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WHY EVERY WOMAN NEEDS ONE Ariel Shaw,M BA Kenya Simmons Alicia A. Williams Demetria Winters Ayanna Ford Yvette D. Best
Using Real Estate As An Iinvestment Tool By Kenya Simmons
www.homesalloveratlanta.com
...There are two primary ways to make money from real estate...appreciation...and rental income. This loan effectively pays off your existing mortgage and allows you to receive cash for a portion of the equity you have built, which could then be put toward the purchase of a second property. The beauty of utilizing Real Estate as a wealth building tool is, you have so many options and scenarios that you can use to get to that goal. Also, I encourage people that want to use Real Estate as a wealth building tool to educate yourselves and even get your real estate license so that you know the ins and outs of what you were doing. It is important to understand that you have to be strategic in the properties that you purchase so that they are solid investments, and therefore minimize your risks.
have been a Realtor for 20 years and I'm often asked, “How Can I Use Real Estate To Build Wealth?” One of the ways is to buy an investment property and slowly build up your portfolio. Generally, there are two primary ways to make money from real estate assets — appreciation, which is an increase in property value over a period of time, and rental income collected by renting out the property to tenant. Unlike the stock market, I feel that Real Estate is a more solid way to obtain wealth, but it requires patience, strategy and longevity. Real estate investment is not a “get-rich-quick scheme.” Instead, it's a long-term strategy that can steadily build wealth over time. As you continue to own and manage properties, their value appreciates, and your equity grows. Diversifying your investment portfolio is a crucial wealthbuilding strategy. For me personally, my first real estate investment was our primary residence. We lived in that home for a few years and then moved onto a larger home and took that home and rented it out and started our journey of investing in real estate and building our portfolio. Ideally, if you can purchase properties without a loan, that is a great way to go but realistically most people cannot and that’s okay , however we were able to purchase homes using our own resources therefore, we did not have a mortgage and any money that we made from those properties is mostly profit. However, one way that you could begin to build your real estate portfolio is doing a cash out refinance. What does that mean? Cash-out refinancing is another way you can tap the equity in your existing home to help purchase a second property. With a cash-out refinance, you take out a new mortgage for an amount higher than what you owe on your existing mortgage.
A lot of investors will use leverage as a tool in building a portfolio and with anything particularly investments there's the pros and cons But if utilized properly, it can be effective in helping you Increase your portfolio and make money which is the ultimate goal here. What does leverage mean? Leveraging is a technique that real estate investors use to increase potential returns and build wealth over the long term. Also known as other people’s money (OPM), real estate leverage involves using debt plus a small amount of equity in the form of a down payment to purchase investment property. For example, by making a $30,000 or 25% down payment on a $120,000 single-family rental (SFR) home, an investor collects 100% of the rental income and net cash flow, plus any profit from the increase in equity over the long term. However, the real estate market and rent prices can go down as well as up, just like the stock market. That’s why it’s important to use leverage wisely when growing a real estate portfolio. A down payment can help investors avoid potential negative monthly cash flow if rent prices decline or vacancy rates increase and owning a property that is upside down if real estate values decline and the mortgage balance exceeds the property value. My grandfather used to tell us when we were younger that you could never lose with real estate. When I was younger, of course, I didn't know what that meant until I began to purchase properties and build our wealth using the Real Estate. I completely understood. With any type of investment, there are risks and there are pros and cons, but Real Estate I have personally found to be the investment tool that I prefer and that works for me and with any investment you have to weather the storm , when the market is up when it is down, but in the long run of things , it will give you the returns you need to build wealth utilizing real estate. If done correctly, you can comfortably retire and have income from your real estate investments flowing in steadily for generations. Let me help you realize your goals! SOUTHERN CRESCENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Meet The Ladies
Making Policy Behind The Scenes from
CORPORATE to GOVERNMENT Representation
Women Lobbyists GOVERNMENT TO CORPORATE By Ariel Shaw, MBA & Brandeis Parkman, JD
The world of Lobbyists looks quite different today than even a decade ago. We catch up with a few women who are making their mark in a space that has been traditionally held overwhelmingly by white males. Meet the women who are effecting policy behind the scenes for government, nonprofits and corporate clients. First, let’s learn more about this field. What is a lobbyist? A lobbyist is a hired or volunteer advocate who influences an elected body to push a specific policy or political cause. Why are companies, nonprofits, government entities and organizations hiring lobbyists? Lobbyists are hired because of their knowledge of the legislative process, ability to offer keen analysis of policy, and for their relationships with decisionmakers. What makes your group of women lobbyists so unique? The women are comprised of a cross-representation of in-house government relations executives and contract lobbyists with clients who makeup non-profit, government and Fortune 500 companies throughout the state. What makes them unique is their ability to overcome odds and excel in a profession where there is very little representation. What key legislation or policies have any of the ladies been able to help push through? Addressed maternal mortality by advocating for the expansion of Medicaid from 30 days to twelve months for new mothers; Helped create a right to action for state and county employees who experience sexual harassment to protect dignity at work; Advocated for regulatory safeguards for economic development authority boards; Expansion of the DNA Database; Protection/Expansion of the HOPE ScholarshipGrant; State forgivable school loan for dental professional who locate in rural communities; Funding for infrastructure and programs at public university; Defended against the Atlanta Airport Takeover.
Is this field uniquely white and male? What challenges do women and black women face in this field? How do they overcome them? Traditionally policy and political work has skewed white and male. However, this year, Georgia saw the largest and most diverse class of new legislators and this is reflected not only in the chambers, but also in the hallways where we do most of our work. It’s all tied to growth and population of Georgia. We are glad to be pat of that growth and change in our state. What challenges do women and black women face in this field? How do they overcome them? The challenges black women face in this field are similar to the challenges faced in other fields. Until there are greater systemic changes and equity across our culture this is something that every woman will experience. As black women lobbyists we come into this work to make a difference by building relationships, educating clients on the importance of engagement with elected officials, and by providing knowledgeable, trust-worthy information to stakeholders. Now meet a few of the women making changes quietly behind the scenes.
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Yosha Dotson Yosha Dotson has been involved in the creation of effective partnerships and interactions across the state at the local, department, regional and federal level. She has worked with coalitions, legislators, the governor’s office, and the lieutenant governor’s office to secure funding, create Commissions, and pass legislation to improve the lives of Georgians across the state. Yosha’s areas of focus include Health, Insurance, Public Health /Safety, Economy, and Workforce policies.
Yosha’s slate of accomplishments include: Work with legislative leadership to build and diversify the Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission, ensuring the largest overhaul of the Behavioral Health system in Georgia in more than 20 years; increased state dollars for investment trends instead of the decreases which had plagued previous years; advocacy for the expansion of Medicaid coverage from 30 days to twelve months to address maternal health service gaps; secured paid parental leave for state employees. Yosha’s passion is to see the education and empowerment of people that will spark engagement and result in the implementation of better policy at the state and local level.
A North Carolina native, Yosha received her undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and her Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia. She and her husband reside in Duluth, Georgia.
Deanna Harris With over ten years of experience, Deanna Harris has serviced several industries: transportation, small business, municipalities, education, technology, and law enforcement. Her mission is to provide unique industry perspectives based on her political experience, knowledge, and relationships to connect and highlight the relationship between industry and policy. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and received her bachelor degree in Advertising and Marketing at Florida State University. She then earned a Master in Journalism and Public Communications from Cleveland State University.
DeAnna Harris is a dedicated community advocate recognized for her unwavering commitment to fostering positive change and social impact. DeAnna's journey in community advocacy began in Tallahassee, Florida, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges marginalized populations face. This experience fueled her determination to make a difference and led her to engage actively in various community initiatives. DeAnna Harris's leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to community advocacy, receiving accolades from local organizations and community leaders. Her ability to mobilize resources, build strategic partnerships, and drive impactful initiatives has set her apart as a trailblazer in her field. She is a member of Keep Cobb Beautiful, the Conservative Policy Leadership Institute Alumni Board, and the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce. DeAnna has served on several nonprofit boards, including Live Safe Resource Center, Habitat for Humanity Northwest, and Family Life Restoration Center. She has also participated in several leadership programs, including Cobb Chamber's Honorary Commanders and Next Generation Mentoring. DeAnna enjoys watching the Atlanta Falcons, playing tennis, and spending time with her family. DeAnna is a long-time Cobb County, Georgia resident. She is a member of Zion Baptist Church in Marietta, Ga.
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She previously served on the board for the Black Women’s Health Imperative and as Vice Chair for the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project. She is also a former member of the Anti-Defamation League’s Charles F. Wittenstein Advisory Committee, the Atlanta Citizen Review Board, and Gen 44 Atlanta Finance Committee for the DNC. A strong community advocate, Labriah is based in Atlanta, Georgia where she resides with her husband Kevin Holt and twins Avery Rose and Austin.
Labriah Lee Holt Labriah Lee Holt is a Vice President in BGR Group’s State and Local Advocacy practice. Labriah brings to BGR her extensive state and local government advocacy experience across corporate, association, legal, and government settings. Through her career in advocacy and law, she has strong relationships with Democratic policymakers across the U.S. Most recently, she served as State Government Affairs Director for Microsoft, where she led outreach across the southeast to regional state and local officeholders on artificial intelligence, cloud adoption, datacenter expansion, cyber security, privacy, education, and broadband priorities. Through her expertise in partner engagement, Labriah also helped shape the company’s bipartisan relationships with United States Conference of Mayors (USCOM), Attorneys General Associations, and served on the Business Council of the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) to help strengthen public and private relationships to advance communities. She also served as the Northeast Regional Director of Outreach for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) where she was eventually named the National Director. In these roles, Labriah worked with federal, state, and local leaders throughout the country to coalition build and advance policy. Labriah was recognized by the New York State Assembly and received a Congressional Proclamation from Congressman Charles Rangel for her work and service within the NYC community. Labriah began her career at Alston & Bird LLP where she served as a Senior Associate focused on intellectual property. In this role, she counseled Fortune 100 companies and nonprofit organizations on patent, trademark, copyright, social media, and brand protection matters
Jasmine King Jasmine King was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. She attended the University of Georgia and graduated Cum Laude with degrees in mass media arts and communication studies. While at UGA, Jasmine was a cheerleader and served as a captain her senior year. After graduation she worked for Governor Nathan Deal’s administration, where she served as the Special Assistant to the First Lady as well as the Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff and Executive Counsel. At the conclusion of Deal’s term, Jasmine went on to pursue a career in government affairs. She was the Director of State & Federal Government Affairs at Georgia Southern University before becoming the Senior Director of State & Federal Affairs for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Currently, Jasmine resides in Atlanta and serves as the Legislative Affairs Representative on the Georgia Power Legislative Affairs team.
Labriah attended Vanderbilt University and the Howard University School of Law, where she was a merit scholar and member of the Howard Law Journal. She currently serves on the board of CareerRise to help advance economic mobility through partnerships and systems that meet employer needs for talent and connect metro Atlanta residents to sustainable wage careers in quality jobs. SOUTHERN CRESCENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Meciala S. King Meciala S. King works as Legislative Affairs and Political Action Committee Associate for the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. She is responsible for cultivating relationships with state legislative policy makers across Metro Atlanta and the State of Georgia. Prior to joining the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Meciala was a practicing real estate attorney. An Atlanta native, she attended Georgia State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with a minor in African American Studies. In 2019, Meciala graduated from John Marshall Law School located in Atlanta, Georgia. Meciala is a member of the Georgia State Bar and currently sits on the Board of Trustees for the Georgia Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Supreme Court of Georgia. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Fatimot Ladipo Fatimot Ladipo is Associate Vice President Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Spelman College, the #1 HBCU in the country. In this role, she serves as the primary liaison for Spelman College with elected officials and staff, government agencies, and with the local community. Prior to joining Spelman, Fatimot worked for The Coca-Cola Company as Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability for the South Zone, a 19-state/territory region. Some of her duties included leading a team responsible for public affairs, government relations, stakeholder partnerships, strategic communications, sustainability and community-related programming. Fatimot has worked in both the public and private sectors serving as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) in the City of Atlanta, where she managed the IGA team and was the lead lobbyist on state and federal legislative issues and prior to her work with the city she served as Regional Director for External Affairs for AT&T, advancing their legislative and regulatory agenda at the local and state level while also working with the AT&T Foundation, administering local grants. Fatimot has worked at other higher education institutions in government relations roles, including the Georgia Institute of Technology and Kennesaw State University, where she was responsible for lobbying federal, state, and local officials and developing action plans that focused on getting public and private support for student and faculty research and programming. Fatimot graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies and earned a Master of Science in Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a proud native of Atlanta.
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Brandeis Malbrue Parkman Brandeis Malbrue Parkman has made a career at the intersection of business, government and community. In 2022, Brandeis launched The Malbrue Group, a boutique lobbying and public affairs firm to advocate for startups and other organizations at the federal, state & local levels of government. She spent nearly 25 years building partnerships between corporate America, legislatures, and southern cities. As a contract lobbyist, Brandeis has represented major corporations from Google to Racetrac, tech startups such as PrizePicks, and municipal governments to include Clayton County, Georgia. Her political savvy and deeply rooted bipartisan relationships are well-respected under the Gold Dome. Her early work was influenced by leaders in the local Atlanta civil rights movement. Brandeis was a community organizer and led Black Youth Vote in partnership with the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda. She has worked on state and local elections, trained aspiring officeholders and advised elected officials, serving as an aide to the Georgia Senate Minority Caucus leader and later as chief of staff in the Georgia State House. Recognized for her leadership commitment to her community, Brandeis served on the 2021 transition team for Henry County Commission Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell. She also serves on the board of the Georgia WIN List where she was also a member of the 2018 Georgia Win List leadership class. Brandeis is a proud graduate of Spelman College and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Georgia State University College of Law. She resides in Henry County, GA with her husband Legery and sons Mason “Dash” and Koda.
Ryland Needom McClendon Ryland Needom McClendon’s career has included a broad and deep portfolio of experiences as a policy maker, transit professional, senior staffer and contract lobbyist for over five decades in local government and public transit. Currently, McClendon is a contract lobbyist collaborating with the Georgia Public Affairs (GPA) team. She used her experience working with local and state governments to join the GPA team. The team represents Fulton County Board of Commissioners as their State Lobbyists. The GPA team was successful in Fulton County receiving funding during the 2023 Legislative Session for a much-needed mental health crisis center in the County. McClendon also worked on the team when GPA represented the City of East Point in 2021 and worked to pass municipal option sales tax legislation for water and sewer repairs for the City of East Point. The team also represented Clayton County in 2019.McClendon’s previous transit career included five years on the MARTA Board of Directors, 1990–1995 representing the City of Atlanta. Elected Chairperson of the MARTA Board,1991 –1992, McClendon set strategic policy direction, served on national and regional transportation governing boards, supported transit funding re-authorization, and served as a liaison to local governments and other MARTA stakeholders. McClendon was the first African American and woman to lead the MARTA Board. In 2005, McClendon returned to MARTA as the Assistance General Manager (AGM) of MARTA’s Department of Communications & External Affairs and worked closely with four General Manager/CEOs. As AGM, she was instrumental in building strong external relationships with the community and government officials, coordinating MARTA’s national and local legislative efforts, advancing media relations, and enhancing the image and reputation of MARTA. Under her leadership, her team successfully passed state legislation leading to billions in transit funding in Atlanta and Clayton County. McClendon retired from MARTA in 2018.An Atlanta native, McClendon earned her B.S. degree in Urban Life and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Georgia State University. SOUTHERN CRESCENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS MAGAZINE
EXPRESS TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES
THE REINVENTION WHY EVERY WOMAN NEEDS ONE By Ariel Shaw, MBA
As a woman, simply changing your lifestyle, negative habits, or negative surroundings will allow you to reinvent yourself. Sometimes those habits may not be deemed as negative, as a reinvention does not require an item to be negative. However, one has to ask themselves,”Am I At My Highest Level?” If that answer is no, one must take inventory and adjust accordingly. Do you realize that most businesses do not fail because of the start up phase, but they fail because of their inability to reinvigorate and transform----and scale. This concept is exactly the same for your personal life. If you do not evolve, you will die spiritually. Your gift and what you were destined to do, destined to create, destined to lead, and destined to birth---will die. Your purpose in life must be pursued with an urgency. Every woman at a point in their lives, must determine when their reinvention stage exist. They must be able to quiet the noise around them to be able to hear and understand what phase of life they are in. And then move.
Life is about experiencing new and exciting moments. Therefore you must apply that same mindset to your personal and business life. I am at a reinvention stage and so is Southern Crescent Women In Business. The assessment to ensure that I am doing what I love and what is needed for greatest impact is what I am evaluating. While we are at a peak, it is important to ensure the mission and values remain, and that we are aligning with individuals who want to see myself and the organization strategically grow to new heights. einvention requires one to adjust items in one’s life that no longer benefit them. The dictionary defines it as “the action or process through which something is changed so much that it appears to be entirely new.” As a woman and as a business person, this concept is vey important. As business women, we never want anything to become stale or too repetitive. Life is about experiencing new and exciting moments. Therefore you must apply that same mindset to your personal and business life. Before you decide what needs to be altered, changed, or removed, you must conduct a hard assessment at what is working and the value, if any, that it brings. As women, most of us are natural nurturers and givers. Some give more and those individuals are those that benefit most from a reinvention and reassessement, to ensure that they are not feeding or contributing to a non-reciprocating hole. Once assessed, finite action is required.
What God has for me is so vast, that it is important that I am not limited from people, their small thinking, or their jealous ways. I pray that you are a part of this new phase, but bid you well for those who do not make the journey. This is personal.
Ariel Shaw, MBA is the Founder and President of Southern Crescent Women In Business Inc, a nonprofit organization, founded to support women in business and women-owned business. She has expanded that brand with a magazine, podcast, and more. Ariel is a political and business consultant and the owner of a logistical management firm. Learn more at www.arielshaw.com and follow her n all social media platforms.
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Shonkeya Shaw
KEYA DID IT BEAUTY N BROWZ, LLC
Lets welcome Shonkeya Shaw of Keya Did It Beauty N Browz, LLC to Southern Crescent Women In Business! Keya is a professional makeup artist that specializes in brow beauty, but provides full face, beauty consultations, offers a product line, and more. Shonkeya shares that "I enjoy ENHANCING the BEAUTY in which, you already carry!" Welcome Shonkey back to SCWIB! Learn more about Beauty N Browz at www.keyadiditbeautynbrowz.com. Follow her on all social media platforms!
Chelsea Speaks 101TKO RADIO
Dr. Chichi Nwankwo Ezeike MD, MPH,CHC REJUVENATE HEALTH
Chichi Nwankwo Ezeike. is a Doctor, Health Coach, Public Health Professional, and U.S. Navy Veteran. She started her health journey when diagnosed with Hypertension. She found a program that taught me that being healthy is not just eating healthy and exercising rather, being healthy includes every aspect of my life. This is why she is eager to work with you as a Health Coach on your journey to rejuvenate your health. As a Wellness Coach, Helping to educate clients instead of giving them information that will overwhelm them about being healthy, Dr. Chi Chi specializes in clients with Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, and are interested in Weight Loss. Learn more at rejuvenateinhealth.com.
Trameka Walker
IMMINENT CARE INSURANCE LLC Lets welcome Trameka Walker of Imminent Care Insurance, LLC to Southern Crescent Women In Business! In the healthcare insurance space as a broker, Trameka specializes in all things insurance for those uninsured, underinsured or those looking for other health coverage options. Trameka believes in supporting other women "Yes, because I believe we should support each other, since we have something to offer. Also, it’s empowering to see more women being successful and independent." Follow and connect with Trameka at Imminent Care Insurance, LLC on all social media platforms and by visiting Bit.ly/twalker1.
Linnell Edwards
LINNELL THE LENDER Lets welcome back Mortgage Broker Linnell Edwards to Southern Crescent Women In Business! Coined as "Linnell The Lender." Specializing in all things mortgages. Licensed in: AL, CA, DC, FL, GA, IN, IA, KS, NC, TN. Learn more at www.barrettfinancial.com/ledwards and follow Linnell Edwards NMLS #1636076 on all social media outlets!
Lets welcome Chelsea Speaks of 101 TKO Radio to Southern Crescent Women In Business. They provide you with radio media opportunities to get your message out and are located in the Stonecrest area. Chelsea states "I believe in supporting other women in business because it is the essence of business, itself. I truly believe it's unfair to ask what cannot be happily given. I also believe that supporting other women brings happiness mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. My other brand being Women Are D.O.P.E., supporting women speaks to the nature of who I am, as well." To connect or learn more visit https://www.101tkoradio.com and follow her on all social media platforms.