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Valencia Giles, Director and Owner of Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music

August 9, 2024 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Valencia Giles/Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music

At the age of 7, Valencia’s father gave Valencia her first piano. She was so excited and enjoyed piano lessons like a little girl with a brand new doll. Little did she know the impact this gift would have on her life. Her elementary years were filled with music. By middle school, her second choice of instrument was the flute. Looking back, she realized that each band director in middle school, high school, and college appointed her as the director’s assistant. This path led her to the position she has today.

As the Director of the Lawrencevile-Suwanee School of Music (LSSM), she finds that her passion for teaching, assisting, and helping students has only grown. She loves what she does and she has a vision for every student who walks in the door. She is committed to making sure their musical beginning is filled with fun, quality instruction, and care. She is committed to hiring teachers that
are committed to the same goals of excellence.

Graduating with honors from Alabama A&M University with a double major in flute and piano was intense and rewarding. She is a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). She is the author of “Beaker’s House of Music,” a note theory curriculum; a recording artist for kids, and a composer. She is also a wife and mother of 3 wonderful children.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Hosted by Amanda Pearch

Karen Zapp, Financial Educator for HowMoneyWorks

August 2, 2024 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Karen Zapp/HowMoneyWorks

Karen Zappe is a Financial Educator for HowMoneyWorks. She’s also a former Naval Officer and she had a long career in engineering.

HowMoneyWorks teaches people how money really works because it’s not being taught in schools. Understanding how money works – the basics of personal finance – is an essential life skill that everyone needs each and every day. They teach the WHAT and the HOW so your families, friends, neighbors, and communities can be financially literate and not simply educated. They teach from the book, How Money Works – Stop Being a Sucker. It’s the top-selling book on personal finance since 2020. It’s been featured on national TV over 370 time (plus radio, web media, and more) and seen by over 125 million viewers on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNBC, etc. HowMoneyWorks’ crusade is to erase financial illiteracy, because the less you know… the more the finance industry makes.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Hosted by Amanda Pearch

Produced by Dan Braverman

Amber Baird, Principal and Co-Founder of McLaren Accord Consulting

July 26, 2024 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Amber Baird/McLaren Accord Consulting

With over 15 years of experience in product marketing, strategy, and consulting, Amber Baird excels in transforming positive customer experiences into tangible business growth. Having served in leadership roles in several consulting firms and in corporate America, Amber brings a unique perspective on what drives success. As Head of Product Marketing & Strategy at Ware2Go, a UPS-backed logistics and technology start-up, Amber maximized growth and market penetration through customer-focused strategies and innovative go-to-market initiatives.

Now, as Principal and co-founder of McLaren Accord Consulting, Amber specializes in bridging the gap between high-level strategy and ground-level execution. She prioritizes open communication and strong relationships to ensure alignment from C-suite executives to frontline teams, delivering practical and impactful results. Her customer-centric approach combines analytical thinking with a human touch, essential for sustainable growth in today’s competitive landscape.

Outside of work, Amber finds inspiration exploring Atlanta’s mountain trails and planning travel adventures with her husband. Their 2 cats must sadly remain at home. Balancing professional dedication and personal creativity fuels her ability to think outside the box and drive exceptional business outcomes.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Hosted by Amanda Pearch

Produced by Dan Braverman

Shiloh Bigles with Level Minds CBD and Michelle Bertrand with Poetic Fitness

July 25, 2024 by Mike

Steven Julian, Shiloh Bigles, Michelle Bertrand, Harper Lebel

Shiloh Bigles/Level Minds CBD

Level Minds CBD prides itself on being more than just a CBD store and manufacturer. They are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of their customers through high-quality products and exceptional service. With a brick and mortar store and their own line of CBD gummies, tinctures, and topicals, they stand as a beacon of trust and reliability in the CBD industry.

Don’t miss the Level Minds Wellness Fair on Saturday August 10 from 11am-5pm at Level Minds CBD in Suwanee. CLICK HERE for tickets and more information.

Michelle Bertrand/Poetic Fitness

Poetic Fitness is where strength and healing unite. It is more than a business; it’s a support system for anyone looking to shed physical weight or release emotional burdens. With Michelle as your guide, you’re set to embark on a transformative journey toward holistic healing. Discover the poetry in your own strength with Poetic Fitness.

Michelle will be leading a Low Impact workout at 12:00pm at the Level Minds CBD Wellness Fair on August 10th.

Gwinnett Business Radio is presented by

Hosted by Harper LeBel and Steven Julian
Produced by Dan Braverman

Lucy Mejia, Owner of The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East

July 19, 2024 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Lucy Mejia/The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East

Lucy Mejia is a dedicated wife and mother of two small children, an Atlanta native, and a proud alumna of Georgia State University. She holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Geology and a graduate degree in Environmental Geosciences. Before starting her business, Lucy gained valuable experience working with gas and water utility companies in GIS (Geographical Information Systems).

As the owner of The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East, Lucy leads a community-driven, eco-friendly, minority-owned business committed to making a positive impact. Certified as a Minority Owned Enterprise by the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, her business takes pride in its diverse and inclusive approach. Connecting resources through recycling, donating to local non-profits, and supporting other small businesses is a passion of Lucy’s driving the businesses mission to create a more sustainable and connected community. At The Junkluggers of Atlanta Metro East, the team believes in the power of small actions to create meaningful change. With Lucy’s leadership and commitment to responsible disposal, they strive to declutter spaces while uplifting communities, ensuring that every piece of junk tells a story of positive impact and sustainability.

Beyond her business, Lucy is deeply engaged in her community. She serves as an ambassador for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, where she was awarded Ambassador of the Year for 2023-2024, sits on the Board of Directors for Dekalb Senior Provider Network, and is an active member of the Peachtree Corners Business Association and various other organizations. Through her various roles, Lucy works tirelessly towards a more connected and thriving Atlanta Metro East. In her free time, Lucy enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, camping, traveling, and reading.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Hosted by Amanda Pearch

Produced by Dan Braverman

Helen Panos with Dynamis Learning and Shariff James & Gary Carr with Mission GalaCON

July 18, 2024 by Mike

Gary Carr, Shariff James, Helen Panos, Harper Lebel

Helen Panos/Dynamis Learning

Dynamis Learning is a K-12 Tutoring/SAT/ACT Prep, Advocacy & Academic Planning Company. They also help with college essay writing, college application assistance, and Governor’s Honors Program. The company assists students in-person in the metro Atlanta area, and virtually nationwide. Helen also hosts the Smart Parents Successful Students Podcast.

Shariff James & Gary Carr/Mission GalaCON

Mission GalaCON 2024 is an exceptional event that combines an interactive conference focused on business and personal growth, led by leading figures in the industry. The conference culminates with a spectacular Black-Tie Gala that celebrates the emerging you. This conference targets a diverse audience of professionals and entrepreneurs committed to personal development while making a conscious effort to impact their communities. Scheduled for September 27-28, 2024 at the Westin Atlanta Gwinnett and Gas South Convention Center in Duluth, tickets are available online here.

Gwinnett Business Radio is presented by

Hosted by Harper LeBel and Mike Sammond
Produced by Dan Braverman

The Amazing Story of Hellman-Chang Fine Furniture

July 17, 2024 by Mike

Daniel Hellman, J.D. Mealor, and Eric Chang

Host J.D. Mealor is joined by Daniel Hellman and Eric Chang, the Owners and Founders of Hellman-Chang, a company that is redefining modern living by creating boldly designed, handcrafted studio furniture lines. Designed in Brooklyn, and hand-crafted in Georgia, listen to the amazing story of how Hellman-Chang began as a labor of love between two 10-year-old best friends and has grown into a prestigious company that has set a new bar for timeless American Design and bespoke quality and craftsmanship.

J.D. Mealor is Senior Vice President and North Georgia Market Executive for Regions Bank. His podcast series, “Regions Business Radio”, covers financial topics such as banking and lending, mortgages, wealth management and more. The program also allows listeners to get to know some of the top executives from Regions Bank.

About Regions:

Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $145 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest, and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,400 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

This information is general in nature and is provided for educational purposes only. Regions makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented and Regions does not accept liability for any direct or indirect loss stemming from the application of any material. Information provided and statements made by employees of Regions should not be relied on or interpreted as accounting, financial planning, investment, legal or tax advice. Regions encourages you to consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and irs.gov for current tax rules.

DeeDee Trotter, Olympic Champion and Owner of Taste of Gold Bakery

July 12, 2024 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

DeeDee Trotter/Taste of Gold Bakery

DeeDee Trotter, Olympic Champion and Owner of Taste of Gold Bakery, exploded on the Elite Track and Field scene in 2004. That year, she would win the prestigious NCAA title and become an Olympic finalist in the 400 meters, finishing fifth overall. Her Olympic debut was capped by a gold medal in the 4x400m relay, and she concluded the year ranked fourth in the world. DeeDee is a three-time World Champion in the 4×400 meter relay, a three-time 400 meter U.S. Champion, and a three-time Olympian, accomplishments that rank her amongst the greatest female athletes in the world.

Shortly after the 2008 Olympic games, DeeDee would have a knee surgery that would ultimately set her back three years, and many thought her career was over and done with. Trotter continued to push on despite her inability to compete at the level she once achieved with grace and ease. She set her sights on the 2012 London Olympics and refused to take anything less than a victory back home. Step by step, she climbed her way from the bottom to the top, having the most consistent season of her entire career and once again earning a chance at the Olympic gold. In London, Trotter unleashed her inner warrior on the track to clinch her first individual Olympic medal, bringing home the bronze in the women’s 400m race. She would also lead the United States 4x400m relay to a Gold medal, giving her team an almost 10-meter lead over the entire field as the USA’s first leg.

DeeDee has been sharing her motivational message all over the world. She uses her personal experiences as a 400 meter sprinter and her journey to the Olympic podium to motivate others to pursue and achieve their dreams. DeeDee believes that encouraging others to believe in themselves is one of her greatest gifts and purpose of her life.

After competing 13 years as a professional athlete, DeeDee pursued her dream of becoming a professional pastry chef. At the age of 39, she graduated from the art institute of Atlanta with a perfect 4.0 GPA, which earned her Valedictorian and Top Pastry Students honors. Deedee is now living her dream as the Head Pastry Chef at one of the top golf clubs in Atlanta and she is also the Executive Chef of her own bakery, cleverly named “Taste of Gold”!

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Hosted by Amanda Pearch

Alex Horwitz with FirstKey Homes and Paris & James Williams with Next Level Financial

July 11, 2024 by Mike

Alex Horwitz, Paris Williams, James Williams

Alex Horwitz/FirstKey Homes

FirstKey Homes, LLC, is a privately owned single-family rental home property management company with corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

With a mission to give their family of residents a place to call home, FirstKey Homes provides safe, affordable, and well-maintained homes located in 29 markets across the West, Midwest, and Southeast. FirstKey Homes manages approximately 52,000 homes through local operations in 14 markets nationwide.

Paris Williams & James Williams/Next Level Financial

Next Level Financial helps to advance entrepreneurial companies by providing CFO expertise to service based businesses, helping them scale by going from reactive to proactive.

Based in Suwanee, GA, they have developed a CFO system that just works! Next Level specializes in partnering with busy CEOs and founders in Atlanta Metro, in the 5-20 million dollar revenue range, who are eager to grow but lack financial confidence. Their core offer includes revenue optimization, evaluation of financial statements, cash flow management and a dynamic forecast.

Gwinnett Business Radio is presented by

Hosted by Harper LeBel and Steven Julian
Produced by Dan Braverman