In addition, GJDC was certified as a CDFI & CDE, by the US Treasury. In his banking career, Mr. Scott served as an Auditor, Bank Branch Manager, and commercial Lender. He is a member of The Risk Management Association as a Financial Consultant. He served as a consultant to The Roosevelt Long Island Federal Credit Union, First Funding Mortgage Bankers, the Roosevelt Hardware Lawn and Garden Supplies, Inc., and was the Financial Advisor to the pastor of Bethel A. M. E. Church of Freeport, New York. Visit website @ http://www.yourassetprotectionprovider.com// to learn more about Mr. Scott’s current business venture.

He has served on the Public Relations Committee for the Harlem Book Fair on Long Island {which attracted over 2000 participants in 2003), as Public Relations Committee Member of the New York Metro Black MBA Association and the 100 Black Men of Long Island.  Phil Andrews has led a successful PR Campaign for the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and help to foster growth of many small business owner’s PR Campaigns in the region.

In 1995 and 1998, Mr. Andrews’ excellence in his field garnered the Small Business Person of the Year award by two branches of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce (Roosevelt and West Indian Chambers, respectively). He has also received a number of proclamations and citations from notable political officials including former Nassau County Executive Thomas S. Gullotta, former Town of Hempstead Supervisor Richard Guardino and Assembly-woman Earlene Hooper Hill, 18th Assembly District of Long Island NY.  In 2012, Phil Andrews was honored by the Korean American Association of Greater New York with the “Good Neighbor Award.  Mr. Andrews was also inducted as one of the Kings of Queens Honorees in 2014.

Phil’s work has been featured in multi-platform publications including Black Star News, The New York Beacon, Amsterdam News, Minority Business Review, The Network Journal and more. He is also featured in “15 Years of Minority Business Development” a book published by Mr. Robert Adams. Mr. Andrews is listed in Who’s Who in Black America and International Who’s Who.

Prior to beginning his career in Public Relations, Phil was the Vice President and Marketing Director of the Haircut Hut franchise for more than ten years.

Phil learned early on the importance of community and education. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York’s Marcy Housing Development and attended Brooklyn Technical High School (one of the country’s most recognized schools for academic excellence). After serving several years in the US Navy and Army Reserves, attending York College ( Jamaica, Queens, NY) and John Jay College, (New York, NY), he graduated from paralegal school and began a nearly twenty year career in law enforcement. Community, Service and Education have been constant themes in his life.

Andrews’ drive is a profound concern for his community. This has led him to serve on several Boards of Directors including—the Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce, Roosevelt Kiwanis and the West Indian Chamber of Commerce as the Public Relations Director. Mr. Andrews owns the Power Networking Business Seminar Series, a business network that builds viable connections between community and business.

He continues to build networks in and across many an industry; but, none more important than that of the education and mentorship of young people. As a Certified Mentor, Phil Andrews’ goals involve encouraging as many promising young men as possible by compelling them to serve with the very best of their minds and talents.

Mrs. Anderson Campbell continues to be inspired by lending her time, talent, and treasures to various causes in her role at the Chamber.

Mrs. Wellington graduated from Nassau Community College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice and Master’s degree in Public Administration with specialization in Human Resources/Management & Operations. She is married to Antonio Wellington, CEO/President of Wellie the Transporter, LLC; and has one son Stephen Wellington, who also graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Ms. Donaphin currently serves as a consultant with New Hour – Long Island Women and Children Services, which provides services and support to incarcerated women and their children during and following incarceration.  In addition to building her business, Ms. Donaphin serves the community in her appointed role as Suffolk County Director for the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC). In this role, Ms. Donaphin is responsible for encouraging business and community prosperity by promoting economic programs designed to strengthen and enhance financial opportunities for all businesses within Suffolk County. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Donaphin served as the MWBE Coordinator for LIAACC, where she was responsible for the education and training of small business owners in becoming certified to do business with New York State government agencies. In March 2017, Ms. Donaphin was the recipient of the National Women’s History Month award by the Suffolk County Executive’s office.

Using finely honed skills, training and experience – the tenets of Ms. Donaphin’s training and coaching, are based on helping clients develop a purposeful life, and enhance personal and career growth through a lens of building life skills. These skills are adaptive and positive behaviors and thinking that enable women to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of life setbacks, ambitious career aspirations, and everyday life.

Ms. Donaphin’s work also emphasizes the importance of developing a focused plan regarding education and career choices and what path the client would like to take and working from their decision to beginning the process of outlining each step to take and milestones to achieve.

Further, enhancing life skills leads to qualities that build self-esteem, sociability and leadership skills that enable clients to take action and become change agents – all of which are highly valued competencies and skillsets. Ms. Donaphin’s work also focuses on helping clients develop capabilities and broadened perspectives to recognize and utilize the freedom to take action and believe in themselves and their ability to create their own success in life.

Mrs. Blackman graduated from Delaware State University, where she received a BA in Journalism.

Erna Blackman is also the Queens County Director of The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce and has been featured on WABC’s Here And Now, and in The Queens Courier as The Star of Queens, The Queens Press, Long Island Business News (Movers and Shakers column), Newsday’s (People On The Move column), Harlem Community Newspaper, Long Island.com and The New York Trend Newspaper.

For more information about Butterflies BBI please visit the website at www.ButterfliesBBI.org.

Ms. Donaphin currently serves as a consultant with New Hour – Long Island Women and Children Services, which provides services and support to incarcerated women and their children during and following incarceration.  In addition to building her business, Ms. Donaphin serves the community in her appointed role as Suffolk County Director for the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC). In this role, Ms. Donaphin is responsible for encouraging business and community prosperity by promoting economic programs designed to strengthen and enhance financial opportunities for all businesses within Suffolk County. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Donaphin served as the MWBE Coordinator for LIAACC, where she was responsible for the education and training of small business owners in becoming certified to do business with New York State government agencies. In March 2017, Ms. Donaphin was the recipient of the National Women’s History Month award by the Suffolk County Executive’s office.

Using finely honed skills, training and experience – the tenets of Ms. Donaphin’s training and coaching, are based on helping clients develop a purposeful life, and enhance personal and career growth through a lens of building life skills. These skills are adaptive and positive behaviors and thinking that enable women to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of life setbacks, ambitious career aspirations, and everyday life.

Ms. Donaphin’s work also emphasizes the importance of developing a focused plan regarding education and career choices and what path the client would like to take and working from their decision to beginning the process of outlining each step to take and milestones to achieve.

Further, enhancing life skills leads to qualities that build self-esteem, sociability and leadership skills that enable clients to take action and become change agents – all of which are highly valued competencies and skillsets. Ms. Donaphin’s work also focuses on helping clients develop capabilities and broadened perspectives to recognize and utilize the freedom to take action and believe in themselves and their ability to create their own success in life.

Since then, Ms. Muhammad has been on a fast track, building alliances and strategic partnerships, for the purposes of gaining momentum to transform the place she holds dear to her heart.  Last year, she was installed as the Brooklyn Director of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce and appointed as Executive Director of Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation.

Focused on economic and business development, Ms. Muhammad founded the Entrepreneurs of New York in 2010, with the goal of developing innovative strategies for small businesses and those seeking to become business owners.  Using social media as a platform to engage, the ENY face book group has grown to nearly 10,000 members.  Ms. Muhammad also hosts a weekly blog talk radio show “Black Reconstruction”.  Each week individuals or groups are interviewed to discuss issues surrounding community growth and development.

Over the years, Ms. Muhammad has gained vast knowledge within various industries and is regularly called upon for advice and guidance.  She has served as Mistress of Ceremonies, tour guide, event host, etc. for several organizations.

Ms. Muhammad feels that it is a blessing to be able to serve, however; she is most thankful for her most important job – being a wife and mother.  She is married to Student Minister Henry Muhammad and is Mom-in-Chief to four children, ages 3-9.

La’Shawn Allen-Muhammad was born in Brooklyn, NY  is the President of the Entrepreneurs of New York (E.N.Y), a New York based, nationally operated, Entrepreneurial Service Agency.  E.N.Y is designed to increase productivity for small businesses in urban communities.  Founded in December 2010, the Entrepreneurs of New York strives to identify smart solutions for small businesses by fostering strategic partnerships, alliances and creating investment opportunities.

As C.E.O, La’Shawn has over 14 years experience with identifying and establishing strategic alliances, restructuring business model concepts, and providing sustainability and quality growth to organizations.  Her extensive experience includes serving as Director of Training with the New York Health and Hospitals Corporation and program director of the CEO-HHC Nurse Career Ladder Program.  The CEO program is an anti-poverty initiative funded by New York City’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  Under La’Shawn’s leadership this program has excelled and currently operates nursing schools at two hospital sites and provides scholarships to low income New Yorkers.  Individuals are supported through nursing school and upon successful completion are offered a position at the hospital.

Professional and Industry Experience

La’Shawn co-founded a not-for-profit organization, Brownsville Youth Association (BYA), located in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn in 1998.  Without any formal training, she managed to incorporate, obtain tax-exempt status, and receive funding to run the organization.  What initially began as a youth mentoring organization evolved to include career training and workforce development services.

In 2005, La’Shawn became interested in forming a New York City Chapter of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (N.B.B.C).  After a five year long sabbatical from her entrepreneurial endeavors to start a family, La’Shawn revisited the idea of starting a New York City Chapter of the N.B.B.C. and as a result decided to launch Entrepreneurs of New York, Inc.

E.N.Y. Objectives

• Small business owners will have an opportunity to develop and/or acquire businesses for their mutual benefit.
• Through a partnership with Global Business Incubation (GBI), businesses will become a part the Quanza Collaborative. An incubation program made up of 200 virtual businesses supported by 10 Smart Teams.
• Business owners will develop opportunities to share best practices and successful business models with emerging Entrepreneurs.
• The N.Y Virtual University is a learner-centered model designed to enrich and enhance knowledge needed to grow and develop successful businesses.

Other Activities

• Host of NYC based blog talk show – Black Reconstruction
• Served as a member of the Brooklyn Perinatal Network’s Infant Mortality Task force
• Served as Brooklyn Borough President appointee on School District 23 Community Education Council

La’Shawn is married to Henry Allen-Muhammad and is the Mom-in-Chief of 4 children ages – 2 to 8.

Dr. Taylor Williams has provided a free internship program through New York Trend for over 20 years to college students, serving as a mentor and providing hands on training and experience for future leaders in the media industry. New York Trend has also underwritten charitable tickets over the years, providing free tickets to many concerts and events to community members. She has also been at the helm of numerous community events.

Dr. Taylor Williams is a graduate of Columbia University and has held management and counseling positions in the corporate sector. Dr. Williams earned two master’s degrees in psychology and management and a doctoral degree before the age of 30. This year will make 30 years of entrepreneurship for Dr. Williams, who incorporated her first business at the age of 22 with her late husband, Eric S. Williams.

Dr.Taylor Williams has served as a professor in the SUNY, CUNY and LIU systems. Dr. Taylor Williams is currently a counseling professor at CUNY. As an advocate for social justice, Dr. Williams has lectured and appeared on both radio and television. Dr. Taylor Williams has received high acclaim by recognized local and national publications and was featured in the Great Neck Record, Sister 2 Sister Magazine, the New York Beacon, Economic Times and Networking Woman. New York Newsday has profiled Dr. Taylor Williams.

Dr. Taylor Williams is the recipient of numerous awards including:

• 100 Black Men of Long Island & TD Bank Business Award- 2012
• The Network Journal’s 25 Influential Women in Business- 2010
• Phenomenal Women in Media -Herbert Von King Cultural Arts Center-2010
• “Woman of Distinction” from the March of Dimes-2005
• Entrepreneur of the Year from Black Women in Publishing,
• Entrepreneur of the Year from the U.S. Small Business Administration,
  Woman of the Year from the National Action Network-2001
• Editorial Writer of the Year from the Independent Press Association-2002
• Fifty of Fifty, Most Influential Woman on Long Island, 2003.

Dr. Taylor Williams is a member of the, American Counselors Association, The Links, Inc.The Princeton Club of New York, Alpha Phi Alpha, The Independent Press Association, Columbia University’s Alumni Association and The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce.

GLTN Computer Consultants was eventually sold to Mentortech, Inc. and Darren was offered the position of Training Manager over the combined Training Departments of the now merged companies with responsibilities overseeing Technical and Application training for organizations like the United Nations, Pfizer and Manufacturers Hanover Trust.  Darren later accepted a position at New Horizons Computer Learning Center in Commack, Long Island as the Director of Training.  There he managed and oversaw a staff over 40+ technical Trainers and trained a plethora of employees and executives in the latest Programming, Application and Web Based platforms.  After working with the world’s leading Training company of the time, he decided to focus his career aspirations on systems design, development, implementation and database administration.

Darren accepted a position with Viacom, Inc., one of the world’s leading telecommunications businesses, as a Technical Manager of the Financial Application Development team, where he developed and supported various Visual Basic/ SQL Server and Sybase applications.  He and his team developed and supported systems for the combined subsidiary businesses of Viacom, BET and Showtime during his employment with this company.

After the tragedy of 9-11, Darren left Viacom to accept a position with Merrill Lynch, Inc., as an Assistant Vice President in charge of system design and development for the various financial business units internal to the Merrill Lynch.  He enjoyed 10 years of employment and during this period, he was promoted several times, finally becoming the Vice President of Application Development for the Greater New York Region.  He and his team developed and supported well over 100 business applications which streamlined various business processes, mitigated financial risks/exposure and improved efficiency, accuracy and enhance bottom line profits.

Immediately after the financial collapse of the housing market, which resulted in the purchase of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America, there was a downsizing of Darren’s team ultimately leaving him with increased responsibilities. Because of his personal and professional creed of being solution driven and goal oriented, he was offered a promotion to Vice President of Global Markets and Research Technology responsible for application development for the integrating the various Merrill Lynch Systems with Bank of Americas worldwide.  After a few more years of service with the now newly designated Bank of America-Merrill Lynch organization, In 2013, Darren decided to pursue his lifelong ambition to establish his own technology company and provide leading edge development and support to small and medium size businesses, with the same dedication and professionalism he has afforded many fortune 500 companies throughout his career.

In January 2016, Darren accepted the position of Chair of Technology for the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce where he oversees the Chamber’s technology initiatives and provides technology assistance, and services to its growing membership.  Originally from Queens, New York, Darren is currently a resident of Elmont, Long Island where he bought a home in October 2011 and lives happily with his wife Tisha S. Hart-Wallace whom he married in July 2015.

The Utica City Common Council Legislation passed a Law/Resolution and designated an Honorary Street in Kevin Byrd’s honor called the BROWN/BYRD LANE on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, in Utica, New York. It was televised live to over 100,000 Utica citizens. Kevin Byrd is the youngest African American male to have an Honorary Street in New York State.
Niagara Falls illuminated its waterfall in blue on February 2, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017 honoring the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Observance Day established by Kevin Byrd.

On February 2, 2012, Kevin Byrd’s work was honored and entered into the Congressional Record (Library of Congress) for Black History Month by the House of Representatives Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke and recognized his annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Observance Day globally. Kevin Byrd has been honored by over 100 International Mayors, Government officials across the world, Nancy Pelosi, the United States President Barack Obama and even Queen Elizabeth of Buckingham Palace. He has earned more than 150 proclamation awards, the city-state highest awards. Kevin Byrd’s hometown in Utica, New York, designated a KEVIN BYRD’S DAY that’s honored every year on October 1st and a KEVIN BYRD’S DAY was declared in DeKalb County, Georgia on November 2nd.

Kevin Byrd is nationally known for his portrayal as Lieutenant John R. Fox in the 2006 History/HBO movie “Honor Deferred” produced by Al Roker, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac. Lieutenant John R. Fox, a World War II hero, who killed 100 German soldiers in the War, died in action and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor five decades after his heroic acts by President Clinton. The documentary picked up an Emmy/NAMIC Vision Award Nomination and garnered great reviews. The likeness of Lieutenant John R. Fox was transformed into a G.I Joe Action Figure by Hasbro the summer of 2008.
In July 2008, Kevin Byrd starred in the Hit Bollywood Movie premiered on the big screen in India and selected city-states in America by Award Winning movie producer/director Manan Kathora called “When Kiran Meets Karen” and Byrd was the only African American Male Actor who starred in the movie, which garnered great national media reviews.

In addition, Kevin Byrd starred as the Cover Model for the Best Selling Paperback Novel “Things In Between” by Nathanial Portis distributed in bookstores nationwide including Barnes and Nobles and sold over 100,000 copies World Wide.

Byrd wrote and starred in his own One Man Show called “RELEASE” and DVD Recording of the show was released on April 15, 2012, at the Legendary Nuyorian Poets Cafe Hosted by BET Comic View’s Comedian Ardie Fuqua. The show depicts the six stages of development of men from the ages of 18 to 65 years old.

BLACKSTAR NEWS, states, “Kevin Byrd gives an Oscar Award-Worthy Performance of “RELEASE– A MUST SEE SHOW.”

To get more information and to join Kevin Byrd’s Fan Club log on to www.brownbyrdfoundation.org and visit the Brown Byrd Foundation store where there are over 100 products for purchase at http://www.cafepress.com/brownbyrdfoundation.