Feature #65: Daunte Henderson, College, Careers, and Skills Teacher

Name: Daunte Henderson

Current Job Position Title:11th Grade College, Careers, and Skills Teacher

Company Name:Epic Academy Charter High School

Contact Information: daunte@mynameisdaunte.com (booking for speaking engagements); dhenderson@epicacademy.org (teaching email) 

Special skills: Public Speaking, Writing, Teaching

Describe your job story: 

I always wanted to do something bigger than myself. As a child I would dream about impacting the world with my talents. I've been searching for my purpose since a child. I'll give you the very short story of how I walked into my purpose.

I had a series of jobs since 2008 that I felt weren't aligned with my happiness or what I thought my life should be. Disappointed, lost and jaded were a few adjectives to describe how I felt as I sought happiness beyond a paycheck. My last job laid me off (non-performance reasons) and I got the wonderful opportunity to sit and think for a minute. During this time I traveled, reflected and asked myself the question, "What is my purpose, God?" I read "The Purpose Driven Life" and it opened my eyes to the purpose I was already living in. I wrote a book that inspired other people to follow their passions and find God. I worked with youth and impacted their lives by being a good role model. I also was doing motivational speaking to various age groups and impacting their lives through my messages. The only missing component was a job that encapsulated all of these
talents and experiences. 

My current job is my dream job. It's better than any book I've written and any speech that I've delivered. I get a chance to impact the lives of young minority men and women on a daily basis. I couldn't think of a better job. Amen.

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

 Psychologist, Black Historian, Famous

Are doing your dream job? 

Absolutely

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?

I like working with the students the most. I get life from being in front of them and impacting their lives. 

The worst part of my job is that not all of the results are immediate. Being an awesome young adult is not quantifiable, but I can qualitatively see that as they get older and watch their growth. 

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

Teaching, writing my third or fourth book, Married(hopefully lol) and enjoying life. 

Are you happy with where you are in life? 

Yes

What more do you want to do with your life? 

I want to help my mother retire early, become a pastor, put my cousins through college, inspire young minorities to reach their full potential and a family. (in no particular order)

What drives/motivates you?

Young Minorities are still behind in society, my mother still works, Sallie Mae still calls my phone and the whole world doesn't know about me yet.

What else do you do? 

I'm the author of "Things I Learned While Walking" and "Feelmatic" . I do motivational speaking across the country. I'm also a private consultant for a few brands. 

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

God knows what you want. He hears your cries. He's waiting on you to boldly ask and expect your blessing. Walk in faith. Persevere and keep your head up. Also, don't wait for them to nominate you.  A lot of us wait for other people to do things for us, when we can do them ourselves. Pray, Be Patient and Prosper.

Features #63 & 64: Gigi St. Juste and Tori-Ann Hampton, Co-Producers

                Gigi St. Juste                                               Tori-Ann Hampton     

 

                                                                                            

Names: Gigi St Juste & Tori-Ann Hampton

Current Job Position Title: Co-Producers of Catching Up With Gigi

Company Name: Catching Up With Gigi

Contact Information: catchingupwithgigi@gmail.com YouTube: Catching up with Gigi; Instagram: cuwg; Twitter: @cuwg

Special skills:

Gigi St Juste: Actress, writer, producer, dance & makeup artist

Tori-Ann Hampton: Actress, Writer, Advocate

Describe your job story:

Gigi: Being a black actress in South Florida the jobs are few and far in between, instead of waiting for my opportunity I decided to create one by starting my own online show. 

Tori-Ann: I have to piggy back on what Gigi said, it has been challenging to not only get work, but comedic work. Most of the auditions I've been on have been dramatic roles, which I love. But there's something about comedy that is so interesting and it's something I definitely wanted to explore.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?

Gigi: What I like the most is being creative, having no one to answer to. What I like the least is the hustle, but If I'm going to hustle I might as well apply to something I love.

Tori-Ann: I absolutely love what I do. I'm living the dream. I love connecting with others through the stories. Actors are story tellers and when the audience feels what I feel, then I feel like I did what I needed to do. What I like the least is as Gigi said, the hustle. I just want to create and have someone take care of that part. It's growing on me though.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Gigi: Making Oscar worthy movies. 

Tori-Ann: In Hollywood, being a part of something special. I want to make films that leave a lasting impression on you. Something that's remembered, not just for that season, but for years to come. 

Are you happy with where you are in life?

Gigi: I try to be. Because I know where I am today is better than where I was at yesterday.

Tori-Ann: Yes. I understand that this is a process and I've seen the growth God has allowed me to make on this journey. I know that it gets better as time continues, so I'll be content with where I am, but keep striving because of who God is.

 
What more do you want to do with your life?

Gigi: Build a empire for my great grandkids. Leave money, business and creativity when I'm gone. 

Tori-Ann: I want my words to be few. I want my legacy to be seen. In other words, I don't want to talk about anything in particular, because I know that my mind can't possibly wrap itself around what God has for me. I just know that He's preparing me for it. 

What drives/motivates you?

Gigi: God, he pushes me to be the best that I can be & not take the easy way out.

Tori-Ann: God. 

What else do you do?

Gigi: I'm a makeup artist, Sunday School teacher and dancer. 

Tori-Ann: I am an educator. I work with mainly elementary school aged children. I also help motivate and encourage women through an organization I started with my partners called P.U.R.P.L.E. Producing Unique Responsible Proactive Ladies Through Education.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

Gigi: We are in a world where if there's not a way you can just make one. Don't take no for an answer. Keep God 1st, Stay focus & make sure you surround yourself with people who are doing what your doing. 

Tori-Ann: Never give up. Keep God first. This quote always helps me keep moving. “All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake up in the day to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.” T.E. Lawrence You have to work while everyone else is busy being mediocre. You have to be outrageous with your dreams. Why not?! 

Feature #62: Anthony Wilson, Associate City Solicitor

Name:  Anthony Ivan Wilson

 

Contact Information: tony.ivan@gmail.com

Describe your job story:

I defend the city of Springfield in civil suits in both state and federal court.  In state court I defend the city from claims for personal injuries or property damages.  In federal court I defend the city from lawsuits by individuals claiming that a city official violated their civil rights.

This includes defending the city in discrimination and contract suits. I also provide legal advice to the city councilors.  In that capacity I draft proposed legislation and tell the councilors what is legal under state and federal law.

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

As a child I wanted to design toys.  As a teenager, I wanted to be an engineer.

Are doing your dream job?

This is not the job I dreamed of but I'm am having a lot of fun and learning a lot.

 What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?  

I like the variety and the people alot.  I dislike some of the politics. Not office politics, real politics.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

I don't know.  Hopefully, paid my loans off and still doing interesting work.

 Are you happy with where you are in life? 

What more do you want to do with your life? Yes.

 What drives/motivates you?
The responsibility and need to do a good job.

What else do you do? 

I am on a couple boards and I go to church.

 What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

I would say don't underestimate an opportunity because I job you don't like today may lead to a great job tomorrow 

Feature #61: Nina Brewton, Assistant Production Coordinator

Name: Nina C. Brewton  

Current Job Position Title: 
Assistant Production Coordinator

Company Name: M2 Pictures

Contact Information: infobaldheadqueen@gmail.com 

Special skills: 

I can clean house like no other...oh wait. Work skills...? Nothing special really! ;-) 

Describe your job story: 

I just recently wrote a blog about my job story actually, here it is (take what you'd like from it):   So, as I build my life as a writer and speaker, I work full-time as an "Assistant Production Coordinator" for a production company here in Hampton. In other words, I'm a receptionist. :-)

Some wouldn't think this job very glamorous, and they'd think right but I must say, I love my job and the people I work with. Besides having the freedom to write and work on my creative life freely, I am constantly supporting a company and individuals who work directly with the likes of Harpo Productions, Discovery Communications and Sony Records to name a few.

In other words, I'm cool by association, even as a measly receptionist.

Truth is, I have over 10 years of experience in administrative support and my heart for serving people helps me to keep things in perspective when I think about the careers that my peers have as full-time artists, educators, etc...

Over the years, God has shown me that my position, wherever I am, goes well beyond answering phones, keeping the calendars of executives and distributing mail. I have embraced my position recognizing the opportunity that I have daily to enhance the lives of those I work with. By simply being ME I am able to meet simple needs of stressed out producers, editors and researchers both in house and around the country.

Prime example: When I answer the phone at work declare, "Happy Monday! Thank you for calling...this is Nina. How may I help you?" *BEAM*

"Happy Monday!" normally catches people off guard. After giving pause, many callers express their appreciation for my enthusiasm!

Every day I seek to make someone's day brighter in whatever way I can, even if that means helping them to get over their "case of the Mondays"! Those who question my energy on Mondays will see that if they call on Tuesday, Wednesday or any other day, I generally share this same energy every morning even though I'm not a "morning person".

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

A writer and motivational speaker. 

Are doing your dream job? 

Yes, I'm just not getting paid my dream salary yet. ;-) 

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? 

What I love most about my DAY job is the freedom it gives me to do/prepare for my dream job! I was literally able to rebuild my website, finish writing my book and do all that publishing a book entails from the comfort of my desk at my day job. 

I work in a creative environment so even the president of the company was encouraging me to "finish the book! We pay you to sit here all day, you better finish it while you're here!" #WhereTheyDoThatAt?

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

I see myself as a continuously successful, multiple self-published author who uses music/poetry/spoken word to inspire the lives of people both young and old. I aspire to delve more into acting on stage and on television.

Are you happy with where you are in life? 

Overall, I'm content. I'm always striving for more and often beat myself up over an apparent lack of progress/growth but have to remind myself to look at the big picture and to see me the way God sees me. 

What more do you want to do with your life?

I look forward to becoming a mother and raising and nurturing a beautiful, healthy family.

What drives/motivates you? 

Inspiring others to live better lives full of peace and joy drives me. The fact that God created me to love others and to teach them how to love by loving...it sounds so cliche but my heart is truly full of love for people in a way they've never experienced.  

What else do you do? 

I enjoy running and being outdoors. I find that cleaning is therapeutic so, I spend time cleaning house daily! I also sing at church and volunteer with youth ministries whenever possible! 

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

In everything, I find that building positive relationships is key. Whether it's with individuals at church, with former employers and even online. 

I came upon my current position through a connection on Twitter. A sister in Chicago that I met on Twitter (and have yet to meet in real life) connected me with someone she knows (from Twitter) who was relocating from Atlanta to Hampton for work. She asked me to reach out to the sister with hopes that I'd help her get adjusted to the area, which I gladly did. 

After meeting the sister from Atlanta, we remained in touch and about three months later, she text me asking if I had administrative experience. At the time I was wearing myself out working two part-time jobs as I worked hard to establish my life as a freelance writer (which wasn't going well...). Lucky for me, I have over 10 years experience in administrative support and immediately sent my resume to her. She forwarded it to the appropriate individuals and within two weeks, I had a new full-time job!

Again, not only did I have a new full-time position but I found myself working in a creative environment which allows me to freely work on my work as a freelance writer. I literally finished my first book while sitting at my full-time job!All hail the power of Twitter! LOL

So yeah...RELATIONSHIPS are important, even when looking for work!

Feature #60: Lizann M. Destin, Brand Manager/PR

Name: 

Lizann M. Destin

Current Job Position Title: 

Brand Manager/PR

Company Name:  

Brand Manager and PR for fitness company  “Fitness As A Lifestyle. LLC”

Contact Information:
Destined2n4@aol.com/ twitter:@destined4itall

Special skills:

I mange people’s lives for a living. I am forever organizing people’s lives and businesses. I am good at seeing someone’s dream and turning it into reality. The fact that I am well versed in writing, producing, and public speaking gives me the power to be great at what I do.

Describe your job story:

I’ve been in love with reading and writing from a young age, winning awards for writing short stories from the 3^rd grade. As I got older I struggled to figure out what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to be in charge of whatever it was. I joined the United States Navy right after high school, to protect and serve and to find my path. After five years, It wasn’t until my last year in the military that I realized what I wanted. I wanted to be in the media, I wanted to write, inform and educate people about what was going on in the world. I decided to finish up my Bachelors degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Clark Atlanta University. Concentration Mass Media Arts, I knew that I wanted a career that didn’t feel like work, I want to wake up every morning and be excited about what I’m doing, and I’ve found that in media.  

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

As a child my imagination ran wild! I was everywhere, I wanted to be Tony Danza from Who’s the Boss? Lol until my mom told me that wasn’t happening, she was like your not cleaning up houses! He just looked so happy! I wanted to be a doctor, and singer. Now I realize even as I child my main focus was to be happy, that is the thing that is most important to me.

Are doing your dream job?

I haven’t landed my dream job yet, but I’m on the path I want to be and I’m in the field that I love. I am fulfilling my dreams everyday by seeing my hard work turn into reality.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? 

I love being in charge and organizing things because I love to see things come together. It makes me happy that I am the key person in someone’s journey to their dreams. This the life that I chose.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years I see myself establishing multiple businesses in different markets and helping others establish their dreams of being a business owner. I want to be one of the biggest names in brand management.

Are you happy with where you are in life?

I am happy at where I’m at in life because I feel like I am exactly where I’m suppose to be and every goal that I set for myself a few years ago, I’ve accomplished and exceeded. I am happy but I am not content. I’m always trying to get better!

What more do you want to do with your life?

I want to wake up every day and love what I’m doing, I want to change lives in any way I can, and tell people my story. I want to live my life to fullest, with no regrets. 

What drives/motivates you?

My need to always do better and my fear of being less then the best motivates me. I truly believe that the only competition, I have is myself, so every time I accomplish something, I’m already thinking “what else can I do to get closer to my others goal?” “What else can I do to add value to me?”

What else do you do?

I am currently working two more jobs at the U.S. Department of Education (Office of Civil Rights) as an Automation Clerk, and at 11Alive News as a Producer.  I am also taking Small Business Management courses.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

Always try to do things that enhance your worth, take classes, learn a new skill, and find what makes you happy. Don’t be afraid to try new things and be persistence.

Feature #59: Corey S. Taylor, Founder/CEO

Name: Corey S. Taylor

Current Job Position Title: Founder & CEO  

  

Company Name:  

 Fitness As A Lifesyle, LLC 

Contact Information: 

faalifestyle@blogspot.com / faalifestyle@gmail.com / @faalifestyle on twitter 

Special skills: 

I am Atlanta's Number 1 Trainer, I provide High Intensity Interval Training - My clients are able to achieve more result's in just 25-30 minutes with me than most people are who spend up to an hour and a half with their trainer.

Describe your job story: 

It was a twisted rollercoaster of set backs, come ups and life lessons along the way, but after being an athlete most of my life and moving to atlanta for modeling, I quickly was able to recognize my nitch within the industry. Sports & Fitness have always been a part of my life, personal training allows me to stay in the competetive area of sports while also helping others achive thier inner athlete.

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

Growing up an only child I was always considered the "artist", sports were fun but I loved to draw and paint and was even in a few art academies during the summers, my creative side manifested into a love for music and I took that as far as college, receiving a full music scholarship out of high shcool. All in all my interests have allways been hobbies that kept me curious while allowing expression.

Are doing your dream job? 

I'm on beaches coast to coast on city rooftops in parks & gyms working to be the best trainer every client / athlete I see has or will ever experience, and I get paid to do it, every day is a dream for me but with persistance and patience things can and always will get better.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? 

I love the freedom that I have, no two sessions are the same and the entire city is my office, my creativity and passion creates an element that can only be experienced through a session with me, the only thing I don't like is that aren't enough hours in the day or days in the week.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

In the next 5 years I see my self operating primarily out of Los Angeles,California. Fitness As A Lifestyle, LLC will have a fitness studio in the Atlanta area with in the next 2 years, my market is world wide and I plan to change it one pound at a time.

Are you happy with where you are in life? 

I'm on the pursuit of happiness, I'm not there yet.

What more do you want to do with your life? 

I want to influence more people, I want to experience more challenges and gain more wisdom from life, I want to be able to show the world my talents, I want to work with the best and become better. I want to live long enough to exceed my potential and teach others.

What drives/motivates you? 

My goals keep me going. I have a fire inside of me that grows with each passing season,  I can't explain what it's like to wake up with the intentions of advancing on every opportunity that you may encounter that day, but that's what I do, thats how the city of Atlanta makes me feel. Life right now is pure sport and I play to win.

What else do you do? 

I'm also a working model, I've developed greatly over the past year with a boutique agency out of LA and am now seeking representation with the Fiteness Division of Whilemina Models, I'm done more spreaking roles on most of the LA/Atlanta based productions like BET's "The Game", Tyler Perry's "House Of Payne" and have most recently been featured in Columbia Records Artist RaVaughn Brown's music video which made the Track List for the movie "Think Like A Man" .I've most recently recieved a sponsorship from brands such as Vita Coco, Nitro Cut and Detour as an Athlete and ambassodor. I work closely with the 11 Alive news team as a trainer to the staff and most recently can be found In Kontrol Magazine with monthly articles, fitness advice & Information.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

 Trust your struggle; You have to put all your energy into putting your self in the postion to succeed, once you've found success, you then have the opportunity to do it gain at higher level and in less time. Hard work beats talent, daily.

Feature #58: Pamela Balentine, Internal Auditor

Name: Pamela Balentine

 

Current Job Position Title:  Internal Auditor

Company Name:
Meritor, Inc.

Contact Information:
Pam.Balentine1@gmail.com

Special skills:
Auditing, Microsoft Office, Oracle, Hyperion, Communication, Risk Assessment

Describe your job story:
After graduating from Michigan State University in 2007 with a BA in Accounting, I continued my education by obtaining my Masters of Science in Accounting with focuses on Financial Reporting and Assurance Service and Information Systems. During my college tenure, I interned at one of the Big 4 Accounting Firms, Ernst & Young, LLP. After receiving my Masters, I started full time at Ernst & Young where I spent 2.5 year of my career as an External Auditor. After making a choice to leave public accounting, I started with ArvinMeritor (now known as Meritor) in the Internal Audit department in November 2010 and have been there ever since!

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

When I was a child/teenager I wanted to do something with numbers. I had no idea what it would be until I was a senior in highschool (Flint Northern High School) when I took my first accounting class that I knew that is what I wanted to do for my career.

Are doing your dream job?
For now...I enjoy what I do. But dreams do change everyday!!

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?

What I like most about being an Internal Auditor is that I get to see every aspect of the company - from financial to operational processes. I perform high quality risk assessments and add value to the entire company everyday. 

 

The part that I like the least....that's a hard one. I'd probably say the traveling. I enjoy going to different places in the world but traveling can take a toll on you. And being in the automotive industry does not allow you to travel to the most glamorous places!

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I see myself as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) working at a manager level (or higher) in a financial field. Not sure if that will be Audit or not....I keep my options open.

Are you happy with where you are in life?

Once I pass this CPA exam that I am currently studying for...I will be happy!!! But until then, I'm pleased with how things have been unfolding.

What more do you want to do with your life?

I really want to teach on a collegiate level!! Once I obtain my certification, I believe that is one thing I will work on doing.

What drives/motivates you?
I have, for the most part, been a self motivator. You will never reach a point where you stop learning or gaining knowledge about your craft/field. However, I have a great group of people around me that believe in me and encourage me to keep pushing forward.

What else do you do?

I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy volunteering and encouraging younger kids. I'm a self-diagnosed shop-a-holic. I just love to have fun.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
 There is always hope! Never give up and don't be afraid to use your resources and the people around you!