The Sweet Auburn Area Coalition has announced that it will hold the 1st Annual Black History Month Parade in the Historic Sweet Auburn District of Atlanta, Georgia, on February 25, 2012. The Black History Month Parade will celebrate the culture, heritage, history and accomplishments of Black Americans in the United States and from across the world. We are excited to present a forum to showcase the centuries of history heritage and accomplishments of African-Americans, says Earl Little, founder of the Black History Month Parade.

The Black History Month Parade and festival will feature some of the nation’s top marching bands, entertainers, dignitaries, civic groups, non-profits, celebrities, corporate groups, entertainment and fun for the whole family. We are inviting families from across the world to come and attend and participate in the festivities. The post-parade festival will feature live entertainers performing modern music, live arts performers & artists, public speakers, comedians, food, beverages, art and family oriented programs.

We also see this as a perfect marketing opportunity for many companies that support the African-American demographic. “We are asking all companies to participate in this magnificent event and show their support for the market that supports their brands, which ultimately will allow us to build a larger parade that will inspire, while providing, positive entertainment for all those in the community” says Carlos Coleman Executive Director of the BHMP.

The Black History Month Parade is scheduled to take place in the MLK Sweet Auburn District of Downtown Atlanta, the location of many corporate or regional headquarters, sporting facilities, and is the central most traveled historic tourist attraction of the city. The Sweet Auburn District was a major organizing center of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s and is home to Dr. Martin Luther King. The city of Atlanta is also home to thousands of students from Atlanta’s historically black colleges and universities whom will play a large role in the success of this event.

For more information, including information on participating or sponsorship of the Black History Month Parade, please visit www.blackhistorymonthparade.com or call 1- 866-551-5666.

On Monday, January 23, 2012, the movers and shakers in metro Atlanta business came out to the exquisite Cole Haan boutique in Phipps Plaza to celebrate the birthday of Atlanta’s very own supermodel and businesswoman, Ms. Renée Knorr.

The wonderful evening was called the “Celebration of Life Birthday Fetes”, and the special and invited guests who attended were proudly wearing Renée’s favorite colors, black & Chanel shade pink.

When we arrived at Phipps Plaza, it seemed as though the entire mall had closed down for this very special occasion celebrating the life of one of Atlanta’s most beloved citizens. As we entered the fabulous Cole Haan boutique with the talented and creative Glennette “Cookie” Haynes, owner of Stephin Oubre Events and Interiors, we were warmly greeted by those who were already there, mingling and networking.

One of the first people we met was Renée’s personal photographer, who’s also a celebrity in his field, Mr. Paul Biagui. Susan Zeltman, Store Manager at Cole Haan and her staff made everyone at the event feel truly welcomed. The co-hosts for the evening were Roberta White and Janee Knorr. They both did their best to ensure everyone had a great time. The music for the evening was provided by Unknown Lyric and the gift bags everyone received were compliments of the following sponsors: Smallcakes, Infiniti of South Atlanta, BVLGARI, FRS Energy Drink and Anuschka Jivan Wellness Spa.

It was also great seeing Jing Chen from the Falun Dafa Association of Atlanta. Jing was there telling everyone about Shen Yun Performing Arts appearing in Atlanta for the first time this year at the Cobb Energy Center. She reminded us that January 23rd is the start of the Chinese New Year!

It was a pleasure meeting Shawn Brown, owner of Cheese Caked; Jamar Bates, Financial Services Professional with Mass Mutual Financial Group; Mayson Hulsey, Event Coordinator for SmallCakes – A Cupcakery; Terry Check of Terry Check Photography;  Barry C. Omekam, Director of Bkamgroup Inc.; and Carlos Coleman, CEO of CFOX Productions. Carlos… thanks for telling us about your 1st Annual Black History Parade on February 25, 2012 on Peachtree Street and Auburn Avenue in downtown Atlanta. It was also great to meet Johan Kjellsten, a fellow tennis enthusiast.

A few minutes before Renée Knorr made her grand entrance into the private event, we were kindly instructed by the hostess, Roberta White, to form a long line on each side of the store. We were to resemble a runway so that Renée could feel even more at home. She gracefully strutted and glided down the human runway, briefly stopping to warmly hug and give a friendly kiss to all who were lined up on each side of her to whisper birthday wishes.

Renée looked very lovely, elegant and statuesque in her Ben’s Design dress, which was a heavenly pink color, shantung satin, with chantilly lace at the top, adorned with 24k gold trim and fine gold links.

After the event at Cole Haan, we were off to Buckhead to have dinner at a reserved room for Renée Knorr’s birthday guests at the popular Sufi’s Persian Restaurant. Mosha, the owner of this lovely restaurant and his wonderful staff did a marvelous job making sure that everyone was served in a timely and efficient manner.

Lauren Lovanella with Georgia Crown Distributors, provided the pink champagne, and Renée Knorr gave a special salute to the other January birthday babies who were present: Calvin Anderson, Dawn, Joi Williams, Gene Gimono and the publisher of The 19th Hole Magazine, Ian Lawrence. Music at the dinner was provided by performing artists, Antonia Lawrence and Yewanda. Antonia sang her new and uplifting song, “The Power of a Woman”, as a tribute to Renée and she also led the group in a Stevie Wonder rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

Renée Knorr gave a heartfelt thanks to her dynamic styling team: Hair Stylist, Sean Anderson; Pink Passion Dress Designer, Ben Almonor; Fashion Stylist, Tobias Terrell; Bebe’s Earring Fashion; and Make-up “The Beautiful One” Inspired by Roberta White.

Renée Knorr is currently featured in the 2012 Leading Ladies in Atlanta Business edition of People You Need to Know Magazine available at metro Atlanta Kroger and Whole Food stores. We were honored to be among her many esteemed guests. The evening will definitely be one to remember.

People You Need to Know Magazine
Atlanta’s #1 Magazine Showcasing Women Business Owners
Member: Atlanta Press Club
Winner: Best Promoter “Spark Plug” ~ New America Media

Photography Credit: Paul Biagui

Thank you for coming to the Meet the Businesswomen of People You Need to Know Magazine networking event on Thursday, January 12th! The attendance was incredible and we’re happy to hear that many of you have made some very VALUABLE business contacts.

If you weren’t able to attend the first high-energy business networking event, we’ve scheduled another phenomenal gathering of WOMEN business owners, which will be held on Monday, February 6, 2012 at the magnificent Loews Atlanta Hotel, 1065 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, from 7-9 pm.

There’s no charge for this inspiring event. It’s open to the public. So … save the date, spread the word, bring a friend, expand your network, and meet some of the leading ladies in Atlanta business, who are featured in People You Need to Know Magazine!

Please REMEMBER to pay for parking, or your car WILL be booted. Parking options. http://tiny.cc/lt3q1

People You Need to Know Magazine …
“When You’ve Got to be KNOWN in Metro Atlanta!”

Join the Movement ~ Support Women Business Owners!

On Thursday, January 12th from 7-9 pm, at the fabulous W Hotel, located at 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, in downtown Atlanta, you’ll have an opportunity to meet and connect with women attorneys, physicians, business coaches, image consultants, interior designers, dentists, inventors, branding specialists and other phenomenal women who are featured in the 2012 People You Need to Know Magazine ~ Leading Ladies in Atlanta Business.

Join us as we kick-off 2012 by celebrating the brilliance of WOMEN business owners in metro Atlanta. You’ll also have an opportunity to get a complimentary copy of our beautiful new magazine that’s just off the presses.

Save the date … Thursday, January 12, 2012, 7-9 pm at the W Hotel on Ivan Allen. We’ll see you there! You don’t want to miss this uplifting gathering of Atlanta businesswomen.

**There’s no charge for this event. It’s open to the public.

People You Need to Know Magazine
Join the Movement ~ Support Women Business Owners!
770-460-5995

Sistas with Style Empowerment Organization, located at 185 North Jeff Davis Drive in the downtown section of historic Fayetteville, was the site of the Caribbean & American Business Connections (CABC) monthly networking event, on November 19, 2011. This exciting event was a benefit fundraiser for Shirley Anderson, the founder of The Least, The Lost, The Lonely Homeless Ministry (LLLC). It is a four-year-old outreach organization dedicated to helping those who are less fortunate.

People You Need to Know Magazine was proud to be a media partner at this dynamic event hosted by Sebrena Sumrah-Kelly, founder/president of CABC. Sebrena is one of our newest clients and she’s also known as Atlanta’s #1 Networker. Once again, she found another great location in metro Atlanta to bring people from different cultures and backgrounds together to form strong business relationships.

Sebrena is committed to bridging the gap between the American and international communities through effective business connections. Her organization is rapidly growing in popularity and she is planning to take her dream worldwide. The CABC is planning their first international event in the Virgin Islands in February 2012.

The CABC also gives various businesses in the metro Atlanta area the opportunity to showcase what they offer to potential customers.

Sista’s House, was opened in May of 2011, by the owner and co-founder Genasha “GiGi” Cotton. GiGi’s goal is to reach sistas who need to be empowered worldwide. The Sista’s House has a variety of businesses housed in it, which includes the following: financial advisor, event planner, jewelry designer, make-up artist, licensed esthetician, minister, poet/author, photographer, travel consultant, caterer and a fashion stylist. A nominal monthly fee gives the business owners access to the house 24/7 for personal and professional events, meetings, classes and workshops. The house is really a collaboration of like-minded individuals who are looking for a great place to birth their visions and businesses.

The featured keynote speaker for the CABC monthly networking event was the internationally known speaker and trainer Nancy Lewis, (pictured above) president of Progressive Techniques, Inc. Nancy Lewis and Sebrena Sumrah-Kelly are two young ladies who will be prominently featured in the upcoming yearly edition of People You Need to Know Magazine.

Nancy Lewis spoke very passionately about how to make your networking efforts more effective. She said that you should be very selective about the networking events you attend, and that you should always keep your business cards updated. Nancy also spoke of the importance of always having your business cards handy, so that you don’t have to fumble around looking for them. Her advice for making a great impression and separating yourself from the crowd … send out handwritten note cards. She also cautioned against giving your business card to everyone and highlighted the need to learn how to say no. She closed with a pet peeve of hers: If you want to pick someone’s brain over lunch, please pick up the tab.

Once again, it was an honor for People You Need to Know Magazine to participate in this event to bring people together.

We would like to thank the following people and businesses for supporting the work of Sebrena Sumrah-Kelly and the Caribbean & American Business Connections:

Supporters
Lisa McDonald: owner of – My True Biz
Nancy J. Lewis: owner of – Progressive Techniques, Inc.
Kimberley Anthony: owner of – Arabelle Management
Tonza & Warren Collins: owners of – Tastee Pleasures Catering Service
Henri West: owner of – Explosion Catering
Ezron Benjamin: owner of – Sound Xplosion Entertainment
Mattie Rock: owner of – Rock’s Networking Unlimited7Techno Media Films, LLC
Jaunta Rudison: owner of – Rudison’s Enterprises, Inc.
Jacques Duplessis: owner of – Caribbean Focus TV
Corey Moore: owner of – Fortune Financial Group
Sandy English: owner of – Go Small Biz

Businesses from last event:
Tonza & Warren Collins: owners of – Tastee Pleasures Catering Service
Linda Broks: owner of – The Non-Profit Lady
Nancy J. Lewis: owner of – Progressive Techniques, Inc.
Deborah Simon: owner of – Simon Creative Center
Patrick & Carline: owners of – Images by Patrick & Carline
Stacey Killian: owner of – Fit Body Sculpt
Eunice Wight: owner of – Avon
Julius Brown and Betty Reeves: owners of – Atlanta Black Business
TR. Johnson: owner of – The 8 Snippets, LLC
Safiya Byars: owner of – Law Office of Safiya Byars

Ladies of the Sista’s House
Genasha Cotton: Founder of Sista’s House
Shirley Anderson: LLLC Ministries
Deborah Simon: Simon Creative Center
Lesley Hudson: Lesley The Poet
Amelia: Photography by Amelia Design
TaMara Garrett: Mary Kay

Women business owners are the key to the economic success of our country.

On October 7th 2011, People You Need to Know Magazine hosted their 2nd Annual Business Superstars’ Awards Breakfast. This awards breakfast is dedicated to shining the spotlight on ALL women business owners, celebrating their brilliance and recognizing their humanitarian contributions to society.

Managing Director, president of the Goldman Sachs Foundation and global head of Corporate Engagement has stated that “Ninety percent of all revenues that women gain in their enterprises are reinvested into society, into educating their children, into healthcare programs … it’s a very interesting moment in this issue of investing in women and in women’s empowerment globally.”

At People You Need to Know Magazine, we feel honored to be in a position to help women get more exposure in the marketplace, thereby making a positive impact on their business success.

We’d like to thank all of the attendees who came out to help us celebrate this beautiful moment in time to uplift WOMEN. You are appreciated!

Above all else, we’d like to thank our Platinum Sponsor, Surgical Health Collective for believing in the work we do and for helping us to make this event a reality!

Honorees:

Renée Sattiewhite, one of the principals of Sattiewhite Training Productions, Inc., is a proven leader in the strategic planning, design and implementation of training initiatives in the areas of board development, team building, effective communication and customer service. She also serves as an executive coach and mentoring trainer and is the go-to person in assisting organizations with high-impact marketing campaigns.

She is credited with giving organizations a “New Look” in the areas of customer satisfaction, employee relations, marketing materials and training manuals. She travels extensively, in order to train and give presentations to over 10,000 employees, managers and executives annually, in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.

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Carolyn Taylor, RN, volunteers with the homeless and is committed to keeping her employees working during this though economic downturn. However, her most noble accomplishment is the work she does — day in and day out as the leader of her company, Choice Nursing Services.

As adults, more than anything else, we value our independence. With society growing older, a few of the major concerns of the aging is their self-esteem, taking care of themselves and remaining in their homes.

Carolyn Taylor specializes in assisting the elderly, giving them an opportunity to remain in the comfort of their homes, especially those with failing health … the ones who need it the most. She works tirelessly to give the people she serves the respect and honor they deserve.

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Sebrena Sumrah-Kelly is a native of Guyana, South America, and is known as “Atlanta’s #1 Networker”. Many people also know her for her strong dedication and passion for connecting business owners and people from different cultures. She encourages business owners to move beyond their communities through effective networking with the goal of forming personal and professional relationships in order to do MORE business.

Having been in the networking/marketing industry since 2007, she is quickly making a great name for herself in metro Atlanta, and is looking to take her organization, Caribbean & American Business Connections, global.

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Renée Knorr is the Fashion & Beauty Director of The 19th Hole Magazine. She’s a haute couture fashion model, an executive producer, fashion director, mother, mentor, golfer, humanitarian and soon to be Best-Selling author.

She has made a commitment and is dedicated to empowering more females to learn to play golf and pursue a college education with the assistance of golf scholarships. In three years, she has mentored more than 100 students through Future Seekers. We’re proud to honor Ms. Renée Knorr for the tremendous work she does to help young girls live more positive, productive lives, and strive for a BIGGER and brighter future.

Marie-Antoinette “Queen of Texting,” is a mother, U.S. Air Force veteran, Toastmaster, and excellent down-home southern cook. She attended college at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and recently completed a graduate certificate in Social Media Integration from Drury University. Future plans include building strong alliances with major corporations and advertising agencies while expanding her mobile marketing company, TALKTEXT Mobile Messaging Solutions. She is also the Marketing Director at GoTextTalk.com.

If all that isn’t enough, Marie-Antoinette founded Texting Organization Against Distracted Driving (TOADD). Her organization seeks to heighten awareness and provide education about the dangers of driving distracted, cell phone risks, and social site dangers. Since driving while texting has become the number one killer of teen drivers, her MISSION is to save lives.

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Misty Oaks is a superstar Attorney and a true renaissance woman who is forming her conglomerate piece by piece and brick by brick. She is a writer, a speaker, and a radio personality. For her … writing is truly her escape from the stresses of the legal profession. It is her catharsis, her therapy — her window to the world. She has written articles for award-winning websites such as CarolRoth.com and AOL’s online local news source, patch.com.

As a speaker, she has used her platform as a young African-American female entrepreneur to lead, coach, and inspire thousands of women at area conferences, workshops, and seminars.

As a young Atlanta attorney, Misty Oaks is really making her mark and setting a new standard of excellence, proudly blazing a trail for others to follow.

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Dr. Taunya Lowe, President of The Resurgent Group of Metro Atlanta, LLC, holds a doctorate in General Human Services and a certificate in Diversity Studies from Capella University; a Masters degree in Counseling and Psychological Services, and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Community Health Education, both from Clark Atlanta University.  Her background spans many disciplines which include: nonprofit organizations, academia, counseling services, consulting, strategic planning, leadership coaching for non-profits, training, private sector, and government.

Dr. Lowe has worked in various aspects of the field of addiction since 1997 and is most proud of her role as the Statewide Women’s Treatment Coordinator for the Department of Mental Health Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases from 1999 to 2004, where she developed the infrastructure for women’s treatment, introduced the Trauma Recovery and Empowerment trauma model, and earned a statewide Community Service Award for improving the quality of life for women’s gender specific substance abuse residential services.

For two years in a row, Dr. Lorie Johnson, President of Just For You Women’s Healthcare, has been listed by the Consumers’ Research Council as one of the “Top OB/GYNs in America.”

She has earned degrees at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and MCP/Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. Becoming a doctor had been a lifelong dream since she was 4-years-old.

Before coming to Georgia, Dr. Johnson was employed as a physician in a group practice. Starting her own practice took a huge leap of faith and a lot of hard work, but she has continued to move forward making a positive difference in the health of women all over metro Atlanta. Her charitable spirit has moved her to travel to Africa on more than one occasion to provide medical services through the Worldwide Mission Church. Next year, her office will host “The World’s Biggest Baby Shower” as a way to help families in need.

People You Need to Know Magazine would like to congratulate Dr. Shai Hall and Anthony Miles on their recent wedding in Florida.

Dr. Shai Hall was a client for nearly 6 years. She attended many of our events and took advantage of the opportunities that our magazine provided in terms of getting great exposure for her business. We sincerely wish her the best and she will definitely be missed!

Nevertheless, we know without a doubt that with her commitment to excellence, courage, great attitude and indomitable spirit, she will continue to excel in all that she does!

Congrats again and many blessings as you begin your new life together … Dr. Shai Hall and Anthony Miles!

~People You Need to Know Magazine

On October 3rd 2011, Georgia Institute of Cosmetology and Esthetics (G.I.C.E.) celebrated its official grand opening and ribbon-cutting performed by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. People You Need to Know Magazine was invited to participate in this phenomenal gathering.

During the event, G.I.C.E. announced its partnership with the newest natural makeup line, “LAMIK” and its latest venture of becoming the premier sponsor of the “Nina J. Spicer Foundation.”

A somber segment of the program brought tears to the eyes of many of the attendees because the guests from the Atlanta Union Mission were given an opportunity to share their experiences and close encounters with domestic violence.

However, a couple of men — Jack Daniels, a therapist known for serving high profile individuals and Jerry White, tap dancer, poet and author — who were in attendance, shared inspiration through Spoken Word, that lifted our spirits and restored hope to all.

Refreshments, giveaways, and gift bags sponsored by Strength of Nature hair company were provided for attendees. Guests from My Sister’s House and the media joined the activities that were specially prepared to observe and remember the victims and survivors who have suffered from Domestic Violence.

In addition, A “Pamper Me Day” was in full swing to give battered women a chance to feel worthy, loved and confident enough to begin to change their circumstances.

Pamela Hogan, the director of G.I.C.E. believes that the Institute would not be complete without a cause of its existence. Women and girls who need support have been Pamela’s ultimate motivation, desire and reason for creating a facility that will allow them to become self-sufficient.

After the ribbon-cutting and prayer, participants released white balloons to honor those women, girls and men who have lost their lives this year due to Domestic Violence.

This was a very moving event and one we will remember for a long time to come.

~People You Need to Know Magazine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
Contact – Jessica Onorato (770) 363-8263 for media / press inquiries
info@philipmichaelpr.com

SUPER-CALA-FASHION-ISTIC! DESIGNER BETSEY JOHNSON BRINGS A CELEBRATION TO THE W ATLANTA – BUCKHEAD.

[Atlanta, Georgia] – September 1, 2011 – Philip Michael PR, Total Knock Out Atlanta, Infiniti of South Atlanta, William David Salon with partners W Atlanta – Buckhead, MARKET and Gerber Group have teamed up to bring the excitement of FASHION WEEK and the 2011 Fall line of avant-garde and world-famous fashion designer Betsey Johnson to Atlanta as a pre-launch to Fashion Week in New York City and an ongoing initiative to raise the bar for fashion awareness in the crown jewel of the south.

“SUPER-CALA-FASHION-ISTIC” will be held Tuesday evening at 7 pm on September 6th, 2011 at W Atlanta – Buckhead located at 3377 Peachtree Road in the Buckhead section of Atlanta. The event will be hosted by Suchita Vadlamani formerly of Good Day Atlanta (Fox 5) and co-hosted by Renee Knorr, Fashion & Beauty Director of The 19th Hole Magazine. Many fashion industry professionals, local celebrities and more will be in attendance at the runway fashion show as well as the VIP pre-event festivities at MARKET Restaurant. After the show, there will be a fashion party hosted by Infiniti of South Atlanta to be held at Whiskey Blue at the rooftop of The W Atlanta-Buckhead hotel starting at 9 pm.

Philip Michael PR, Total Knock Out Atlanta and their partners are pleased to present Atlanta with an event that not only brings awareness to one of fashion’s most recognizable icons, but also infuses the spirit of Atlanta’s continuing growth as a fashion forward metropolis.

Philip Michael PR are experts in alternative public relations execution and expertise with direct influence on non-profit organizations, hospitality and fashion industries as well as in the corporate arena specializing in brand identity and driving revenue through specialized events.

Individual tickets are $10 in advance and $20 the day of the event. Tickets for SUPERCALA-FASHION-ISTIC can be purchased at http://betseyjohnson.eventbrite.com (all tickets include fashion show, 1 raffle ticket and post party entry)

It is our great pleasure to announce that on October 7, 2011, Dr. Nancy J. Williams will host the 2nd Annual Business Superstars’ Awards Breakfast, presented by People You Need to Know Magazine — Atlanta’s #1 magazine showcasing women business owners. This exciting and entertaining networking event will honor all women who are in business and who are dedicated to community service.

Dr. Nancy J. Williams is a world-renowned dynamic motivational speaker, educator, and author. She has presented keynote speeches, workshops and seminars around the world. Dr. Nancy enjoys traveling, sharing her story; from sickness to well-being, from depression to joy, from stress to peace, from lack to prosperity, and now inspires and empowers others to reach their highest potential through her speaking and teaching via live tele-conferences, television and radio.

Prior to becoming a full-time professional business owner, speaker and educator, Dr. Nancy held one of the most prestigious positions in the world. For almost 20 years, she served as an Air Traffic Controller, becoming the first African American female to certify as an Air Traffic Controller at the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Nancy is the Visionary/CEO of First Fruit Natural Healing Home. This oasis is located in Lithonia, Georgia, just 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, Georgia, and sits on 5 beautiful acres. It was founded on a mission to help others to heal body, mind and soul … a place to experience relaxation, a positive atmosphere and therapeutic treatments.

Dr. Nancy is an accomplished author with an e-book series called Detoxing Into a New You, which include titles like, The Complete Step-By-Step Detox Guide for a Healthy Happier You, Detoxing Into Your Best Self, Nutrition & Meal Plans for Beginners, and Juicing for Beginners. Currently, she is writing her latest book; Know Thyself “Inner Journey.”

Dr. Nancy is a member of University of Sedona Alumni Association, a member of Global Organization of Women in Brick and Mortar Businesses Inc., and a member of Word of Faith Love Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She also gives back to the community by doing workshops for teen girls, helping them set goals and see visions for themselves.

Dr. Nancy’s hobbies include parachute jumping, competitive body building, relaxing at the beach and traveling all over the world. Her motto is, “Experience life to the fullest.”

Come out and experience People You Need to Know Magazine’s 2nd Annual Business Superstars’ Awards Breakfast! This inspiring event is intended to encourage all women to reach for the stars, and to live their dreams.