Sunday, November 20, 2011

Feature #46: Sophia, Regional Coordinator


Name: Sophia

Current Job Position Title: Regional Coordinator
Company Name: Self Advocacy Association of NYS
Contact Information: western@sanys.org
Special skills: grassroots organizing, event planning, advocacy, advising support/advocacy groups
Describe your job story:
In my last year of college, I was helping to organize discussion panels for a diversity conference at SUNY Brockport. One of the women I had worked with years before who I kept in touch with, showed me a project she was interviewing for- Self Advocacy AmeriCorps, where people with developmental disabilities learn to speak up for themselves and teach others to do the same. I invited them to speak at the conference and they recruited me. I became and AmeriCorps member in the project, supporting people to tell their stories. I fell so in love. When my two terms were done, a position opened up as a Regional Organizer in Buffalo, NY. I interviewed, got the job, and moved to Buffalo. It was the most challenging thing I have ever done and something I will never regret.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
As a child, a doctor and a dancer. As a teenager, an artist and an activist.
Are doing your dream job?
I love it absolutely, and parts of it are close to my dream job, but I would like to use more performing arts with storytelling to educate and work with communities on consciousness-raising projects around the country and the world. I would also like to work less hours so I can have more time for other things.
What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?
I love talking with amazing people who deal with incredible challenges, prejudice, and ignorance everyday and overcome it with style, grace, and sometimes just pure gumption, people who stick to their truth despite sometimes overwhelming odds. The long hours are what I like the least.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I just had a daughter and my focus now is on providing a good home for her. For me, that means living in community with others, living sustainably, and owning my own home.
Are you happy with where you are in life? Yes, most of the time.
What more do you want to do with your life?
I feel like I use my life to the fullest! I am involved in so many meaningful and powerful things, I can't imagine what more I would do with my life. More time to get involved in more projects and still have time for relationships and solitude!
What drives/motivates you?
People. Changing the world. Sacred states of consciousness.

What else do you do?
Dance- ecstatic dance, contact improvisation, and performance, write poetry, fold origami purses, wallets, and birds, women's empowerment talking and drumming circles, and political activism.
What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
Work to build a free economy. Put your all into whatever you are doing, even if it doesn't pay or doesn't pay much. Love your friends. Get involved in your world. Remember your worth- people are more than just what they produce!


Saturday, November 19, 2011

Feature #45: Courtney Aiken, Chief Executive Officer


Name: Courtney N. Aiken

Current Job Position Title: Chief Executive Officer (ShowKase Entertainment), Partner/Talent Director (Finding Eve Soul Cafe)

Company Name: ShowKase Entertainment

Contact Information: caiken@showkaseentertainment.com

Special skills: Music Management and Artist Development

Describe your job story:
Founded in 2010, ShowKase Entertainment is a Music Management and Artist Development company that offers the following services: Marketing and Promotions, Public Relations, Image Consulting, Artist Branding, Booking, Event Planning and Coordination, and Music Production, just to name a few. We work with artists in all genres of music and currently have five artists under our brand, as well as a satellite company, NuLiphe Entertainment, in Laurens, South Carolina.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? Lawyer or Accountant

Are doing your dream job? Yes!

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? MOST: That I have the opportunity to help the visions of artists be birthed and fully manifest. LEAST: Sometimes, I have to go into 'Mommy mode' when Managing my artists because they don't fully operate businesswise due to being so creative and artistic. It can also be hard forcing people to do things, especially if they don't feel like doing it.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? Owning a successful record label and becoming a successful business mogul in music and other industries. I would also like to graduate from law school and become an Entertainment & Real Estate Attorney, and get married.

Are you happy with where you are in life? I'm extremely happy with where I am. I am fully operating in Ministry as I was just consecrated as a Minister over the summer, my company is doing very well as we are in 7 countries (United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Italy, Belgium, Nigeria) and one of my artists just signed a record deal, and I have grown a lot as a woman.

What more do you want to do with your life? Fulfill the destiny and God's promises over my life and help birth other people's visions

What drives/motivates you? My Parents and Grandmother

What else do you do? Singer/Songwriter

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
To truly seek God about the vision and purpose He has predestined for your life. It's my belief that everyone can have the spirit of entrepreneurship and build their own empire. Share those things that are inside of you with the world because somebody is waiting on you!

Feature #44: Derek Barber King II, Executive Chef


Name: Derek Barber King II

Current Job Position Title: Executive Chef

Company Name: Tropical Deli

Contact Information: 404-201-8649; mrking9000@yahoo.com

Special skills: Being a child of God, cooking, problem solving, listening, video games, being a father, husband, and friend.

Describe your job story: Graduated from Le Cordon Bleu and floated around different kitchens and then one day I got a phone cal from Tropical Deli

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? The President of the United States

Are doing your dream job? One of them

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?
I'm in charge and I set my own hours. What I like least is slow days

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? A bigger building

Are you happy with where you are in life? Of course

What more do you want to do with your life? More children

What drives/motivates you? God, my wife, me, and my babies

What else do you do? Read the Bible, pray, be a husband, father, and play video games

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
With God, there is always hope. Start your own business.