

Brendan White

Student, Actor

Brendan White is a senior at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts. He has been performing for nearly a decade. Some of his most notable roles are Walter Hobbs (Elf: The Musical), Orin/Audrey II (The Little Shop of Horrors), Emperor Joseph II (Amadeus), Wailin’ Joe/Reverend Hobson (Memphis: The Musical), Dom Claude Frollo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), and Junie, Walter, and the Man (The Colored Museum) among many others. He has also participated in multiple competitions. Brendan has received first place awards and ‘Best Actor’ recognition in multiple theatrical competitions. He has participated in programs like the Governor’s Honor Program, Georgia Thespian All-State Production, Clayton County State of Schools Address, and Alliance Theatre’s Teen Ensemble. He plans to major in musical theatre and is excited to continue a career in theatre and music.

Crystal Perry

Founder, Melanated PEARL Corporation

Crystal Perry is an educational leadership development coach and digital designer, empowering equity-focused and mission-driven organizations through targeted professional development, knowledge transfer, and best practice sharing. Crystal is a mother of 22-year-old twin males, wife, educational leader, and founder of the Melanated Pearl Corporation, a nonprofit focused on targeting services and resources for Black Women. She is a graduate of Agnes Scott College (BA in Africana Studies 2000) and (MA in Writing and Digital Communication 2020). She is also a graduate of Georgia State University (Early Education 2003), and a proud member of the TFA 2000 Metro Atlanta Charter Corp. She currently serves on the Clayton County Library Board of Trustees and the Clayton County Public School Budget Committee.

Daryl Satcher

Artist, Educator, Yogi

Daryl Satcher is a love and light being. He created A Leading Man to enlighten and empower young people to become the director of the film in their heads, blending arts and wellness. Daryl is a theatre artist in every sense of the words, with credits in producing, writing, directing, and acting. He is also a Wellness Specialist and collaborates with his clients to create and cultivate a positive, healthy, and balanced wellness lifestyle. Daryl is the creator of Grown Ass Man Yoga to help men with self-care. A Leading Man offers yoga, meditation, creative writing workshops, wellness retreats, theatrical interpretations, masterminds and much more as instruments for healing, serenity, clarity, creativity, and oneness. Daryl is most proud of being a Daddy to his two biggest inspirations, his daughters.

Dena Corbin

Founder and Program Designer of Natural Ground 1 Teacher, Author, Speaker, Gardener, Coach

Dena is the Founder and Program Designer of Natural Ground 1 the company called to view wellness through a different lens. Dena is a retired Special Education Teacher, having serviced children and their families for 32 years. A wife, mother, grandmother, and Best-Selling Author of Change, Balance and Flow: An Essential Oil Journey. Dena grew up with access to fruits and vegetables of all kinds within reach in her neighborhood. With certificates in Plant Essences and Horticultural Therapy, she shares her passion of viewing wellness through a different lens through plant-based interventions and personal growth initiatives. She has implemented and counseled individuals, families, and communities on the fundamental skills of preparing, planning, planting, and harvesting a garden within her community, within New Jersey, and New York. Dena’s vision is for a "Grow a Garden, Grow Yourself" mindset in every community, within every school system, and accessible to all people.

Dethra U. Giles

DEI Strategist

Three-time TEDx speaker, international keynote speaker, executive coach, and award-winning author that has a track record of taking teams from functioning poorly and making them top producers. Clients call her “University tested, and industry approved.” Her unique blend of advanced education and industry experience positions her to provide maximum impact to executives and high potential teams. Having worked with clients like MARTA, Kaiser Permanente, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Army Corp of Engineers, and the Salvation Army, Dethra takes her education and years of experience and turns them into results driven actions for her clients. She holds a BA in English and Spanish, an MBA, and a Masters of Science in Conflict Management. She has served as adjunct faculty at the Federal Executive Institute, Georgia State University, Mercer University, and as a faculty member for Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses and the Tory Burch Foundation.

Donald Jenkins

Co-Founder and President, PDI Atlanta, Master Purpose Development Coach, Speaker, Trainer, Consultant

Mr. Jenkins is the President and Co-Founder of the Purpose Development Institute, a think tank in Atlanta, GA. The PDI is a think tank with almost 30 years and well over 20,000 hours researching barriers that stand in the way of people reaching their highest growth potential. As a Master Purpose Development Coach, Speaker, Trainer, Consultant, and Author, Mr. Jenkins is the nation's leading expert in identifying Purpose Deficit Disorders™ (PDD) in personal and organizational growth.PDD is not a subject of conversation in training and coaching circles because most coaches and trainers are unaware of its influence on growth potential. As a pioneer in Purpose Development™, Mr. Jenkins has become a master in solving complex human capital issues regarding coaching, leadership, diversity, motivation, organizational development, and employee engagement.

Dr. Cindy Trimm

Thought Leader, Business & Life Strategist, Bestselling Author

Trained in Strategic Leadership at the prestigious Oxford University Saïd Business School and Corporate Governance at Harvard, Dr. Cindy Trimm is a former senator, sought-after thought leader, and widely respected business and life strategist. Drawing from her remarkable life experiences and multi-faceted career, Dr. Trimm inspires audiences around the globe with life-changing perspectives on human potential. She is the recipient of many awards and accolades, including former President Barack Obama’s Presidential & Lifetime Achievement Award, BCNN1’s 70 Black History Makers & Leaders of Influence, and Ebony magazine’s Power 100, and has received commendations from the Queen of England, Duke of Edinburgh, and Governor of Bermuda. Dr. Cindy Trimm is the visionary founder of Trimm Institute for Global Leadership, Trimm Global Charities, Cindy Trimm Ministries International, and Trimm International, Inc. and the author of many bestselling books.

Dr. Simona Brickers

Leadership and Organizational Development Practitioner/AntiRacism Auditor

Experienced leadership and activist, Simona has worked across multiple business platforms academia, federal/state government, and nonprofit. With a focus on anti-racism auditing and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) and executed global thought leadership is the landscape designed to manage from the top down to increase organizational effectiveness and health through strategic interventions in the organization’s “processes,” using behavioral science knowledge. The focus in developing organizational capacity through alignment of strategy, structure, management processes, people, and rewards and metrics through an antiracism lens. I deliver learning opportunities to create more collaborative, engaged, and productive workplaces; through supporting organizational systems where leaders and employees are in complete alignment regarding values, vision, strategy, and business outcomes.

Erika Schwartz, MD

Physician, Founder of Evolved Science

Dr. Erika has been a clinician for 35 years and in the business of medicine her whole adult life. She graduated from medical school with honors and trained in internal medicine and critical care, landing her first job as Chief of Emergency Medicine at 28 in a large trauma center in NY. Five years later, she moved on to private practice in search of continuity of care and long-term relationship with patients. She began questioning the motivation behind conventional medicine and turned toward the practice of medical prevention - healing healthy patients looking to stay well, who were in need of doctors to listen and respect them. Today Dr. Erika sees patients 3 days a week, does clinical research, and writes for both the public and the medical profession about how combining conventional medicine with medical prevention leads to truly magical healthy patients who enjoy their lives, and who aren’t afraid.

Faith Broussard Cade, M.Ed.

Mental Health Counselor

Faith was born and raised in the heart of Cajun country in New Iberia, Louisiana. She holds a B.A. in English and French Studies from The University of the South: Sewanee, and an M.Ed. in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University. She has over 10 years of experience as a school counselor and mental health therapist. She also worked as a baker, pastry chef, and food blogger, before shifting to writing inspirational notes on little pieces of torn, handmade paper and publishing two guided journals on the transformative power of self-care and self-love. She lives in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, with her jack of all trades husband and extremely bright and inquisitive daughter. She is the proud author of Because You Are Worthy: 90 Days of Transformative Self-Love and Because You Have Purpose: 90 Days of Encouraging Self- Love. Visit http://www.fleurdelisspeaks.com for Faith’s speaking calendar, blog, personal mental health coaching inquiries, and self-care merchandise.

Judge Steven Teske

Chief Judge of the Juvenile Court of Clayton County, Georgia

Judge Steven C. Teske is the Chief Judge of the Juvenile Court of Clayton County & serves regularly as a Superior Court Judge by designation. Appointed as a juvenile judge in 1999, Teske earned his bachelor's, master's, and Juris Doctor degrees from Georgia State University. He was a Chief Parole Officer in Atlanta, Deputy Director of Field Services of the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles & a trial attorney in the law firm of Boswell & Teske LLP. He also served as a Special Assistant Attorney General prosecuting child abuse & neglect cases & representing state employees & agencies in federal & state court cases. Teske is a past president of the Council of Juvenile Court Judges and Governor appointee to the Children & Youth Coordinating Council, Commission on Family Violence & the Governor's Office for Children and Families. He has published many articles on juvenile reform & sits on the advisory board of the Southern Crescent Habitat For Humanity..

Kelita Samone

Artist & Educator

Kelita Samone is an artist and educator. She is a graduate of Fayetteville State University and holds a B.A. in Speech Communications and Theater. She finds great joy in engagement through movement, music, and storytelling while teaching fundamental skills in language arts, math, and practical life. She was a member of multiple choral ensembles during her years at Fayetteville State that toured the east coast, Canada, Belgium, and France several times including a performance at The Cathedral of Norte Dame. As an actress, she made her network television debut with an appearance on the CW’s “Black Lightning” in 2018. Songwriting and poetry are big parts of her writing portfolio. She has written many songs over the years for herself and others and continues to do so in preparation for her solo album release forthcoming. She also published her freshman collection of poetry in 2013 called “Layers.” Her attempts at translating all manner of life experiences show up vividly in her work.

LaDonna Hampton

Author, Library Assistant, Juneteenth Day Organizer

LaDonna Marie Hampton is literacy and mental health advocate who believes in encouragement and self-improvement to nurture happiness and success in our everyday lives. She currently lives in Clayton County, Georgia, where she finds fulfillment working closely with the public as a Library Assistant and a Youth Service Assistant for Clayton County Library System. LaDonna is also the owner of Hampton LaDonna Marie LLC, where she offers services as a literacy coach for children ages 4-12 and community organization services. Ladonna understands the importance of interpersonal relations, using her 13 years of customer service and administrative experience to cultivate an enthusiasm for engaging face to face and virtual experiences. LaDonna works to inspire people as an independent consultant, author of Black Butterfly Pushing through Mental Struggles, & The Hustle; Lead Your Life, peer mentor, community advocate, and organizer of the Juneteenth Celebration in 2019 & 2020.

Lori Pelzer

CEO, Girlgobegreat Success Co. LLC, International Keynote Speaker, Award Winning Business & Lifestyle Success Coach

Top-rated by audiences and described as a roaring ball of energy Lori is one of today's most inspirational keynote women speakers. A survivor of COVID-19 Lori is no stranger to overcoming adversity and life challenges. Lori grew up facing challenges of poverty, sexual abuse, and teen pregnancy. Lori changed the direction of her life against the odds and has been on a DREAM journey of success as a 25-year entrepreneur educating and inspiring over 10,000 people through many years of speaking. Lori retired as an award-winning real estate broker|owner with 17 years of sales experience and over $33M as her sales history. She is the CEO of Girlgobegreat Lifestyle Success Co. LLC, a personal and professional development company for women providing award-winning success and business coaching. Lori is truly fascinated by the power of inspiration as a need of the human spirit and at the core of change and love. People said, "her level of energy to inspire a room of people is contagious."

Paul Sohn

Leadership Coach, Best-Selling Author, Speaker

Paul Sohn is a leadership coach, best-selling author, and speaker. Formerly employed by both a Fortune 50 company and a Top 100 Great Place to Work Company, Paul is the founder of QARA where he helps emerging adults discover their unique calling. Paul serves at Biola University as the Director of Strategic Career Initiative and teaches as an adjunct professor. Paul is a best-selling author of Quarter-Life Calling: Pursuing Your God-Given Purpose in Your Twenties. Paul was named one of the Top 33 under 33 Christian Millennials to Follow by Christianity Today. In 2016, Paul received John C. Maxwell Transformational Leadership Award. Some of Paul’s favorite things include authentic Korean food, tennis, and traveling. Paul currently resides in Orange County with his wife Saehim.

Rachel Graham

CEO of Evolve and Transform, Healing Springs Ranch & LifeWorks Wellness

Rachel Graham, Founder and CEO of Evolve and Transform, is a business entrepreneur, leadership and development coach, and an empowering optimist. Having experienced a personal crisis as a family member of a loved one who struggled with unresolved trauma, mental health, and addiction, Rachel saw the need to educate people, business leaders, students, and professionals to remove the stigma around addiction and compulsive behaviors, while encouraging individuals to find their purpose in life through their skills and experiences. By understanding the limiting behaviors associated with compulsion, addiction, mentality, and trauma, individuals improve their optimal performance personally and professionally. As a result, she co-founded and serves as CEO for both Healing Springs Ranch, a residential 28-bed treatment facility for addiction, and Life Works Wellness, a start-up wellness digital platform.

Rev. Sean Harvey, MSOD, MSEd

Chief Compassion Officer & Founder @ Sympónia Institute for Global Compassionate Healing

Sean Harvey is the Chief Compassion Officer & Founder of the Sympónia Institute for Global Compassionate Healing. His work in personal, organizational, and societal transformation is inspired by over 20+years of Talent and Organization Development consulting combined with a decade of college teaching experience at Cornell, NYU, and Baruch College CUNY in the areas of Leadership, Organizational Behavior and Change. Sean is contributing as a writer, speaker, and consultant to a new narrative around Compassionate Bridge Building as a New Paradigm for Healing and bringing Spiritual/Soulful practices into Organizational and Leadership Models. Sean most recently served as the head of Personal Transformation and Wellbeing for EILEEN FISHER. Prior to his experience at Eileen Fisher, Sean was the Vice President of Talent Consulting for Partners International, where he launched a Socially Conscious Leadership program for emerging leaders on Wall Street.

Tamu Al-Islam

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategist

Tamu Al-Islam holds global experience leading diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and inclusive organizational change. Leaning on a deep background in interpersonal relations and visioning, her specialties include intercultural fluency development and conflict resolution. Tamu utilizes facilitation practices grounded in authenticity, openness, and intercultural humility. Tamu was recently appointed as faculty of Future Leaders of the World’s inaugural Master Leader Program (FLOW), based in South Africa. Prior, she was the Executive Director of Inclusion and Equity and Equal Employment Opportunity Officer for New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) in the UAE and has held several senior roles at NYUAD and New York University during her 25-year tenure, Tamu holds an MA in educational leadership and is a certified diversity and inclusion professional by the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR). She currently resides in Atlanta.

Tara Dixon

painter, writer, mother, gratitude enthusiast

Tara Dixon is a painter, mother, gratitude enthusiast, and explorer of joy. Her paintings are abstract in nature with an emphasis on the juxtaposition of color and texture. She sometimes will incorporate words in her work such as “thank you” and “love.” A graduate of Connecticut College, she studied at The Art Students League in New York City and her work can now be found in private and corporate collections. She is also an illustrator with her first book of illustrations “Fly On The Wall.” Three of her love murals are located in Brooklyn, NY. She has taught art in the classroom as well as out of her studio using the method she developed called, “Talk And Response Art”.

Trina Ko

Community and Small Business Development | Clayton County, GA

Trina Ko is a graduate of Mercer University with a Business Administration Degree in Marketing and Organizational Behavior. She is also a graduate of the Leadership Development Program from BB&T (now Truist). Trina has over 13 years of experience in Corporate banking and is a Certified Couples and Trauma Coach. She is currently the co-owner of The Best of Clayton County which has become a pillar in the Clayton County, GA community. Trina hosts the live and in person, The Best of Clayton County Show with Host Trina Ko. The Best of Clayton County offices are located in the city of Jonesboro, Georgia.

Troupe 8068 of The International Thespian Society (ITS)

Theatre Student Club

Troupe 8068 of The International Thespian Society. ITS, for short, is an organization for high school and middle school theatre students that in our point of view partners with the school theatre department to assist in all areas such as fundraising. The organization is located at more than 4,200 affiliated secondary schools across America, Canada, and abroad. The mission of ITS is to honor student achievement in the theatre arts. High school members of I.T.S are known as Thespians and middle school ITS members are known as Junior Thespians. Ever year, Troupe 8068 attends The Georgia Thespian Conference, or Thescon. Thescon is an event hosted by the Georgia Thespians, powered by the International Thespian Society. For three days in February, groups of high school Thespians come together in Columbus, GA to network, attend workshops and watch numerous productions presented by high schools from throughout the state. The workshops are led by theater professionals from around the country.

Yumeko Simmons

Visionary, Boundary-Lines

Yumeko Simmons, school counselor that aids high school students and parents by providing tailored solutions in support of academic, social, and emotional growth. Following her diagnosis with Multiple Myeloma, a rare blood cancer, in 2015, she harnessed the value of the 3 P’s, “The Power of Intention,” “The Power of Manifestation,” and “The Power to Be” in every aspect of her daily life. As the creator of the blog, “Bald, No Problem,” she seeks to bring awareness to Alopecia Areata, acknowledging bald women and their stance to beauty. She is also the visionary of “Boundary-Lines” a soon-to-be company which will produce stationary, calendars, and inspirational quotes that remind us to continue to “push the envelope to be our most authentic self.” Yumeko received her Bachelor of Science from Alabama State University and Master of Education in School Counseling from the University of West Alabama. She enjoys her two children Barbara and Willie-Simone’, and German Shepherd Dog, LunaRae.