Advisory board

Advisory Board

	Aja J. Grant Is the Owner of Jhamerria Images, a photography and website consultation firm that specializes in events, commercial and natural photography. Ms. Grant is a native of South Carolina and has been employed by Duke Energy since 2005. She is also a dedicated Advisory Board member of A LOTT of Sista Love (www.alottofsistalove.org) , a non-profit women’s empowerment organization established in 2006. After her mother's passing in 2006, she established the Knowlin Grant Scholarship Foundation (KGSF) to continue and honor her mother's passion for education (www.KnowlinGrantScholarshipFoundation.org) KGSF provides scholarships for books for those who are attending College. Ms. Grant is a team member for W.I.S.E. Magazine as a photographer and she presently volunteers with other non-organization including G.O.R.E. Community Development Corporation For more information, Aja J Grant - Photographer Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Website - www.JhamerriaImages.com Photo Gallery - www.JhamerriaImages.fototime.com
	Bryan Paschal Paschal Promotions, President Paschal Promotions is your full service Event Planning, Volunteer Coordination, Sponsorships Achiever, On Demand Promotional Distribution, and Sports Consulting Firm located in Charlotte, NC. Paschal Promotions offers 13 years experience in Event Planning and Coordination of Events. Bryan Paschal, founder of Paschal Promotions has been involved with many charity & social events and running/walk events in the Charlotte area as an Event Planner and Marketing Director. Bryan's hobby and passion is working with non-profits to raise funds through social events and venues. Paschal started Charlotte Sports Connection in 1999 (Charlotte's largest adult organized sports leagues and social club). After successfully growing Charlotte Sorts Connection from a participant level of 100 participants to 25,000 in 2003, Paschal sold the business to Sports Warehouse, LLC. Sports Warehouse adopted the Sports Connection name and now operates all company entities under the name Sports Connection. www.paschalpromotions.com 704-643-3038
	Colin Furcht CBAY Charlotte, Founder Colin is the Founder of CBAY Charlotte. What started as a ‘social’ distro has now become one of Charlotte’s largest and fastest growing Networking Groups. Although not yet a website, emails can be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for inclusion in the daily emails. From Job opportunities to Resumes, from Homes For Sale to Needing a Roommate and much more, CBAY can help you get the word out. With over 800 active Charlotte professionals on the distro, you can reach thousands as many forward to their own groups as well. Advertising opportunities are available. Join for FREE and see how CBAY can help YOU! 704-661-2193 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
	Cynthia Griner Purple Passion 4 Alzheimer's, Founder & CEO, Non Profit Organization Cynthia Griner, Mrs. North Carolina International 2010, has been acting and modeling in Charlotte and the Southeast for more than 20 years. Her credits include principal roles in National Commercials for AVON, Verizon, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as Regional Ads for T-Mobile, Bloom, and Home Depot. She has appeared in Theatre, Print Ads, Infomercials, and Fashion Shows. You will find her frequently Informally Modeling fashions for local boutiques. She will be competing for the Mrs. International Title this July in Chicago, IL. Married to Joseph for 19 years, she is the proud mother of four boys, Andrew 16, Taylor 15, Grayson 10, and Coles-Albert 4. An Alzheimer’s Advocate, she is CEO and Founder of PURPLE PASSION 4 Alzheimer’s, a non-profit that raises awareness and funds to fight this disease. For info, visit www.pp4alz.org. She began her advocacy in memory of her grandpa, Robert A Albert, Sr., who was an Alzheimer's victim of 20 years, and in honor of her grandma, Irene. .... And the Journey is not about you...It is About those you can touch, speak to, embrace, give hope to, encourage with words, lift, and Love...and You...will be Blessed Beyond Measure! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.pp4alz.org
	Darlene Myers Dorsey B2B Solutions Offering cutting edge Internet Marketing solutions for small business owners who lack the time, expertise and money to create an adequate online presence. Plus, other essential services that enable small businesses to reduce cost and thereby increase profits. Darlene is a Charlotte native with deep experience in real estate and financial services. How important is the internet to the future of your business? 704.942.1467
	David K. Washington DW Designs Custom Clothier, Designer/CEO When you meet DW Designer, David Washington there is nothing shy of a profound statement being made. His sophisticated swaggering style is not easily forgotten. Since childhood, Mr. Washington has understood the attraction that happens when a person combines individual style with guided fashion. His philosophy, custom clothing, is more than fashion, it's about distinguishing yourself, setting yourself apart, standing out with confidence... on purpose! www.dwdesigns.biz 704-332-1896 office / 704-332-1883 fax 1001 Elizabeth Ave. Suite 1-C,Charlotte, NC 28204
	Gina Hight Sheridan Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Senior Director of Marketing & Visual Communications The Charlotte Business Journal named Gina 40 Under 40 recognized for making major strides in her career and having a significant impact on her community. Gina was honored as one of 16 women who are playing key roles in shaping the Charlotte region's development as a major business center. Business achievements include the management and visual launch of “Charlotte’s got a lot”, the Charlotte region’s destination brand, including the launch of Charlottesgotalot.com, the official travel resource for Charlotte. www.charlottesgotalot.com 704.331.2703 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
	Art Henson, Partner, CATCH Marketing For nearly 20 years, Art has developed marketing and advertising campaigns for a wide variety of industries. Art combines his writing, design, web and photography experience to provide his clients seamless creative execution. Art’s company, CATCH Marketing, takes a data-driven approach to helping clients identify and capture new business. Before moving to Charlotte, Art was a partner in an advertising firm in Portland, Maine. He’s an Ohio native and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. He is currently on a quest to win a National Championship as a Master’s Track and Field Athlete. 980-322-3418 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it http://www.catchnc.com http://www.arthenson.com
	Jerilyn Mcdonald, Send Out Cards Are in business looking for a better way to build relationships, referrals and revenue? Or do you merely enjoy acknowledging special events in the lives of your family, friends, and acquaintances? If the answer to either question is YES, then sending a card or a gift just became as easy as sending an email! Imagine having an entire card store, gift shop and post office at your fingertips! For much less than the average cost of sending a greeting card, you can remember and recognize those important to you on a daily basis in a matter of minutes! Interested? Intrigued? To find out more about this amazing service, allow me to treat you to a cup of coffee and a couple of free cards! Visit www.becomeacardsender.com to register for both today! Visit me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/keepintouch Twitter me at www.twitter.com/jerilynmcdonald Connect on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/jerilynmcdonald Request to join my online rolodex at www.plaxo.com
	Karen L. Dortschy Sandbox Solutions Sandbox Solutions helps organizations use the right tools in their ‘sandboxes' and ours to grow their companies strategically, improve marketing and internal communications and reduce their costs. From developing new revenue streams like online stores featuring company logos on wearables, to managing an organization’s marketing mix, we have the expertise, experience and ability to ‘plug and play’ as our clients’ needs evolve. We take our work seriously, but not ourselves. Because smart business isn’t child’s play. sm www.InYourSandbox.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
	Kim Hughes 704 Events – CEO Kim Hughes knows the value of community. Upon moving to Charlotte, North Carolina from Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2003, Kim knew no one and for the first year here, she thought she had made the biggest mistake of her life. Once she got over ‘herself’ and gained the confidence she needed to excel, nothing stopped her. Enter 704Events. For the last 4 years, Kim has been an employee of 704Events growing the name and the mission throughout the 704 area and giving area businesses and entrepreneurs a way to grow their business and events effectively. In February of 2010, that changed. Kim has become the owner of 704Events and simultaneously launched a state of the art and strong website to reflect the passion and intensity behind her work. Plain and simple 704Events exists to make the Charlotte Metro as connected, personal, and successful as possible by offering honest and ethical advertising to local businesses and a place for locals to come to, to find the best that Charlotte offers. www.704events.com 704.281.4482 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
	LaShanda Millner-Murphy DW Designs Custom Clothier, Fashion Coach/Partner LaShanda's talents as a clothier/fashion coach are being sought out by ladies and gents across the eastern region. She thrives on the challenges of helping people discover their lifestyle and expressing their individuality through their outside appearances. She believes that it is one of our greatest powers in life and everyone should seek to embrace it. Through her experiences, she knows that “every size, shape and skin tone has a clothing compliment. Add some personality to that and suddenly, people express power and confidence they didn’t even know they had. www.dwdesigns.biz 704-332-1896 office / 704-332-1883 fax 1001 Elizabeth Ave. Suite 1-C,Charlotte, NC 28204
	Mara Campolungo Sandbox Solutions Sandbox Solutions helps organizations use the right tools in their ‘sandboxes' and ours to grow their companies strategically, improve marketing and internal communications and reduce their costs. From developing new revenue streams like online stores featuring company logos on wearables, to managing an organization’s marketing mix, we have the expertise, experience and ability to ‘plug and play’ as our clients’ needs evolve. We take our work seriously, but not ourselves. Because smart business isn’t child’s play. sm www.InYourSandbox.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
	Michael Catlow The Michael Catlow Group The carolina's premier provider of DJ, Karaoke, & Entertainment Services, Photography, Video Productions and Full Service Wedding & Event Planning... Where Perfect Moments Become Perfect Masterpieces www.michaelcatlowgroup.com 704-858-4334 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
	Michael Crimi Starlight Catering & Events, President The Starlight Company was founded in 2000, as a small part time business. In 2004, we incorporated. Our roots are in the Film & Theater, and Restaurant fields. With more than 25 years experience in the Restaurant, Resort, Event Production, and Filming, we bring a dynamic perspective to the Catering /Event world. Starlight owns and operates a 48’ Mobile Kitchen, capable of producing 2000 meals a day. We also have designed 100’s of Weddings & Events. We also have a full inventory of lighting, Christmas Décor, electrical support, and generators. We also provide logistical and support services for Disaster Relief. 704.400.4285 / michael@starlightdesigngroup.com
	Mimi Zelman Women with know-how - President Women With Know-How is Charlotte's first premier online resource guide and online emagazine for women business owners and professionals. Our online store has apparral and accessories saying "I am a Women With Know-How" all in rich black with fushia and silver embroidery. www.womenwithknowhow.com 704-491-1207 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
	Nancy Boru, Owner Lone Cone Toffee Nancy Boru launched Lone Cone Toffee in 1996 in the mountains of SW Colorado with a shared family recipe and a $100 loan from a friend. It was first sold in Telluride, CO and has been enjoyed as far afield as Hong Kong. The company moved to Charlotte in 2003 and Lone Cone Toffee is now made in three flavors. It continues to be the best toffee you will ever taste. And the most well received gift you will ever give. 704 442-8349 / www.loneconetoffee.com
	Robert Russo ( The 401k Guy), AAMS, CRPS BLACKBRIDGE FINANCIAL, Partner Robert helps businesses mitigate their fiduciary liability while enhancing their 401k plans for participants. He graduated from the University of Tennessee where he was awarded a Certificate of Achievement recognizing his academic accomplishments as a student athlete with the football program. Robert founded the Bentley Foundation, an animal-advocacy organization, and serves as president of Impact Charlotte and treasurer of MetroNet. He is a member and strategic sponsor for the Carolinas Chapter of Society for Human Resource Management, a board member of the University of Tennessee Alumni Association in Charlotte and a member of the Retirement Plan Advisory Group. www.blackbridgefinancial.com 704-499-9702 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
	Ron Freeman Managing Partner Dry Creek Holdings LLC / Bespoke Media Luxury Marketing and Branding Consulting / Media Sales and Marketing 704 905 9016 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
	T.Strong aka StyleMayvin is the "go-to" resource for fashion and style. Recently recognized as one of Charlotte's Top 5 Most Stylish People, her blog www.stylemayvin.blogspot.com serves as an information portal for all things chic and fashionable. T.Strong is the host of "Speaking Fashionese", a style makeover show distributed via the Internet as well as a co-host for the reality radio show, "Paper Dolls Radio" (www.thepaperdollsonline.com) providing fashion tips, style advice and discussions about various other topics women love! She has been featured numerous times on FOX News Rising and continues to host various charitable, fashion events in Charlotte and beyond. T.Strong continues to build the StyleMayvin brand and is proud to be the Official Red Carpet Corespondent for Charlotte Seen. Inquiries for T.Strong may be forwarded to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .