Diamond Johnson, a lifetime LA/Beverly Hills resident is extremely familiar with the world of beauty. With over 10 years of cosmetic experience, Diamond's skill and talent are highly regarded in the LA Beauty Community. From Eyelash Tinting, Make-up, to her acclaimed specialty of eyelash extensions, Diamond Johnson represents the feature of American Beauty.
Michelle Riggs
Michelle is in her 19th year as a dance educator in the public school system.
Currently, she is the Dance Program Director and ASB Director at La Puente High School in the San Gabriel Valley. Ms. Riggs has choreographed several nationally ranked cheer and dance teams throughout Southern California.
Her dance company has performed at Staples Center, Dodger Stadium, and Citizen’s Bank Arena. These groups have also traveled to Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Florida, Hawaii, and Ensenada.
In her off time, she judges for the cheer and dance competition circuit, SHARP INTERNATIONAL, and is a member of the Los Angeles Sparks Ole Skool Crew dance team. As a dancer, choreographer, and teacher for many years, she is excited to be performing at Staples Center.
Michelle holds a master’s degree in Dance Education from Cal State Long Beach. She was also honored with the prestigious BRAVO AWARD from the Los Angeles Music Center for the Arts Specialist Teacher of the Year.
This year, Ms. Riggs had the privilege of presenting on a panel at the National Dance Educators Organization conference in Washington D.C. on diversity in dance.
Teanna Ross
Teanna Ross always dreamed of owning her own business and fulfilling her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. She told herself "life is too short to not enjoy, or rather have a passion for what you do."
After obtaining a B. S. in Fine Arts/Visual Communication, Teanna partnered with a friend creating and selling custom hand-made jewelry and body oils, at the same time she also freelanced as a graphic designer creating invitations for events, all while working a full-time job as an Educational Consultant.
Teanna was simultaneously pursuing her M.B.A. when she was let go from her full time job due to budget cuts. She was frustrated, disappointed and a little scared. However, she came to the conclusion that waking up every morning to make someone else's dream successful was not something she wanted to do. So she started a new business dabbling in graphics and web design.
Now, 7 years later, Teanna reflects on her journey. It's been challenging and scary, but also deeply fulfilling. Teanna says "being an entrepreneur requires you to show up for yourself, even when you don’t feel like it." She advises that one must keep an open mind, stay positive and remain coachable, motivated and inspired. The possibilities are endless if you can stay focused and master those attributes."
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In 2015 with a desire to give back to her community, Teanna began mentoring young girls by becoming a troop leader with the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. She is also developing a plan to help students at her high school alma mater. As if all that was not enough, Teanna became the Vice President of Communications with the Los Angeles Chapter of the University of Phoenix Alumni Association. Now that is one very effective lady.
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Lisa Ruffin
Lisa Ruffin is a multi-talented award winning performer, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At age sixteen Lisa was awarded a scholarship to the Juilliard School.
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Ruffin has a wide range of work from film, television, commercials, music videos, theater and stage. The first video she choreographed, “JoAnna,” won an American Music Award. Her choreography credits include, “Moesha” starring Brandy, and “The Steve Harvey Show.” She also choreographed “The Artist Journey and Funk Blast” for Paul Allen’s $420 million dollar experience music project produced by Digital Domain. Lisa is the youngest African American woman to choreograph a Broadway Stage production, “Up Close and Personal” at the Lunt Fontaine Theatre.
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Among many other achievements, she has also performed on Broadway, and had 2 Billboard Top 20 R&B hit records. Lisa provided background vocals on numerous road tours. Her acting credits include, “Him and Us,” “Seth.” “The Raven, and her very memorable role as “Deena” on the long running soap, “All My Children”. Lisa has made appearances on the David Letterman Show and Saturday Night Live, and has graced the covers and interiors of respected magazines such as Essence, Ebony and Black Enterprise. She had numerous commercials, including her “Secret” commercial, directed by award winning director, Jessica Yu.
Ruffin choreographed and performed with “Tina Turner” for HBO. Lisa has been a national judge & choreographer for the NAACP’s ACT-SO competition. Lisa directed and choreographed a company of “For Colored Girls,” and received glowing reviews for her choreography for “In the Continuum” at the Ensemble Theatre of Santa Barbara.
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Ruffin conceptualized and created Little Miss African American, the largest scholarship pageant for young girls. This art educational program is proud to celebrate its 23rd year. Lisa’s hope for these young girls is to have the freedom to dream big, believing they can accomplish anything their hearts desire.
Kalin McClenton
Soon to be a graduate of Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Journalism, Kalin McClenton’s dream is to become a broadcast journalist.
Being the special young lady that she is, full of determination and perseverance, she’s sure to make that dream a reality. Possessing an innate sense of responsibility and integrity Kalin works as a child care provider, office manager, and assistant store manager for a prominent retailer.
She recently received L.O.V.E.’s 2016 “Under 30 Success Award” for her community and volunteer service and for embodying the principles of Ladies Operating Very Effectively -- an organization devoted to empowering women of all ages and nationalities in discovering their passion and attaining a high level of productivity through growth, wellness, and principled-centered success.
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Kalin has volunteered many hours of her time at the Westside Children’s Center, Union Station Homeless Services, Notre Dame Elementary School’s After School Program, the Nazareth House, the California Special Olympics, and the Office of Senator Curren D. Price, Jr. She has selflessly donated her time and talents to Castle Heights Elementary School S.T.A.R. Program, Much Love Pet Adoption Agency, Disney VoluntEARS and assisted Operation Gratitude. Kalin is currently Assistant Manager for Six:02 and served as Vice President of Finance for the Alpha Chi Omega National Sorority, Kappa Phi Chapter.
Jacques McNeil
Jacques McNeil is an anointed Licensed Evangelist Missionary, author and profound speaker who advocates for Women in the areas of personal growth and development. She is a woman given to prayer and consecration and she is a committed intercessor. A strong gift of discernment is what enhances her ability to uncover and bring clarity to many complex situations.
As a graduate of California State University, Los Angeles, Jacques earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, and currently she works in the health care arena with UCLA Health Systems as an Instructional Designer. Additionally, she is a certified behavioral analyst, conflict and mediation specialist, corporate image consultant, and professional development consultant.
Jacques is a leader amongst leaders, with an exceptional gift of administration. She is the founder of Women Inspired Through Networking Elements Sister to Sister (W.I.T.N.E.S.S.) Book Club, a unique Christian literary ministry that was launched in 1995. For twenty years she led the women of W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club on a journey to live victoriously, mind, body and spirit; and live purposeful lives as they embraced and activated practical Biblical truths.
W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club is much more than a book club! Our motto is, “I Am My Sister’s Keeper”. The sisters of W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club spearheaded community outreach programs, as they served those who were disenfranchised. Health and wellness programs were developed that reached women of all ages and weekly intercessory prayer was at the heart of all that they accomplished.
Jacques is a woman of courage who steps outside of her comfort zone to accomplish her dreams and goals, and she challenges the women of W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club, and all who she encounters to do the same. She recently published her first book, “Life Happens: 30 Strategies for Triumphant Living.” In this 30 day devotional, Jacques bears witness of how she triumphed in the face of adversity and unpredictable life challenges. Readers will be encouraged to develop a deeper, more meaningful walk with the Lord and to stand strong when Life Happens. To purchase a copy, visit: www.lifehappensbook.org.
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To quote Jacques, “I continue to burn with passion for women to fully understand who God created us to be, and for us to fully exude that authentically and confidently without excuses or apologies in every facet of our lives. It is my desire for all women to love who God created us to be, (flaws and all), not comparing ourselves to anyone else, because we are His UNIQUE creation. As we embrace our uniqueness, our personal style will emanate from the depth of our being.”
She has been a dedicated wife to Pastor David McNeil, since 1995 and together they are the proud parents of their miracle child, the beautiful Micaela McNeil.
Beverly Brewster, RSCP
"Love...Yourself"
Beverly is a native of Los Angeles, and the eldest girl of six children. Her parents, a minister and teacher, immersed them in music. As a result she began singing at an early age and later played piano, violin, and string bass.
After being told that she was not “college material” she graduated on the President’s Honor Roll, and began teaching Kinder. Her career with L.A.U.S.D. spans over 30 years of advocating for children and families as both teacher and a Principal. She served as chair of the Personnel Committee, and presided as President of (O.E.E.C.A) the Organization of Early Ed. Administrators (O.E.E.C.A). Upon retiring, she returned to school to sharpen her musical skills and talents.
Her cancer diagnosis in May 2003 was a wake up call that propelled her into new consciousness. Using a pen and her journal, she began to record thoughts, dreams, and feelings that opened her to forgive herself and become accountable for her own health and wellness. She says,” I learned to love myself.”
This was her new beginning, another chance to “live life” again. This is when “Honey B” was born.
Beverly is also a contributing author. Her story, “The Best Is Yet To Come” published in FROM TRIBULATION TO TRIUMPH, Breast Cancer Survivor Stories, describes her journey from “dis-ease” to “release”. These experiences morphed into her first album entitled, SOUL SURVIVOR.
As executive producer, she collaborated with bassist, composer Champ Holland, Keith Crouch, and Eddie “Killer Miller”. Other performances and collaboration with artists include: Kevin Brandon, Kenneth Crouch, and Blue Rain. This journey of surrender inspired her to release over 200 pounds through diet, nutrition, and exercise.
Beverly received a B.S. in Urban Planning and Multi-Ethnic Studies in Education at Eastern Washington State College, and a M.S. at Pepperdine University. She also studied music and songwriting at Harbor College and Compton Community College. She focused on music ministry as assistant choir director at City of Angels Church of Religious Science and as director at the Art of Living Church of Religious Science.
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Beverly continues to work in non-profit organizations to promote cancer awareness through music and storytelling. She is a Pink Ambassador for the Susan Komen Foundation, volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s’ “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”, and “Relay for Life” in Van Nuys, Westchester, and South Los Angeles. She served as member and Parliamentarian on the Board of Women of Color Breast Cancer Support Group. She is a member of S.H.I.N.E. MAWUSI, a performance based female percussion and drumming alliance.
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Beverly is the proud mother of two children, Maya and Kamari. She recently received her Religious Science Practitioner License and serves at L.A. Third Church for Spiritual Living at 4323 Leimert Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. On Sunday, October 25, 2015, the Sisters will “Worship in Pink” at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. A wellness seminar entitled “Mind, Body, and Spirit” follows. For more information call (323) 290-9514.
Georgia Zachary
Georgia Zachary, a recipient of the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Presidential Volunteer Service Award. She is President of Women of AT&T, a 501ce non-profit Employee Resource Group within AT&T. Being the President Georgia is an advocate for helping women and children in the community, working in conjunction with many other groups and organizations such as The March of Dimes, Red Cross, YWCA, United Way, Union Rescue Mission, and a host of others.
Georgia has a distinguished 18-year management career with AT&T highlighting sales, customer service, awards and recognition, project management, compliance training and labor relations responsibilities. Continuing to be a leader within AT&T and amongst her peers, while striving to be a mentor and advocate for others. Believing in the power of networking, Georgia makes lasting connections. Georgia is a member of City Club Los Angeles, a division of Club Corp. private country clubs. She is actively involved with their City Connections, Heritage, Social, Membership and Community Connections committees. Georgia enjoys volunteering by giving her time and talents wherever they can help or assist others. Georgia is also a licensed real estate agent for Keller Williams Marina Del Rey.
Georgia received her AA in Social and Behavioral Science from Harbor College her Bachelors of Science in Business and her Master of Arts in Management from the University of Redlands. Georgia is a member of Faithful Central Bible Church, she loves golf, zumba, yoga, swimming, watching basketball and traveling.
Georgia’s favorite quotes:
“Each day gives the opportunity for you to be treated right, to feel worthy, and to be successful. It’s a choice you have to make, a faith you have to embrace and a standard you have to set.”
- Dr. Steve Maraboli
“Be yourself everyone else is taken.” -Oscar Wilde
“I’m not interested in competing with anyone I hope we ALL make it”- Unknown
“Vulnerability is not a weakness it is the most accurate measurement of courage” -Brene Brown
“Other people will always have opinions about what you do. But at the end of the day, it’s what you choose for yourself that matters. BE the CEO of your OWN LIFE!”- Working Women