Huami Magazine St. Louis Jan./Feb. 2022

Jan./Feb. 2022

Volume 1 Issue 6

My Expectations and The Truth

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A

Letter From The Editor

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter from the Editor

I would have to say that I grew up poor by world standards. I never felt like it because my mother constantly poured unconditional love into my other siblings and me. Her love wouldn’t allow me to focus on what I didn’t have or anything I could be missing. However, as life happened, I realized that when compared to others, my experiences were more complex. Even still, I had the opportunity to overcome them.

A Letter from the Editor

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

One of the most important things I learned from my upbringing is that the truth will always override my expectations. The very first car that I owned, I purchased for myself. It wasn’t a new vehicle, but it was mine. It had a few dents, and the tires didn’t match either. The heat or air conditioning didn’t work, and the exhaust pipe would shake like a leaf when I started the car, probably because it was being held in place by the wiring of a close hanger. With all of its imperfections, my car was a beauty in my sight, and I was very appreciative to own it.

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.

Though it seemed like I drove that car for all eternity, it only survived one year with me. I didn’t keep gas in the fuel tank, and I never changed the oil either. I drove it fast, and on cold mornings I didn’t allow it to warm up. Rarely did I bathe it or even provide it with routine or preventative maintenance, and before I knew it, my first and only method of transportation slowed down and shut off in the middle of the road.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.

See, I expected my car to run forever, but the truth is I never did anything to ensure that it would. I expected my car to go when I needed it to but never considered my thoughtless and erratic treatment’s impact on it. I expected to ride forever, but the truth is I never invested in my cars’ future.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

I’m saying that we will only get out of life what we put into it. How will we ever expect to know God if we never spend time with Him? My goal in life is to win. For this to happen, I must be willing to do what is necessary to win and align myself with what is true, which is God’s expectations.

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Terry L. Watson

mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844

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HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

Learn more about the founder of DMK Consults LLC. Kansas City, MO

By Terry L. Watson

Styled By Mel

Melina Lewis of St. Louis, MO has found her purpose in life. While she is known to be outgoing and goal-oriented, at her core, Melina says she’s just a little girl who refuses to accept no for an answer.

Melina is the first to graduate college in her family. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Textile, Merchandise, & Design from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 2012. While that was a huge accomplishment, giving birth to her daughter Ahmi in 2020 with her fiancé, Andrew pulls a great deal more on Melina’s heart.

As a young growing up, Melina shares that her household didn’t resemble that of her peers. “My younger sister Meghan and I were raised by our grandmother Essie Purnell in St. Louis. My family dynamic was different but was full of love. That love carried and comforted me throughout my young adult years,” she says.

Melina is a mother, sister, fiancé, businesswoman, and braid artist that specializes in braids, twists, locs, and natural hair care. Her brand name is Style By Mel. Melina developed a passion for brading at the age of 10 but says she didn’t realize her gift until the moment arose and she needed it. “After graduating college, I worked different jobs trying to find something that I was passionate about. I worked a few jobs, but none fulfilled me, and soon I was unemployed. I would braid different family members’ hair in my grandmother’s living room to keep my mind occupied. Soon I developed a steady clientele of two to three people per week. Next, I made an Instagram account, business cards, and flyers and distributed them to different beauty supply

stores in the city to get my name out; it worked. The success I have enjoyed over the last five years is a testament to treating people right, having integrity, and creating a safe environment for my brothers and sisters to be seen and heard,” she says.

Melina loves the opportunities her profession allows for her to meet so many beautiful individuals who have unique stories. Her encounters also allow Melina to bond and develop lifelong relationships.

While Melina says her inspiration comes from within, when she looks back over her life, she realizes it’s the challenges she’s faced and battles she’s won that push her to be better than the day before.

When asked who has impacted her life the most, she says Dr. Kari Williams, the creator of the Goddess Locs. “She has a tremendous impact on my life and career. I initially met her in 2018 at her very first Celebrity Natural Hair & Braiding Academy in Los Angeles, CA. I was immediately drawn to how confident, calm, and relaxed she was. She is a trailblazer in the hair industry, and I am honored to have her as a mentor,” Melina shares.

Melina admits that she wouldn’t be where she is in her career had she not stepped out on faith, and her advice to anyone who may follow in her footsteps echoes that. “Get out of your head and just go for it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because you can only go so far on your own,” she says.

The future for Styled by Mel appears to be bright. She has recently become a certified DK Goddess Loc Master under Dr. Kari Williams. She is also looking forward to branching into the fashion space and putting her degree to use. “Styling celebrities has been my dream as a child, whether it be their braids or their red carpet gowns. I know one day my dream will come true.”

To learn more about Styled by Mel, please visit her social media pages or contact her directly.

Monica Montgomery

The Happy Pen Creative Writing Services

By Terry L. Watson

For Monica Montgomery, her life has happened by way of the right opportunities.

Writing is something that Monica realized a love for early in life. The East Saint Louis, MO native was raised by a single mother and is the youngest in the family of four. She grew up and still resides in East St. Louis and shares she was blessed to be exposed to the greatness that East St. Louis is known for.

“I come from a creative family, so writing was a natural path for me. I love reading stories about mysterious people and magical places. However, it wasn’t until I wrote my first short story for the Young Author’s contest in the 5th grade that I believed I could create those people and places. The entire class was asked to write a story for the contest. I complained to my sister that I didn’t know what to write about. Annoyed, she said the most random thing she could think of. “Write about The Backwards City of Page.” She rattled it off as if it was a real place, and I should have known where and what it was. Then she said, “It’s where everything is backward!” With her help, I wrote my first piece of fiction. I was hooked from that day on,” Monica says.

Monica is the owner of The Happy Pen Creative Writing Services. Her company offers writing seminars, coaching sessions, and commercial writing for websites and personal projects.

Monica received a scholarship to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. She completed her Bachelor’s of Arts, English Literature, and music minor at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and received her MFA, Fiction Writing from Lindenwood University, St. Charles. In 2020 she was selected to participate in the East St. Louis Urban Education Teaching Residency Program. The program was an intense ten-month accelerated Master’s degree program and helped Monica earn a Master’s in Elementary Education from National Louis University.

Today, Monica works as a first-grade teacher at Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence in East St. Louis. Professionally, she has written, directed, and produced several Christian plays and skits for her church’s youth group and spent the last fifteen years volunteering and mentoring youth in dramatic arts.

Her first short story was published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, “Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul,” in 2006. She has written her first novel series, “An Everlasting Love”. The first two books, An Everlasting Love: Concrete Soul and The Summer of Carlos, are available for purchase on Amazon. com, and the third book of the series will be released in June 2022. Additionally, she writes for I Am East St. Louis the Magazine and serves as V.P. at Top Dog Studios, a St. Louis-based independent film group.

Monica says what she enjoys most about writing is the ability to create a place of learning and escape simultaneously. “I love reading because I get to travel to far-off places and meet people from every walk of life and beyond. When I write, I don’t just want to tell a story; I want to create a space where the author, reader, and character meet in a harmonious ebb and flow. A place where one doesn’t exist without the other. The highest praise is when the reader or audience refers to a character as independent, free-thinking. I’ve had people walk up to me and say they have a love-hate relationship with one of my characters. The word that stuck out to me was relationship. As an educator, I love when a student gets it. Whether it be a first-grader learning to count by ten or someone taking up the challenge of writing, the light in their eyes is the same. It’s like a door they weren’t aware of opens, and they are breathing for the first time. It’s amazing to watch,” she says.

Like anyone else, Monica says she could spend hours talking about her wounds, woes, and regrets, but it wouldn’t change anything. Ultimately, it has been her trust in God that has carried her throughout her life. She shares, “In my late twenties, I was diagnosed with cancer. I have been in remission for fourteen years now, but it was a wake-up call. I could no longer wait for the life I wanted. I had to go out and get it. I never imagined myself as an author and a teacher. When I entered the Young Author’s contest in 5th grade, my teacher said she believed she had heard the story before and accused me of cheating. I knew I hadn’t, but it didn’t matter. I won second place in the district. The first prize went to a 6th grader. My teacher never apologized. and the damage was done. I have no children of my own, but I realized that my words and what I create with them are just as important to me as a child would be. Being honest meant exposing my “baby” to the world and subjecting it to public scrutiny and rejection. Any parent can tell you that hearing that your child isn’t good enough is painful, to say the least. To my surprise and excitement, readers are my writings, and I continue to trust God.”

Monica says the one thing she would have changed about her journey in life would be publishing an essay back in high school. “I believe it would have gotten me into professional writing much sooner. Then again, would I have gained the experience that I think contributed to the person I am today? Destinations are great, but life is in the journey,” she says. h

By Dorjea’ McClammey

Photos Provided by Chrissy Bryant Photography

According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, one definition of fashion is to give shape or form to make, construct, or create (something), usually with careful attention or by using imagination and ingenuity. In so many words, this clearly defines who Stephanie Hobbs is.

The talented fashion stylist developed a passion for fashion as a young girl. Stephanie was born and raised in the small town of Moro, Arkansas and learned early on about the importance of looking appropriate for every moment. “As a little girl, I would walk around in my mother’s high heels. I also inherited my mother’s style and sense of fashion, “she says.

Amongst her friends, she was known to be very stylish. She’s always had a passion for styling others for any event, big or small. While attending these events, people would notice their unique style and ask who created such a look. Initially, Stephanie had no desire to develop her craft of styling others into a business, but she decided to go for it after prayer and careful consideration. On June 16, 2018, Style Me Stephanie was launched at The Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

During the launch, Stephanie hosted a fashion show that showcased her styling skills. The models’ looks were created using existing pieces from their wardrobe, and Stephanie simply added the Style Me Stephanie signature, which is a pop of color. As a result of the amazing job performed by Stephanie, she began to receive calls for other shows, speaking engagements, and personal styling sessions. Style Me Stephanie was on the move.

Style Me Stephanie has a range of services which includes personal/fashion styling and wardrobe, personal shopping, virtual styling, photoshoot consultations, closet revamps, fashion show coordination, and her own product line. Additionally, she is a Brand Ambassador for Bag It Up Boutique in Arkansas, SBDNC Apparel in Georgia, Lead Wardrobe Stylist for Chrissy Bryant Photography, and an Independent Contractor with Q Clothier. She also began offering model training in 2019.

What makes it all worth it for Stephanie? She says, “It’s the positive feedback I receive from my clients after styling them. I also help to build their confidence and boost their self-esteem. I desire that my clients be the best version of themselves. I want to inspire, motivate, and educate others through fashion.” Her clientele includes county clerks, judges, social butterflies, and elite circles.

Because the Fashion Industry is forever changing, Stephanie understands the importance of staying relevant. Stephanie educates herself on the latest fashion trends and posts daily style tips on the Style Me Stephanie Facebook page to keep her clients and followers in the know of the latest trends. She has even learned from Celebrity Stylist J. Bolin by participating in his Fashion Boot Camp. “J Bolin is my biggest inspiration. I see so much of myself in him. He loves color, and he started out styling his clients from their closets, just like me. I’m his biggest fan,” she shares.

In the future, Stephanie desires to become more involved in her community by giving back financially and educating teenage girls in fashion and etiquette. Her advice to others is “If you have a passion, don’t be afraid to explore it and make it happen for yourself.”

Please visit her website to learn more about Stephanie and her fantastic styling skills.

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Justin Camper Law, LLC

By Terry L Watson

Camper

Attorney Justin Camper says his life’s mission is to be a “Champion of Purpose”. He believes God created everyone for a purpose to do something to make the world better.

Justin is known from his clients for being a genuine and passionate advocate, who goes above and beyond to provide the best results possible. He is a small business and trademark attorney located in Northwest Indiana. Justin completed his educational journer through Purdue University Northwest and obtained an undergraduate degree in Political Science. He received his law degree from Valparaiso University Law School.

Next, Justin began practicing law as a Lake County Prosecutor in Indiana. He worked in the Prosecutor Office for one and a half years before transtioning to several law firms ranging in the areas of business, criminal defense, civil litigation, and municipal law. He also briefly worked as an Administrative Law Judge for unemployment. Today, he works in his own practice, Justin Camper Law, LLC, which he started in August 2020. He also works with Stidham Legal, P.C. as a contract attorney assisting with criminal cases.

Within his practice, Justin says his main area of law is to provide small business legal services. These include, but are not limited to, LLC/nonprofit formation, contracts (drafting and reviewing), online legal protection, trademarks, copyrights, and business litigation.

Justin shares he knows the process of hiring an attorney is often accompanied with many questions, and that is why he firm works to ensure every clients understands the services they are being provided with. “The first step is for us to work with our clients and come up with a plan to get the results they need. Through our understanding of the law and your understanding of the circumstances, we will craft a path to success,” he says.

As an attorney, Justin shares he loves being able to help small business owners fulfill their dreams. “I am a small business owner, so I know what it is like to have a dream and vision of building a business. It gives me so much passion to help future entrepreneurs and current business owners protect and grow their business using legal strategies from my firm,” he says. “I’m inspired and motivated by small business owners who pursue an idea that helps change the lives of people. My vision is to live in a world where people can use their gifts and talents to create products and services that enable them to live in their God-given purpose.”

Justin shares he truly grateful for all that he has encountered as an attorney, including the many ups and dows. He also shares if he could change anything about his journey, he would have focused more on business law from law school and taken on opportunities that would have given him experience for the type of law he practices now.,” he says.

To anyone who is thinking of pursuing a career as an attorney, specifically business attorney, Justin offers some helpful advice. He says, “Fearlessly pursue your goal. If you want to be a small business attorney, do your best in law school and make great relationships with your colleagues, professors, lawyers, and businesses in your area.”

In the future, Justin hopes to eventually expand his law firm and focus on different practice areas such as real estate and entertainment law. He also would like to advocate for small businesses and nonprofits continually through the government. Additionally, he hopes to create and invest into his own small businesses and nonprofits that are designed to help transform people’s lives.

To learn more about Attorney Justin Camper, please contact him directly or visit his website.

In The Key of Dance Studio

By Dorjea McClammey

New Orleans, LA native Nykisha Banks loves to dance. Dancing has been in her blood since she was three years old. She shares, “As a child, I was one of those kids who cried on stage. That didn’t sit too well with my instructor, and my mother was told not to bring me back to participate until I was ready.” That time didn’t come until she was age eight.

From there, Nykisha found her footing and continued to dance and flourish. She has danced in many productions, all the way to high school. After graduating, she worked with a dance company where she traveled, continued her training, performed, and ultimately became a dance instructor.

Today, Nykisha owns In the Key of Dance Studio based in Conyers, GA. She also has founded a nonprofit organization, In the Key of Dance Performing Arts Inc., and published a book, A Dancer’s Leap Into Accountability. Her book details her 22 plus years as a dancer and dance instructor. Nykisha teaches ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, and musical theater dance with her studio. She also offers a thorough stretching and conditioning regime, starting at age three up to eighteen, and it’s available for some adult classes. She also takes every health and safety precaution to ensure a safe, covid-free environment for her students.

Nykisha’s success as a dance instructor and business owner is rooted in her ability to connect. She is very imaginative, loyal, and, most importantly, an effective communicator. Her success in the small things translates to everyone else’s success, while her goal as a business owner is to be prepared for whatever the day may present. Nykisha takes pride in being a very hands-on, proactive leader. Her loyalty has gained a lot of respect from both her students and parents. “I’m held accountable every day, all day. As a dance instructor and studio owner, I hold the parents accountable, especially when it comes to having their kids ready to perform,” she says.

Nykisha founded In The Key of Dance Studio in 2011. That was during a period when she was often hired to train girls and boys in various locations. She ran her company as such until the opportunity for a brick-and-mortar location presented itself. She holds registration twice a year, once in the fall, and another registration session in January immediately after the holiday season. That session is open until March. She also offers summer dance camps.

Nykisha has always found a way to give back, and it made sense for her to launch her nonprofit. In the Key of Dance Performing Arts Inc. sponsors children in need after a thorough interview process. “I am committed to nurturing my community by providing art enrichment through dance. With the nonprofit, our mission is to provide lifelong tools that will aid in building a disciplined lifestyle from a solid technical foundation. There are many ways to reach our youth; we just happen to do it through dance,” she says. Nykisha also partners with another nonprofit, SelfDiscovery: Pain, Positioning, & Purpose Inc. The mission for connecting with them is to promote mental wellness, and they also gifted Nkisha’s company with BuildA-Bears for each dancer that registers. All proceeds Nykisha receives from her book and donations go directly back into her nonprofit.

Nykisha’s gift speaks for itself. They have won several awards, including the World Dance Championship for a lyrical piece, and received The World Dance Championship Choreography award for that same production.

When asked what she loves most about her business, Nykisha shares, “I can do the creative work without push back or constraint.” As someone who used to work in corporate America for years, dance was always her place of escape. Now that she is a full-fledged studio owner, she can do the work that she desires.

by Bricen

“I love teaching my young students major life values such as working independently or as a team, holding themselves and others accountable, and presenting themselves in front of others without any fear.”

Nykisha also values the impact she has on the lives of those she trains. “I love teaching my young students major life values such as working independently or as a team, holding themselves and others accountable, and presenting themselves in front of others without any fear. For me, it’s bigger than dance,” she says.

Nykisha says her inspiration comes from seeing her dancers grow as individuals. “Seeing them no longer calling their parents feeling upset or wanting to give up because they felt like their teacher was too hard on them shows growth to me,” she shares.

While Nykisha has enjoyed her journey, it has come with a few challenges. The Covid 19 pandemic has been one of them. After having to stop teaching & training as a result of the pandemic, Nykisha held a brick-and-mortar soft opening last June. She outfitted her facility with new mirrors, floors, ballet barres, fresh paint signs, and a sound system. She says, “It was a faith walk. I opened the doors knowing it was a possibility that no one would show up, but I had to try.” Her faith paid off as In The Key of Dance Studio has enjoyed constant growth, even during the pandemic.

As for what the future holds, Nykisha’s plans are very clear. “ I want to grow and produce bigger and more positive memorable experiences for my community,” she states. One thing is for sure; she will continue to dance her way into the lives of others for many years to come.

To learn more about In The Key of Dance Studios or purchase a copy of Nykisha’s book, A Dancer’s Leap Into Accountability, please visit their website. Her book is also available for purchase online at Amazon.

Community Hero Action Group

By Arielle Kilgore

Photos

Provided By

Nicole McGruder

The phrase, “...it takes a village to raise a child,” stands true today in the life of Nicole McGruder. Most people don’t consider the foundation of that village, making sure it is sustainable and healthy for that child to grow. Nicole knew the importance of this and how her organization would be the roots of that village.

Nicole is the founder of The Community Hero Action Group. This non-profit organization educates the Black community about voting, health, and civic issues through community events such as online forums and town hall meetings. The organization also supplies resources and services to those in need.

Nicole says Community Hero is passionate about breaking the cycle of stagnancy in the African American community. The group is composed of well-trained and passionate individuals who work in underrepresented communities, especially the Black community, to close the void of progression where the community’s needs exist. “Our mission is to decrease the wealth and health disparities in the Black community utilizing education and strategic collaborations,to ensure we have a financially stronger and healthier Black community,” she says.

Nicole grew up in Philadelphia, PA but spent most of her childhood in California. Nonetheless, her adolescent years foreshadowed the various issues and topics she would be standing for. After high school, she lived in Ohio, attended Cleveland State University, and eventually graduated with a bachelor’s in English. Next, she received her Masters for Urban Planning Design and Development. After meeting and marrying her husband, Nicole moved back to Philadelphia, where she says the real work would begin.

“My passion is health. If we are not healthy, really nothing else matters.”

Nicole has always desired to serve and help anyone she could. She shares her life of service began in the emergency room on the night shift at Cleveland State University Hospital. She would also become a team lead assistant analyst and department administrator at Kaiser. She has also served as a caretaker for her mother-in-law. Her volunteer work has also involved her being a girl scout leader and serving on the board for Habitats for Humanity. Even as her life was being shaped, she knew there was still more to do.

She has served as the political action chair for the NAACP state conference of the 2020 election cycle, working on projects like voter registration, awareness campaigns, and advocating for civil unrest in communities. “It was the Golden Window. The first that ever happened in history that you could actually get your ballot, register to vote, and cast your vote all in the same day if you wanted to,” she says. Those opportunities and experiences led to the development of the Community Hero Action Group.

“I didn’t realize how much I love community engagement until I started with all the work that I was doing in 2020.”

The Community Hero Action group always brought light into Nicole’s eyes. She recalls the energy that was present even in the early development stages. “From the special voting events that were held with the sounds of Public Enemy playing, to the voting rallies held for black communities. While traveling to polling stations to influence underrepresented communities to take action, to the educational forums conducted on health and living disparities of African Americans; There was always positive energy present. Even still, Nicole always thought, what more could she do to help advance her people.

Nicole has committed to not just talk about the improvement of her community. She is actively seeking and building tomorrow’s leaders. “It all starts with health. We die at a higher rate than our counterparts from diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. That’s not because our bodies are faulty. It is because of systemic inequities,” Nicole explains. She is seeking answers and resolutions for those directly affected by these ailments. This has included collaborating with the Medical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania to provide a scholarship fund for Black students that will assist them with taking and preparing medical exams and more.

For Nicole, she believes her work is never done. From seeing African Americans displaced on the streets living in tents, to helping young girls believe they can pursue a career as a judge, she knows that her work is more important than ever.

The PA Engage Day event held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Nicole says, gave the youth in her community a natural look into their futures. There was a youth mock court held with the Honorable Judge Nichols as a special guest. In the end, a student’s life was changed as she saw that she could be a judge as well.

In the future, Nicole would like to increase her organization’s presence and create attainable housing for poor African American communities. She also hopes to continue serving anyone who needs her help.

For more information about the Community Hero Action Group, please visit their website.

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Creating An Inclusive Culture

By Ellen Richardson

by Samuel Jordon Royal Photography LLC

In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven, (Matthew 5:16, English Standard Version), so shines the inclusion work of DMK Consults.

Few people in this world live their lives to be a light in a dark place, but this principle has led to a successful career for awardwinning cultural strategist Dionne King. As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for DMK Consults LLC, Dionne leads a national executive leadership development firm that specializes in three services: creating inclusive cultures, mediating and coaching executives across the nation. Each of these services allows her to use her gift to meet people right where they are and motivate them towards their full potential.

“I think my biggest job and role in being who I truly am has everything to do with loving people where they are,” said Dionne. This may sound corny and not what people expect as professional; however, my success path has come from identifying where people are in their lives and helping them reimagine what ‘better’ looks like for them. Better looks different for my clients, and my three firm services are designed to create greater realities. That’s called change. That’s how I’ve been able to build a practice on change.”

The ability to become a professional cultural strategist and mediator for an impressive list of companies and firms across the nation was not an easy road. Her 20 years of experience have inevitably come with hard lessons. However, Dionne has taken those hard lessons and repurposed them for strategy to champion change for her clients. “I’m able to lead change because I know what it feels like to be treated unfairly in the workplace and want change. Before starting my own firm, I served as a diversity manager at a large national firm. Over time I felt the diversity and inclusion work I provided to the firm was undervalued and unsupported,” said Dionne. “I remember being pulled into a conference room by one of my supervisors who was unfamiliar with my work and concluding that my work was ineffective. This same supervisor then reassigned a portion of my duties (that I had done for five years) to a secretary. To add further insult, this supervisor began to tell me how insignificant my work was. I felt diminished but angrier that I did not have the language to counter the vanquishing words. The anger fueled me enough to walk away from that high-salary

job and start my own firm. That experience also fueled me to learn to speak my worth. Now I know exactly what I bring to the table, and I’ve designed a career that fits. I created my own lane. There wasn’t a template for me to follow. So I created one. I redesigned my life the way I wanted, and never again would I let someone define my worth.”

Scaling down her “creature comforts” that came with her previous corporate lifestyle, Dionne made the vital decision to inspire change in this world by becoming an entrepreneur. Her target audiences were executives and large companies. “This was a tremendous life-changing experience that allowed me to take a deeper introspective look into who I was and what value I wanted to add to this world,” she said. In this experience, Dionne discovered her purpose and knows she is fulfilling the role her Creator wants her to fulfill.

Along with discovering her most genuine identity, Dionne would begin to see the path towards a brighter and more meaningful future take shape. “I was just mad enough at the situation that I endured in my previous life and career to realize that I needed to become the change that I wanted to see in the world of business,” she said. That experience would lead her to build a corporate consulting firm designed to help other businesses create workplaces that focus more on creating inclusion. If you ask Dionne what inclusion looks like, she lights up and gives us a sure-fire list of her best client tips. “Inclusion is changing repressive practices in your company and restrictive policies in its handbook. Inclusion is teaching shared language that

creates a more welcoming environment. Inclusion is smashing anything that impedes good talent, especially BIPOCs, women, and our LGBTQ leaders, from accessing key positions in their organizations. Dionne’s firm provides innovative strategic plans and training to create inclusive cultures and craft tools to discuss race and resolve conflict. “I teach people how to normalize topics on inequity in race, gender, LGBTQ, etc. Those topics that continue to impair businesses and divide our nation.” She also focuses on the development of solid leadership through executive coaching. “We help leaders identify blind spots and opportunities for growth.

Dionne admits that resolving conflicts is something she loves to do as a certified mediator. “I love to sit between two people who are cussing and fussing,” she said. “It brings me joy to know that I can offer the necessary tools to help parties go from hot-tempered to cool, calm adults who want to have a healthy conversation that leads to a productive resolution.”

Thanks to her calm demeanor and gift for bringing a more satisfying workplace to leaders and employees in 17 different industries, Dionne’s work impacts people from all backgrounds. Her clientele ranges from national law and engineering firms, pro sports teams, non-profit organizations, and school districts. Dionne has also become a sought-after speaker and key strategist for national platforms. Her clients appreciate her candor and commitment to imagining a new culture and structuring a strategic plan to implement.

Pictured (l to r) are a few of Dionne’s 2021 top clients: Micheal Lawrence, CEO, Big Brother Big Sister Kansas City whose agency implemented the DMK Strategic DEI Plan, increased its diverse staff numbers, and was named 2021 Top 5 Best Non-profit to Work For in America by The NonProfit Times, the leading national business publication for non-profit managers, partnered with Best Companies Group to identify leaders who excel in creating quality workplaces. June LeBlanc, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) worked under the leadership of Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Evelyn Boswell (not pictured) to implement the DMK 6-Week Certification Program for its national DEI leaders. Dionne also served as guest speaker for NAIC’s national inaugural DEI conference. Derrick Nelson, Senior Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, St. Luke’s Health System in Boise, Idaho. Derrick connected with DMK services when he formerly led the strategic DEI efforts of Commerce Bank. Derrick has remained an advisor to DMK Consults. Through his vision, Derrick created an 8-mo training program, The Women’s Leadership Boutique, with DMK Consults. The program included sessions on creative partnering and being a resilient woman leader. He is the co-founder of the National Diversity + Inclusion Consortium which is a global resource and Clearinghouse for diversity practitioners of which Dionne is a member.

As if her work is not enough, this empowered professional also uses her talent and influence to advocate for homeless mothers and children in her community. She has been awarded the Ford Motor Company’s Unsung Hero Award for her community service in Ghana, Dominican Republic, England, and the United States. She was also awarded the Black Achievers Award in Business and Industry, the Woman of Excellence In Business Award by Friends of Yates, Inc., and the Small Business Superstar Award by The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. “It is my goal in life to help us all do better at being better human beings and to achieve our goals,” said Dionne.

Please visit their website to learn more about Dionne King and DMK Consults, LLC. h