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Note: Listed in no particular order…

#30 Paige Lewter

1-Paige Lewter

Paige Lewter, 25, currently is the Lead Engineer for the AAR-47 Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) for PMA 272: Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems. She leads and manages engineering activities for the AAR-47 Missile Warning System relating to the design, development, fabrication, installation, modification, sustainment, and/or analysis of the systems and the systems components. She is a graduate of North Carolina A&T.  Ms. Lewter is an active member of the Patuxent River Professionals Chapter where she serves as the Pre-College Initiative Chair. She also spearheaded the chartering of the Southern Maryland NSBE Jr. Chapter in November 2012, where she is the Lead Advisor. This was the first NSBE Jr. Chapter in Southern Maryland and St. Mary’s County MD. She was recognized by NSBE and received the National Young Technical Professional Member on the Move Award and Region 2 Leadership Award at the 2013 National NSBE Convention in Indianapolis, IN. She received the Rookie of the Year Award (2012) and Member of the Year Award (2013) from the Patuxent River Professionals Chapter for her hard work and dedication. Miss Lewter is also the 2014 recipient of the Black Engineer of the Year Award in the category of Community Service, NSBE’s PCI Director of the Year and NSBE ASC’s Outstanding Young Engineer in Aerospace.

#29 Luke Lawal

2-Luke Lawal Jr

Luke Lawal, Jr., a 24-year-old DC native, founded HBCU Buzz in 2011 and has been shaping awareness of HBCU culture ever since. The Buzz provides the public with news relevant to HBCU campuses ranging from sports and fashion to politics and controversy from the perspective of current HBCU students and several journalists heavily involved in the black community. The purpose of the company is to promote HBCU pride and unity in order to enhance the black college experience and uplift the perception of all black colleges. Today, The Buzz has over a hundred authors from several HBCUs across the country. Before graduating from Bowie State University, Lawal started a black male organization with a student a Howard University called Suited Lifestyle Group. The organization is designed to create an extensive network of young professionals and other like-minded individuals from various walks of life with a commitment to leadership, self-sufficiency, and peer-to-peer engagement through social and cultural events.

#28 Matt Talley

3-Matt Talley

Matt Talley is a co-founder of DMVFollowers. His digital marketing company was created on a “strength in numbers” foundation, finding a creative way to use free online social networking sites to strengthen the “bond” between D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to help better form the DMV. Online social networking sites serve as an interactive tool allowing the brand to connect residents in the area and promote events, music, local news and products. DMVFollowers is one of the largest twitter accounts in the DMV area that spans nearly every corner of the region. Created in 2010 by partners, Jeremy Jones & Matthew Talley, the account has since gained over 95,000 followers. They reach to their twitter followers is very extensive. They use Twitter to update their followers on local breaking news, entertainment ideas, motivational messages, and opportunities to network with thousands of fellow followers in a vast demographic. In the business aspect of their account they offer advertisement services for up and coming musicians, restaurants, entertainment companies (nightclubs, bars, concerts, etc.), clothing lines, local non- food related businesses as well as the possibility for other opportunities for companies or personal endeavors through their outreach to specific demographics.

Stay tuned all month as we unveil a new member of the Top 30 Under 30 club everyday….

#27 Vernon Brundage Jr.

4-Vernon Brundage Jr

Vernon Brundage Jr., 26, is an Economist in the Division of Labor Force Statistics at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Several times a year, Brundage authors the ‘Employment Situation’ new release, the monthly report that publishes the official national unemployment rate. He also co-authors various other BLS reports such as ‘Labor Force Characteristics by Race and Ethnicity’, ‘Usual Weekly Earnings of Wage and Salary Workers’ and “College Enrollment and Work Activities of High School Graduates’, among others. He is currently the youngest economist in his division. In 2013, Brundage founded investED Enrichment Services, Inc., a mentoring organization for at-risk high school males in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Brundage received his BA in Economics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, his MA from Howard University and is currently enrolled in the PhD program at Howard University, with a concentration in Urban Economics. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

#26 Daniel Moijueh Jr.

5-Daniel Moijueh Jr

 

Daniel Moijueh Jr., 28, is an Iraq War veteran and founder of Moijey Fine Jewelry and Diamonds. A graduate of the American Institute of Diamond Cutting, Moijueh also holds an MBA from the University of Maryland in Global Management. He’s been providing diamond consulting since 2009 to customers all around the world. Moijueh is one of the first Sierra Leone-born diamond jewelers in America. Born in Sierra Leone West Africa, his family comes from the diamond region of the country, which was heavily affected by the decade long blood diamond civil war.  He travels to Sierra Leone, West Africa to get products with a vision: to not only advance the buying experience for customers wearing jewelry/diamonds in the Americas, but also to improve the land of his birth through giving back via the two most important sectors: education and health care. Daniel is also the founder of MOI (Minds of Intelligence) Foundation. Guided by a vision, he embarks on a mission that will rebuild Sierra Leone and other diamond affected countries around the world one step at a time.

 #25 Sadé Seaborne

6-Sadé Seaborne

Sadé Seaborne, 25, is a native of Richmond, Virginia. She currently works as an IT Analyst for the Department of Justice. In May, she will graduate with a Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s of Science in Information Technology from Marymount University. Outside of her work and school responsibilities, Sadé serves as Treasurer for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Chi Beta Omega Chapter located in Falls Church, Virginia as well as sits on the Board of Directors for the Old Dominion University Black Alumni Association. Recently, she was inducted into the Delta Epsilon Sigma National Honor Society and Upsilon Pi Epsilon International Computing and Information Disciplines Honor Society. With her busy schedule, she still finds time to give back to her community. She has been an advocate for the Special Olympics of Virginia Urban Programs promoting inclusion for students with intellectual disabilities for over 15 years. Because of her commitment and service, the Special Olympics of Virginia Urban Programs has increased the number of registered athletes that participate during local and state level events. For six years, she successfully coached teams, resulting in advancement to state level competition in bowling, basketball, and softball. Sadé graduated from Old Dominion University in 2010 with a B.S. in Business Administration and served as a Resident Assistant for three years providing a positive learning and living environment for freshman residential communities and acting as a referral agent for students to various campus and community resources. She hopes to inspire more young, black women to pursue degrees in engineering and technology.

 #24 Devin Nikki Thomas 

7-Devin Nikki Thomas

Devin Nikki Thomas, Actress, Writer, and Teaching Artist was born and raised in Washington DC. She completed her BA in Psychology from Hampton University and a MPH in Behavioral Science and Health Education at Emory University. As a trained Health Education Specialist, Devin currently serves our country as an Officer in the United States Public Health Service. Devin is also the President of Unitivity Productions, (UP) LLC, a film and literary production company based out of Washington DC. She is currently in Pre-Production of her first project, tentatively released in the summer of 2014. In addition to acting, she volunteers as a Teaching Artist at Savoy Elementary School during their Saturday School Arts program. Savoy is one of the arts integration schools in Washington, DC- adopted by First Lady Michelle Obama and actress, Kerry Washington.

#23 Darren Brownlee

8-Darren Brownlee

26-year-old Darren Brownlee is a young healthcare executive. After a three-year football career at West Virginia University and earning a Masters in Health Administration from Hofstra University,  Darren now serves as a Clinical Operations Project Manager for Johns Hopkins Medicine, where he provides leadership, direction, regulatory support and guidance in planning and organizing cross-functional activities for the Department of Surgery. Darren is tremendously active in his community as the President Elect for the National Association of Health Services Executives – Baltimore Chapter, a “Big” and Ambassador for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake, a board committee member for Emerging Leaders United (under United Way) and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

#22 Avonda Turner

9-Avonda Turner

Avonda Turner, 25, is the owner & principal graphic designer of Brand Design Love (BDL) – a Washington, DC graphic design firm. A brand architect, Avonda creates sustainable brand identity systems for print and online that connect businesses to their audiences on a forever kind of level. A 2010 graduate of Old Dominion University, Avonda is a marketing professional with 6 + years of non-profit, agency, and corporate marketing/advertising experience.

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated , Avonda is passionate about not only branding a community, but building it through civic engagement, academic preparation and character building. The daughter of a US soldier and elementary educator, Avonda takes pride in serving her community by instructing the Little Rock Baptist Church dance ministry; reading to and assisting the students of Naylor Road Elementary; and volunteering with organizations such as the Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund (PGCSIF), Capital Cause, ARCH Development Corporation, Organizing for Action, Whitman-Walker Health (Aids walk programming) and the European Union Delegation to the USA.

#21 Charles Jean-Pierre

10-Charles Jean-Pierre

Charles Jean-Pierre’ currently teaches Art in French at Ludlow Taylor Elementary School on Capital Hill. In 2010 Jean-Pierre was voted top 5 art educators in the District of Colombia via the Annual Mayors Arts Awards. He was a founding mentor for the Crimson Tide Gentleman of Dunbar Social Club and is currently an active member of the Council of Metropolitan Arts Supervisors and the Principals’ Arts Education Forum working to revise the National Arts Standards.  His student’s work was selected by the First Lady Michele Obama as the winner of the National White House Easter Egg Roll Poster Contest. He and his students are responsible for the electric blue Chuck Brown mural at Sweet Mango Café in Northwest DC. Jean-Pierre has more than six public murals in and around the Washington area. He was recently selected to guest lecture for the U.S. Presidential Scholars through the National YoungArts Foundation. He’s worked as an artist in residence for City Arts DC, which mentors District of Columbia high school students in the arts where he shares his artistic skills as well as his entrepreneurial expertise. In 2012 Jean-Pierre was selected by the National office of Boys and Girls of America to create a mural to launch their Degrees to Diplomas Program that provides wrap around support to students throughout college. Currently Jean-Pierre is partnering with Nike in Oregon to create art to raise funds for the National office of Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Jean-Pierre is a U.S. State Department Art in Embassies Artist. His work is currently on display on the in the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou, Benin West Africa. He’s been the feature artist on Art.State.Gov and has a solo show in the U.S. Embassy in Singapore in the works. Jean-Pierre has been highlighted by numerous media outlets including; The Washington Post, Ebony Magazine, Black Enterprise, NHK TV (Japan), MTV, The Village Voice, NBC News, and Fox News. The documentary Brothas ‘n Arms covered Jean-Pierre’s community arts initiatives; volunteer efforts; Botswana critique, and shows with performers such as the Roots. Jean-Pierre has lectured at Stanford University regarding a positive vision of Haiti through the Mamelodi Project which documented his voluneer efforts in is homeland after the 2010 earthquake. He has served as an art instructor for The Alvin Ailey Camp Chicago Besides working for DCPS for the last five years Jean-Pierre also served as the National Arts Director for the Young and Powerful group, which is known for grassroots organizing and raised over 200,000 dollars in small donations for the last presidential election. He holds a Masters of Arts from Howard University and has created several public art murals in New York, Chicago, Washington, Istanbul, Port-au-Prince, London, and Paris.

#20 Diane Tackie

11-Diane Tackie

Diane Tackie is a Board Certified Physician Assistant, currently practicing at the US Department of Defense headquarters, the Pentagon. The 29-year-old cancer survivor received her Master of Physician Assistant degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School, a private school in Norfolk Virginia in 2010. As an independent contractor, she has worked with reputable solo practitioners in the DMV area specializing in the fields of Family Medicine, Pediatrics as well as Psychiatry. Diane has also recently become a business owner within the company, Ignite Stream Energy. Diane has promoted and hosted events in the area, and is currently a published model represented by Modelogic Wilhelmina. Diane is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Incorporated, NAACP as well the AAPA.

#19 Jermaine Seagears

12-Jermaine Seagears

26-year-old Jermaine Seagears is a Silver Spring, MD native, a graduate of University of Texas-Pan American and a former division-1 college student-athlete. After forgoing his senior year of college basketball, Jermaine decided to focus his energy, time and work ethic towards his education, philanthropy work, personal development and post-athletic career as a positive advocate for current and former student-athletes. Jermaine Seagears created Life After Sportz, Inc. while finishing up his senior year of college. Life After Sportz provides a positive platform to feature and showcase athletes success in life. Life After Sportz mission is to empower, prepares and supports both current and form student-athletes by advising them on Education, Career Skills, financial literacy, Philanthropy, Health/ Well Being and Personal Development. Life After Sportz also helps current and former student-athletes successful transition from sports careers to new non-athletic careers.

#18 Patrick Blanchard aka Pat is Dope

13-PatisDope

Patrick Blanchard, also known as “PATisDOPE”, is one of the top bloggers in the DMV. the Internet sensation is not only a guy who enjoys staying up to date with what’s going on in the entertainment world, he also conduct interviews with musical artists, hold and host events while supporting all local talent. PATisDOPE handles everything on his own. He has a mass communications degree from Salisbury University along with a combined ear to the streets remains passionate about covering the thriving culture around him. Beginning in the retail industry, Pat leveraged his interest in street Wear culture by providing styling solutions performing as a top sales associate by marketing this skill. Since then he has expanded this model to the music industry by gaining access to artists for interviews, hosting countless lifestyle events, and highlighting local talent looking to get out and make an impact of their own. He has a Twitter and Instgram following that each have 100,000+ a piece. 

#17 Eric Lawson

14-Eric Lawson

Eric Lawson is currently serving as a Senior Technologist under the Technology Services Section of the National Cybersecurity Communications and Integration Center (NCCIC) within the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He serves as the Lead of Technology Insertion where he provides programmatic direction and technical expertise to support the NCCIC cybersecurity mission and advance the use of the National Cybersecurity Protection System, also known as EINSTEIN. For his exemplary work he was recently awarded the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications Innovation Award for his participation in an intra-agency working group which provided tools and resources to the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team allowing them to quickly provide impact analysis of cyber communication events on critical infrastructure. Lawson previously served as a department ambassador to the National Security Agency, supporting the DHS strategic objectives by actively engaging in inter-agency communications to ensure Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative Three (CNCI-3) objectives were fulfilled. CNCI-3, now known as EINSTEIN 3 Accelerated (E3A), is a White House initiative to provide cybersecurity protection to the civilian Departments and Agencies of the Federal Executive Branch. While working on the E3A program he was a Senior Technical Lead for the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) Operations ensuring the organization was prepared for the new enhancement to the cybersecurity mission. Lawson is a 2003 graduate of Charles Herbert Flowers High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Technology from Bowie State University in 2008.

#16 Nicole Artis

15-Nicole Artis

Nicole Artis is a thriving real estate agent specializing in sales and customer service in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia.

After graduating from Duval High School in Lanham, MD Nicole attended The Art Institute of Santa Monica California studying TV production. Mesmerized by the architecture and design of homes in California and Artis realized her passion for real estate. She decided to come back to Maryland and launch her real estate career after a year of school. At the age of 19, Artis was one of the youngest in her real estate class. After completing real estate school Artis pursued a career in property management. Artis jumped into real estate head first closing $1.6 million dollars in home sales her first 6 months in the business. Artis serves on the board of the Prince Georges County Association of Realtors young professionals network; where they plan and host different educational and networking events for local realtors. She continues her pursuit to help homebuyers particularly between the ages of 22 and 35 realize the American dream. Her goal is to promote wealth through homeownership and hopes that she can continue to help people invest in their future through real estate investing. Previously, Artis worked for the elderly housing development corporation a non-profit that assisted senior citizens 65 and older with acquiring safe and affordable housing. After much training, Artis was promoted and became an advocate of resources for seniors that were of a lower income bracket. She managed programs to encourage healthy living for seniors; such as having the DC Central kitchen and the Washington area food bank deliver food for the residents once a month. She also initiated different fitness and art programs to encourage seniors to be productive in their daily activities.

#15 Nicole Williams

16-Nicole Williams

 Nicole Williams is an entrepreneur, musician, and currently works as a test engineer with the Department of Homeland Security Customs & Border Protection (CBP). She has quickly been promoted up the ranks and has become a key part of test management in the short three years she has been working for CBP. As she continues to advance in her career with CBP, she maintains focus on her own endeavors as a self-made business woman. Alongside her cousin, she is a partner in the beverage brand Elite Beverages, LLC. Their first product Royal Blue Spring Water is available in more than 10 Walgreens stores in the Chicago area as well as two Walgreens stores in Greensboro, NC. Elite Beverages, LLC plans to make its debut in the DMV this upcoming spring. Williams spends her time focused on her career and her business however she never loses sight of her passion for music. Williams, better known by her stage name DanielleJoy, has produced singles for a number of artists in the area. She is classically trained in piano and has been perfecting her craft since the age of 4. She is currently working as a producer for The Hit HQ Recording Studio, Woodbridge, VA. She is also currently in the process of writing her first book in hopes of becoming a published author in the near future. Williams attended North Carolina A&T State University on a full academic scholarship to study Architectural Engineering. During her time at A&T, she became a section leading member of the Blue & Gold Marching Machine. Nicole also became a member of the Theta Zeta chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority where she later became president and step mistress. She led the step team to multiple wins throughout the Sprite Step Off to gain scholarship money for the team and the chapter.

#14 Omari Head

17-Omari Head

Omari Head is passionate hospitality professional. In addition to his full time job as Corporate Strategic Relationship Manager for American Public University he also is serves as the 2014 Chair of the Under 30 Gateway for the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) and is the first African American male to serve in that capacity. After graduating UNLV, he entered the hospitality management workforce and has held leadership positions with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Gaylord Entertainment and Hyatt. While working full time as a manager in hospitality, he began teaching at Prince George Community College and found a love for higher education through hospitality. He always makes time to mentor hospitality students through the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality and has been invited to speak at Cheyney University and University of Maryland Eastern Shore. His signature workshop entitled H.e.l.p., Hospitality Egos Logos Pathos, has helped him reach fellow millennials and has become a sought after professional development tool at various universities and corporations. He also serves on the advisory board for Virginia State University Hospitality program. Last year, he hosted a workshop at the National Association of Black Hotel Owners Operators and Developers and serves on their educational committee. Head is currently completing his Masters in Management at American Public University and is an active member in the Omnicron Lamda Alpha chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

#13 Joshua Brooks 

18-Joshua Brooks

Joshua Brooks is the 25-year-old CEO and Founder of SeMations Organization Inc. In 2011, while an undergraduate student at Bowie State University, Joshua decided there were not enough organizations for young men on campus to help them grow, learn community service, and prepare them for life after college. He also felt there needed to be an organziation that helped bridge the community of Bowie with the University. Joshua evolved SeMations into a 501(c)(3) non profit organization in under three years. Today, SeMations has 20 active members at Bowie State University and is currently in the process of spreading across to other college campuses in Maryland. Joshua’s organization has participated in many community service programs and activities such as the Prince George’s County Police Department’s annual Cora Rice Christmas party, March of Dimes Walk, and the Susan G. Koman Walk For A Cure.

#12 Nickia Alli

19-Nickia Alli

Nickia Alli is the visionary and CEO of the L.O.V.E. Academy, Inc., an organization created to teach, guide and love the young women of America’s tomorrow. She currently works as an Investigative Research Analyst, working to prevent and detect fraud and abuse in programs and operations related to the federal government. The DMV-born and raised native holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Agricultural and Technical State University. While there, she was a student athlete, a founding chartered member of the NCA&TSU chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, a member of Women of Excellence and a student member of the Nation Association of Black Journalists.  She was a volunteer lunch buddy and tutored at local elementary schools. Additionally, Nickia also spent countless hours as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sister of Greater Greensboro and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Outside of mentoring young ladies in the community, Nickia spends her time supporting her husband’s youth basketball team, mentoring younger family members and loving her new baby girl.

#11 Lyndsey McFail

20-Lyndsey McFail

Lyndsey McFail is the current web and social media producer for two nationally syndicated television shows at NBC Universal. Originally from Arlington, Virginia, Lyndsey started her career in public relations and event coordinating after graduating from Clark Atlanta University. While interning and blogging for one of the DC Metropolitan area’s most celebrated wedding planning firms, Holy Matrimony, Lyndsey also made a name for herself in DC as a freelance music writer and publicist for Socialtik Mag before earning her Master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University and transitioning into the government sector. Lyndsey took a leap of faith and moved to New York City to pursue her dream of working as a communications professional in the entertainment industry. In less than a year, Lyndsey made her mark by securing a social media position at DKC Public Relations agency, the #2 Most “Powerful” agency in New York, before taking her talents to television. Currently, serving as a web and social media Producer for the Maury and Trisha Goddard shows, Lyndsey has implemented social media campaigns to help increase the awareness of the shows and important social good campaigns. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lyndsey loves music and has operated her own DJing company for over ten years, where she has not only provided music but has also taught several students the art of DJing. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she has won numerous awards and been recognized as the Most Prominent Soror for her hard work and community service efforts. Also, Lyndsey has served as Vice President of the Christian Business Partners at the Mount Zion Baptist Church where she assists entrepreneurs with business savvy communicates strategies to promote their brands. Lyndsey has given numerous speeches to business organizations about the importance of public relations and social media; and was a featured guest on the Howard University’s Ms. Biz television program.

#10 Shanelle Spivey

21-Shanelle Spivey

Shanelle Spivey is a producer, talk show host, trainer, and public speaker. She began producing The Rising Spivey Show, which airs in Washington, DC and PG County, MD in July 2010. Earlier that same month, she resigned from her position at the United States General Services Administration to carve out her own path. Right away Spivey began working on a docu-drama about her journey, I Rise: The Wild and Free Mind of a Gemini. After independently producing and distributing her film, Spivey began to take herself more seriously as a producer and business woman. Using the profits from the sales of her film, she invested in herself, purchasing all the equipment necessary to officially open up for business. She formed SpiRut Andrews Productions, LLC in February 2011. She continues to help of clients with video services; including video marketing, television production, and event coverage. Last year, Spivey joined Richard Wright Public Charter School for Journalism and Media Arts as a film instructor. Spivey is also a freelance video journalist for the Washington Informer. In May 2013 Spivey was elected to be a part of the board of directors at Bowie Community Media Corporation. Spivey inspires individuals to find their passion and pursue their dreams relentlessly, just as she has. Spivey resides in Bowie, MD with her daughter.

#9 Ngozi Opara

22-Ngozi Opara

Ngozi Opara is the founder and CEO of D.C.-based beauty company Heat Free Hair. As a hairstylist and natural hair educator she has always believed in the transforming power of a personalized hairstyle, while also preserving the health of a client’s hair. In 2012, Opara noticed a void in the market for women with textured hair who wanted to wear protective styles. As a result, she launched Heat Free Hair to provide protective styling weaving options that closely match a variety of hair textures and do not require heat to straighten or blend the hair. Heat Free Hair quickly caught on the market and is now the number one company for 100 percent virgin human hair, designed exclusively for women with textured hair. Opara also strives to elevate the beauty conversation to be more inclusive and representative of women from all walks of life.

#8 Kendra Dione

23-Kendra Dione

Kendra Dione’ is  the owner of Kendra Dione’ Hair Studio located in Waldorf, Md. The D.C. native and a second generation licensed cosmetologist received her business degree from Strayer University in order to be able to further her career in cosmetology. Dione’ provides various services to enhance beauty such as hair extensions, make up, eye brows/lashes, hair coloring, braiding and natural hair styling.  Recently, she was a contest in the 2013 Golden Scissors Awards. Dione’ truly believes that when you look fabulous, you feel fabulous and the best part of her career is making people look and feel good about themselves.

#7 Jason Spears

24-Jason Spears

Jason Spear, 27, is a Legislative Associate for Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), where he works on a small portfolio of issues including, health care, education, foreign affairs. After graduating from Tuskegee University in 2009 with a degree in political science and history, Spear moved to Atlanta where he worked as the Public Relations adviser for a Georgia State House campaign, as well as taught a G.E.D. class.  In February of 2010, he moved to the D.C. and was accepted as a White House Intern.  Shortly afterwards, Jason was accepted in Congressional Black Caucus’s Political Boot Camp Program. Currently, Mr. Spear also works as Congresswoman Norton’s advisor and event specialist for the newly found Congressional Caucus on Black Men and Boys.  Outside from work, Jason continues to be committed to community service, he actively dedicates his time to tutoring and mentoring youth and is a recruiter for his Alma Marta, Tuskegee University.

#6 Ebony Lewis

25-Ebony Lewis

29-year-old Ebony B. Lewis works full-time as a Family Consultant in the In-Home Family Services Program at Boys Town, Washington, DC.  Lewis earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Norfolk State University and recently completed her MBA at the University of Phoenix. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority , Incorporated, Lewis served the community and gained a strong business-oriented foundation which later influenced her to create Miss Believe, Inc.  In January 2009, Lewis created Miss Believe, Incorporated, whose mission is to provide interactive programs and opportunities including support and services for adolescent girls (between the ages of 10-18) to learn the importance and value of self-understanding. Its programs offer essential elements of female development, improving self awareness, ensuring virtue and instilling goal setting behaviors.

#5 Jamilah Corbitt

26-Jamilah Corbitt

Jamilah Corbitt is an entrepreneur and brand strategist from Washington, D.C. She is the founder and CEO of JaiWiz, a startup company that assists entrepreneurs, professionals, and corporations in developing a thought leadership content strategy to position themselves as industry influencers. She regularly shares her expertise and insights as a columnist for the Huffington Post. Corbitt has had the opportunity to pick the brains of notable entrepreneurs, including the star of Shark Tank and branding mogul Daymond John; NFL Hall-of-Famer and entrepreneur Fran Tarkenton; NY Times best-selling author and entrepreneur Ryan Blair, and a host of others. She is personally mentored by a former Inc. 500 COO and serial entrepreneur, Jonathan B. Smith.

The native Washingtonian is a former NCAA Division-I basketball player and McDonald’s All-American nominee from Archbishop Carroll High School. Corbitt currently serves a coach for the varsity girl’s basketball program at Bullis in Potomac, Md. She is constantly giving back to the community through her partnership with Asbury Economic Development Corporation – a 501(c)3 based in D.C. that’s committed to improving the standard of living and quality of life for people in the region.

 

#4 Malcolm C. Banks

27-Malcolm C Banks

 

Malcolm C. Banks, Jr., has been working with the youth for the last seven years of his life. To name a few things, he has participated in the development of youth camps, he has developed and hosted youth talent and fashion shows, and he is over the youth ministry at his church, Kingdom Harvest Ministries in Landover, Maryland. Malcolm was inspired to develop NewiMage Mentoring. Malcolm feels that one of his strongest ministry traits can be seen through his work with young people. The objective in forming NewiMage is to provide young men between the ages of 12 and 18 with meaningful, positive, and promising interactions between mentors and mentees. The goal of NewiMage is to foster growth experiences to help young men enhance developmental skills and to encourage growth in the areas of leadership, attitude, character, self-esteem, self-confidence, communication, behavior, and growth in building a better relationship with themselves first, family, and peers. Originally the focus of NewiMage was going to be young men, but having 2 daughters, it was laid upon Malcolm’s heart to address young ladies as well. It is imperative that our young ladies receive guidance and positive interactions as well. As a result of this, Malcolm is currently working on hosting a teen girl conference for ages 13-19, in April 2014 entitled, The G.L.A.M.(Glorious Ladies [Teens] Anointed for Ministry) Project…I’mma GLAM Girl.

#3 Byron Stewart

28-Byron Stewart

Byron Stewart is the CEO and Co-Founder of the The ASJ Group, a motivational speaking company geared toward inspiring our youth through education for their elevation to empowerment, excellence, and enrichment.  What sets the ASJ Group apart is its unique curriculum and methodology. Unlike many other motivational speaking companies, the ASJ Group offers informational sessions to specific audiences covering topics such as “Adjusting to a College Environment” for high school seniors, “The Blueprint to Successful Business Ownership” for entrepreneurs, and “How to Balance Life’s Shifting Priorities” for post-graduates. Founded in 2011 with two friends who were also born and raised in the Washington DC area, Byron has spoken to many different audiences including local high schools, colleges, and groups of young professionals. Specifically, the Silver Spring-native has served as the 2012 Howard University School of Communications Graduation speaker, the 2013 Kennedy High School Graduation Speaker, and spoke on a panel during the 2013 Congressional Black Caucus week on the “State of the Black Middle Class.” Furthermore, Byron has also served as an assembly speaker at Anacostia High School, KIPP DC, and Cesar Chavez Public Charter School. Through the ASJ Group, Byron has found a way to directly speak into the minds of others while also making a measurable impact on his listeners’ lives by providing reinforcement of the principles he teaches during seminars and trainings. With a speaking style that employs his charismatic and charming personality, Byron is uniquely able to reach multitudes of people willing to make a change for the better. Thus far, the proudest accomplishment of the ASJ Group includes a formed partnership with the Montgomery County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Aunt Hattie’s House, and the National Center for Children and Families within the EMBODI Program. Byron meets on a bimonthly basis with the group to discuss various topics.

#2 Sydney Stinson

29-Sydney Stinson

Sydney Stinson, a 29-year-old Prince George’s County native works at the Department of Defense’s Central Adjudication Facility as a Certified Personnel Security Specialist where she determines security clearance eligibility for Navy Personnel. The North Carolina A&T State University honor graduate is also known for her community work. She is a member of Shalom Ministries Christian Center in Fort Washington, MD where she established the church’s Girl Scout Ministry that has been in existence for over seven years. She leads all four Girl Scout Troops in this nonprofit organization. She reaches young ladies ages 5 – 18, and teaches them to serve GOD and community. They do everything from collecting Toys 4 Tots to sending letters to Soldiers overseas. They are currently working on their biggest project, earning the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award which are the highest awards in Girl Scouting. Also, in church, she serves on the Vision Board. A team composed of the top leaders who work relentlessly on ideas and events that will build the church’s membership and community outreach. Sydney is a member of the NC A&T Washington DC Alumni Association, the school’s largest, nonprofit, out of state Alumni Chapter. She is the Corresponding Secretary and Membership Chair. She instituted three worthwhile programs for the association, Getting to Know Your Alumni, Membership Orientation, and Aggie Circles. Getting to Know Your Alumni highlights both seasoned and new Alumni Members. The Membership Orientation details how Alumni can assist giving back. The Aggie Circles which reach Alumni with common interest to build membership in hobbies. In 2010 and 2011 she coordinated the bus trips that brought students back and forth from NC to DC during breaks. She also works on the Association’s Scholarship, Rebuild, and Student Recruitment Committees. Sydney is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and she is Hostess and Technology Chair of the Nu Zeta Omega Chapter. In her sorority she has been a mentor and Fundraising Chair in the Debutante Program. She works on and makes donations in all the programs from scholarship to domestic violence. Sydney was awarded the 2011 New Soror of The Year Award. Sydney also works on her chapter’s History, Membership, and Economic Security Committees. Sydney, and her family, annually coordinates the Oreta B. Stinson Memorial Rainbow Tea. They host the Tea in her Mother’s honor who passed away in 2012 from Colon Cancer. All proceeds and donations go towards mother’s School Scholarship fund and Infusion Center where received treatment.

#1 Joseph Hooks

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Joseph Hooks, a 28-year-old football coach, trainer,  volunteer, mentor and health coach. A graduate of Shepherd University, Hooks was an all conference linebacker before playing a year in arena football (AIFA). He currently serves as a recreation specialist for the Department of Juvenile Services in Maryland (Alfred Noyes Youth Facility Center) where he provides structured programs, self-awareness, confidence, life skills, health awareness, organizational and networking skills for adolescent males and females. Joseph is a football coach at his alma mater, Watkins mill HS, and serves as a defensive coordinator for the junior varsity and defensive quality coach for the varsity program on game days.  Joseph is a Founder of the football mentor program called R.I.N.E.S that incorporates supportive, informative, and encouragement for student athletes in the football program and alumni. Joseph is also a private personal trainer for his company created in 2013 (Hooks4Fitness) for friends, family and clients . Continuously expanding his entrepreneurship, he is an independent distributor for Herbalife, where he serves multiple individuals with health evaluations and health & wellness plans to accomplish personal goals. Joseph spends evenings as a strength and conditioning coach, founder of what is called the “480 club”, which is a program for youth and high school athletes to train for speed ,agility, strength and core. 480 club supports academic progress reports and conducts a clothes for charity drive that donates clothes to a private nonprofit group home for at risk youth. Joseph also is a volunteer on weekends, more recently at Easter Seals respite program, that serves wounded warriors’ children. The program includes one-on-one interactions with youth in: events, crafts, music, magic shows and field trips. Joseph also volunteers for the Montgomery village football foundation football program as a coach and mentor that runs clinics, fundraisers, and special events in the community to support youth to be involved in recreation.

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