25 Most Influential and

Powerful Black Women in Leadership and

Business of 2013

Karen Alleyne-Means is the President of KAM Enterprises Inc, which publishes HERLIFE

Magazine. She entered the world of publishing after having a successful career in real

estate and pharmaceutical sales. In March 2011, KAM Enterprise Inc., launched HERLIFE

Magazine to the South Florida area. HERLIFE Magazine is a window into the life of today's

woman: what she is, what she thinks of herself and the world, what she wants to accomplish

now and in the future, and what she knows in her heart. HERLIFE Magazine is the only

monthly women-focused magazine that is published in and about South Floridians. We pro-

vide a platform for "real" South Florida women and businesses to share their stories and

promote their products and services. Our goal and motto is "Keeping Women Connected”.

As a Certified Government Financial Manager, Verdenia Baker is responsible for assisting

the County Administrator in the management of activities necessary to insure the efficient

and effective operation of county government with a budget of approximately $3.9 billion,

6,338 employees and a population of approximately 1.3 million people. In 1987, Verdenia

began her career with Palm Beach County as a Budget Analyst; she then was promoted to

Impact Fee Coordinator and eventually became the division director of the County’s Finan-

cial Management Department. She rose to her current position as Deputy County Adminis-

trator and second-in-command of county government.

Verdenia earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University and is a

Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She lives in Royal Palm Beach

with her husband, Joe and daughter Jasmin.

Dr. Monique Barbour, a board certified ophthalmologist, is the medical director of Clear

Vue Eye Center, a comfortable, state-of-the-art vision care center in Wellington. A native

Washingtonian, she earned her medical degree with honors from the Howard University

College of Medicine. She and her husband manage the Smiles and Vision Foundation, a non

-profit organization whose focus is to provide dental and vision care to the indigent world-

wide.

When not providing clinical care, Dr. Barbour explores her passion for music and athletics.

As the founder of Reign Entertainment Incorporated, she not only manages other artists and

athletes in their pursuit of excellence, she exploits her own entertainment talents. Dr.

Barbour enjoys travelling internationally with her husband Dr. Robert Victome, and their

three children.

25 Most Influential and

Powerful Black Women in Leadership and

Business of 2013

Ann Chester has been the devoted wife to Rev. James H. Chester for 27 years. Together, they

have four children and eight grandchildren. For the past 13 years, Ann has served as the

director of Orthodox Zion Child Development Center. She believes that her job is an opportu-

nity to share her gift of encouragement with others in need. Ann strives to be a reflection of

God’s love in her job and her family.

Tonya Davis-Johnson is Director of Palm Beach County’s Office of Small Business Assis-

tance (OSBA), which exists to promote economic growth, expansion, and increased produc-

tivity of small business enterprises in Palm Beach County.

Davis Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, with a minor in en-

trepreneurship and organizational behavior, and a master’s degree in Organizational Leader-

ship from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

She currently serves as president of the Board of Directors for Girls II Women, a non-profit

that creates social and educational opportunities for underserved girls and secretary for the

South Florida Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

She resides in Riviera Beach with her partner, and is the proud mother of two adult daughters

and MeMaw to Brookelyn Meshelle.

Ms. Carmen Cain is president and CEO of Cain Bail Bonds, LLC since 2000, an industry

that once consisted of only men. Today, Carmen is one of many minority women in the Bail

industry. Cain is a licensed Bail Agent, Private Investigator and holds an A.S. Degree in Para-

legal Studies. Cain Bail Bonds, LLC supports and or sponsors several local organizations

including T.E.A.M. Elam, Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, various churches, and Lake

Worth High School Cheerleaders, among other. Cain often assists clients of the community

with difficult and complex issues concerning their loved ones who have found themselves in

trouble with the law. Her motto is “Bad things happen to good people”. She resides in Palm

Beach County and is the proud mother of two children.

25 Most Influential and

Powerful Black Women in Leadership and

Business of 2013

Nerissa Edden is committed to leaving a positive handprint in the lives of clients, relatives,

friends and family members. As the Sales Manager for the Palm Beach County Convention

Center, the Dominican-Republic descent always goes the extra mile to assist others while

celebrating in their successes. She has been at the Center for four years and has been suc-

cessful in bringing diverse, unique events to the venue and always providing exceptional

customer service and professionalism!

Nerissa graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1996 where she earned a bachelor’s

degree and joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She attends Christ Fellowship Church in

Palm Beach Gardens, is married to Chris Edden and has four boys. She believes in making

an impact and uplifting those around her.

South Florida-native Tari Finney is a twenty-five year banking veteran who began her stel-

lar career in 1988. Throughout her professional climb, she worked diligently to build her

skills, cultivate great client relationships, and steadily gained more responsibilities.

She is currently responsible for the supervision, professional development and motivation of

a winning and recognized team within her branch.

A woman of faith and an inspiration to young people, Tari serves various community or-

ganizations throughout Palm Beach County including: the Boys and Girls Club; the Strate-

gic Planning Committee for the City of Riviera Beach; the March of Dimes; Riviera Beach

Business Association; the Singer Island Business Association, and the Urban League.

Rachelle Franklin is a global marketing executive, with a proven track record of leading

and executing brand strategy, advertising, and integrated marketing programs for Fortune

500 companies that builds brands and drive sales. She is uniquely experienced in Business-

to-Business, Corporate and Consumer Marketing practices and is recognized as a program

pioneer, change agent, and expert in segmented and multicultural marketing. For the past

six years, she has been a partner in Frontline Marketing and Promotion, a NY based Life-

style Marketing Agency, working with brands such as Microsoft, Staples, Universal Music,

Pernod Ricard, and Amazon. Franklin is also president of her own firm, Mosaic Marketing

Consulting. Previously, she served as Senior Marketing VP at Motorola, Office Depot,

Cable & Wireless and Liberty Power.

25 Most Influential and

Powerful Black Women in Leadership and

Business of 2013

Sharon A. Gill is the Founder and Chairman of the Board for the Oasis Compassion Agency,

a not-for-profit organization. Oasis Compassion’s mission is to reach into the community with

the love of God by feeding, clothing, equipping and ministering to people in their areas of

practical need. Mrs. Gill has led the Oasis Compassion Agency for the past ten years, growing

from one location to four. Mrs. Gill is also CEO of Gill Law Firm P.A., a law firm that spe-

cializes in Small Business Legal Services, Creditors’ Rights, Commercial Litigation and Col-

lections Law.

Mrs. Gill has appeared in numerous television, radio, magazines and newspaper interviews.

She is married to her husband Wayne for twenty six years. They have two children, Gavin and

Brittany.

De Anne Harris Collier, M.D., F.A.A.D., is President of Dr. Anne Harris Collier, M.D.,

P.A., a Jupiter, Florida Dermatology practice. She is a board certified dermatologist and der-

matologic surgeon whohas performed research in her field and been published in the Journal

of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology. She

has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, South Florida Sun-

Sentinel, Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach Journal, Success South Florida Maga-

zine, Essence Magazine, and on ESPN Radio. Dr. Collier provides general medical/surgical

dermatology and aesthetic services. Her areas of interest include adult and pediatric dermatol-

ogy, skin cancer detection and treatment, as well as cosmetic procedures including Botox,

soft-tissue augmentation, chemical peels and laser surgery.

Mrs. Annette Gilbert is a K-12 Health Education Instructions and Counseling-certified

Guidance Counselor employed with Palm Beach County School District. She obtained a

bachelor’s degree at Florida Atlantic University, and a master’s degree at Nova Southeastern

University. Gilbert is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership. She is also

Director of Educational Concerns of Greater Works, Inc., and founder of Promise to Keep

(P2K), a church youth ministry.

Elect Lady Annette and her husband Pastor Bobby Gilbert Sr. have been married 36 years.

They founded In The Word Ministries Praise & Worship Center. They are the proud parents

of three sons Bobby Jr., Brandon, and Barrington; as well as 2 precious grandchildren, Bobby

III “Tre’” (6) and Brenae’ (3).

25 Most Influential and

Powerful Black Women in Leadership and

Business of 2013

El Pannier K. Hudson has penetrated the Human Resources industry for more than 20

years, steadily worked her way through to her current position of Assistant Vice President at

Florida International University. A premier people person, she is responsible for leading the

Total Rewards areas for the university - providing quality leadership and contributing to

positive work environments. Her impact extends beyond the university to communities

throughout the tri-county area where she serves as Board Secretary for the Liberty City Re-

vitalization Trust, mentor to multiple high school seniors, and conference speaker for busi-

ness, educational and religious organizations throughout the south Florida. She is active in

various professional organizations and has received numerous accolades. She co-established

Cathedral of Hope Ministry in Delray Beach with her husband and together, they have three

lovely daughters, Imani, Bria, and Chelsea.

Elaine Johnson James is a partner at Berger Singerman, Florida’s business law firm. Over

her career, Elaine has gained significant experience as a trial and appellate advocate and

negotiator. Elaine's clients include Fortune 100 companies, governmental entities and

non-profit corporations. Additionally, she is an American Arbitration Association-certified

arbitrator and has served as outside general counsel to a municipal housing authority for

twelve years. This elite attorney is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell.

She earned her law degree. from Harvard Law School and was Editor-in-Chief, Harvard

Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review. She received an M.A. in Educational Psychology

from Teachers College of Columbia University and a B.A. from Barnard College. Her

commitment to service is equally compelling she has served and/or is currently serving in

various capacities on several civic organizations.

Director of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, Charlene F. Jones leads the only venue

in the county dedicated to the history and arts of African-, Haitian-, and Caribbean-

Americans.

She joined the staff in 2001 as the Educational Program Director, creating the signature

Kids’ Cultural Club, which grew to include a museum residency component, an outreach

program and an on-site field trip curriculum for school age children.

Currently, she oversees the museum’s funding, grant-writing, program management, facili-

ties management and partnership facilitation. Under her leadership, the museum is forging

new partnerships with city and county organizations.

Previously the email administrator of a large, regional daily newspaper, she holds a bache-

lor’s degree in business administration and marketing with a minor in computer science

from Mercer University, Georgia.

25 Most Influential and

Powerful Black Women in Leadership and

Business of 2013

Estella Mims Pyfrom enjoyed a highly noted three-decade career as an educator and guid-

ance counselor in the Palm Beach County School District. During her tenure, she earned her

District’s Most Concerned Teacher of the Year honors; and was profiled in Who’s Who and

Jet magazines and on NBC television. Pyfrom was inspired by her modest upbringing to cre-

ate Project Aspiration (now Estella’s Brilliant Bus) a mobile learning center that delivers ser-

vices throughout the county.

Estella and her husband Willie are the parents of four remarkable children and 11 grand-

children. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida A & M University; and

continued her education at Florida Atlantic University. She also has diplomas in culinary arts,

cake decorating and floral design.

Pastor Brenda Ray is the dynamic co-pastor of Redemptive Life Fellowship in

West Palm Beach, Florida. She is a faithful vessel with over four decades of ser-

vice to the community and church.

In addition to serving a thriving congregation, she artfully leads several social

service initiatives, entrepreneurial and ministerial outreaches that help people

improve their quality of life. Under her direction, His Daily Bread Food Pantry

feeds more than two thousand families each month.

A miraculous survival of cervical cancer, Pastor Brenda is the author of seven

books and holds an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Truth Bible Col-

lege and Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida.

Trinnette Morris is serial entrepreneur and social advocate and the co-founder of e3 Con-

sulting Solutions; president of The Project SHIP Foundation, a nonprofit organization com-

mitted to providing workshops and conferences on Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Ownership,

and Relationships to youth across the country; and the CEO of Trindy Enterprises, LLC.

Trinnette is the former Director of Professional Development for LeapFrog, Enterprises, Inc.

a leading designer and marketer of technology based educational products. She is a contrib-

uting author in "Madam CEO, How to Think and Act Like a Chief Executive" and "Boys to

Men: A Guide to Raising African-American Males.”

Trinnette is a noted expert, acclaimed speaker and is a graduate of Florida A&M University

(B.S. Elementary Education) and Nova Southeastern University (M.S. Educational Leader-

ship).

25 Most Influential and

Powerful Black Women in Leadership and

Business of 2013

Thais R. Sullivan currently serves as Vice President, Business Service Officer with Branch

Banking and Trust aka BB&T (The Best Bank in Town). Thais has worked in the banking

industry since 1979 and has held various positions. While working for Barnett Bank of

Palm Beach County, she earned a bachelor’s degree with honors from Barry University.

In her role, Thais helps business clients achieve economic success and financial security

through BB&T's five key areas of Financial Solutions, (Capital Formation, Payment Solu-

tions, Risk Management, Employee Benefits and Personal Financial Management.)

Thais and her husband Kyle reside in Palm Beach County with their two sons Kyle Jr. and

Brandon, along with her Mother Liz Johnson. They enjoy traveling and frequent trips to the

Bahamas to visit family.

DeAnna Warren is the executive director of the Genesis Community Health Organization

and reports directly to the organization’s Board of Directors. She is responsible for program

development and administration, as well as overseeing all program operations, interpreting

and implementing board-approved policy, and managing and supervising all program activi-

ties and staff. Warren also serves as primary spokesperson and interfaces with other key

stakeholders. She has more than a decade of experience in grant development and as well as

public health administration that especially addresses the health care needs of high need

populations such as low income, homeless, and migrant populations.

Warren has lived in Palm Beach County since 2010 with her husband Ronny, and their two

daughters Gabrielle and Alexandra.

25 Most Influential and

Powerful Black Women in Leadership and

Business of 2013

The Honorable Priscilla Taylor is the Vice-Mayor of Palm Beach County and is a native

Floridian born and raised in Fort Pierce. She currently resides in West Palm Beach where

she was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in November 2004 and

re-elected twice as the District 84 representative.

Taylor’s past public service involvement includes working with the Criminal Justice Com-

mission, Workforce Development, the Epilepsy Foundation, the Urban League of Palm

Beach County Board of Directors, the Governing Board of Columbia Hospital, the YWCA

Board of Directors, Executive Women, Leadership Palm Beach County, and the Palm

Beach MLK Coordinating Committee. She is also the owner of Priscilla Taylor Insurance

Associates.

Rhonda Young is a serial entrepreneur dedicated to providing high quality service to all of

her customers. Armed with an unwavering faith in God and an extraordinary drive instilled

by her parents, Young she opened Rhonda’s Unique Touch, a hair salon in 1996. In 2006,

her passion for children led her to co-found Kids ‘R’ Kreative Learning Center, Inc. Early

this year, Rhonda opened La’ Chic Feet Inc., a ladies shoes store. Ambition and drive con-

tinues to motivate her.

Mrs. Young is a faithful member of House of God International Ministries and currently

serves on the Financial Ministry. She attributes her success to “motivation, determination,

and drive”. Rhonda and her husband David are the proud parents of two daughters.

Vanessa Young is the director of Community Outreach for the Kravis Center. Ms. Young

works closely with the organization’s Marketing Department to broaden the Center’s commu-

nity efforts. Vanessa also works with a number of community organizations, businesses and

educational institutions to further the Kravis Center’s Outreach initiative. Her collaboration

with the Kravis Center’s Education Department made it possible for more than a million stu-

dents in Palm Beach County to attend Various Kravis Center programs.

Ms. Young serves as a youth mentor, social justice advocate and volunteer with several com-

munity organizations. She is a member of the prestigious West Palm Beach Alumnae Chapter

of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park.

25 Most Influential and

Powerful Black Women in Leadership and

Business of 2013

25 Most Influential and

Powerful Black Women in Leadership and

Business of 2013