In the heart of Fayetteville, Georgia, a simple tray of homemade cheesecakes at a friend’s gathering sparked what would become one of the area’s most cherished new bakeries. For Doris M. Smith, the owner of Cheesecakes by Lola, retirement in
Dr. Andre L. Johnson is a transformative force in mental health and recovery services. As the Founder, President, and CEO of Detroit Recovery Project Incorporated (DRP), he has revolutionized how behavioral health services are delivered in Michigan, establishing the state’s
In a world where corporate leadership often prioritizes metrics over meaning, Uniqueka Walcott stands apart. As the founder and CEO of Uniqueka Walcott Communications LLC, she has transformed a career that began with six-dollar-per-hour shifts at a dollar store into
Corey “NetworKing” Moore, founder of ProNetworker, has spent 15 years transforming how entrepreneurs and sales professionals approach business growth through strategic networking. As his company celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2025, Moore continues to champion the philosophy that success lies
The game has slowed down for Fran Westbrooks, and his vision has never been clearer. As president and managing partner of BLVD Content, this Detroit native brings more than 15 years of experience shaping campaigns for global giants like Jeep
There’s a particular kind of magic that descends upon Paris come winter, when the tourist crowds thin and the City of Light truly lives up to its name. The air carries a distinctive crispness that makes every breath feel fresh,
In the vibrant heart of Atlanta’s art scene, Joshua Love has orchestrated a cultural revolution that began with a simple yet powerful vision: creating spaces where Black artists can truly shine. From its humble beginnings with 15 artists in 2019,
Rich Ting embodies the quintessential Renaissance man of modern Hollywood. A fourth-generation Asian American from Los Angeles, Ting’s journey from Yale football quarterback to accomplished actor represents a unique trajectory in an industry struggling with representation. With dual J.D./M.B.A. degrees
From HBO’s Def Poetry Jam to pioneering AI-powered filmmaking, Dr. Ric Mathis has redefined what it means to be a storyteller in the digital age. The Atlanta-based filmmaker and FAA-certified drone pilot isn’t just creating documentaries – he’s revolutionizing how
Greg Dennis is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Centered Human, a product development agency that fuses cutting-edge technology with the art of human-centric design. His journey into the apparel industry began as a middle schooler learning to sew,
In a world where every brand aims to capture the cultural zeitgeist, few succeed in blending artistry, authenticity, and purpose quite like Street Lotto. Known for his work as a marketing and branding visionary in Atlanta, Street Lotto co-founded Triple
In the electric landscape of Atlanta’s fashion scene, few stories resonate with as much authenticity and divine purpose as that of Street Lotto, also known as Keith “Lotto” Smith. What began as a simple marketing strategy for a hip-hop single
In a wide-ranging reflection on her transformative year, Dr. Carletta S. Hurt stands as a testament to the power of multifaceted leadership and unwavering dedication to community service. As the first PhD graduate from the University of the District of
Terrance Pratt is the CEO of Culture Loupe, a creative marketing company headquartered in Chicago. Culture Loupe leverages an in-culture lens to help brands connect with their target consumers through strategic storytelling and branded content creation. What is your mission
Step into the world of Eriq La Salle, where artistic excellence meets cultural impact. From his breakout role in “Coming to America” to commanding the screen as Dr. Peter Benton on ER, La Salle has masterfully navigated Hollywood as an
From the projects of Queens, New York, to becoming one of Billboard’s Top Music Lawyers, John Rose’s journey embodies the power of dreaming big. As an entertainment attorney at Fox Rothschild, Rose has transformed from a football scholarship athlete to
Author and cultural commentator A.R. Shaw has built his career on bridging divides – between cultures, continents, and communities. The acclaimed journalist, whose work spans from White House correspondence to his recent book “Trap History,” reflects on a transformative year
A computer scientist turned waste management innovator, Justin Turk is transforming an industry that touches every American’s life but rarely makes headlines. As the founder and chairman of Livegistics, Turk has emerged as a leading voice in sustainability and waste
Jonathan Casillas defied the odds throughout his nine-year NFL career. From going undrafted out of Wisconsin to becoming a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots, Casillas’s journey exemplifies perseverance and leadership. The former
In the heart of Atlanta’s music scene, a powerful partnership is reshaping the landscape of inspirational music. Jevon Dewand, the self-proclaimed “activation speaker,” and legendary super-producer Jazze Pha have joined forces to create what they call “trap stars” – a
