The Speakers

Brooks Harper is the premier College and Workforce Readiness speaker in America! He provides Keynotes, Workshops, and Training Material for students and professionals helping them discover, develop, market and sell their talents, skills and abilities that bring tangible value to the market place. He connects-the-dots between today’s decisions and tomorrow’s college and career options. Brooks draws from 15 years of leadership experience in Corporate America to invest in and inspire our current and future workforce! 

Quadri Bell is a District Community Liaison with the Office of Congressman James E. Clyburn. A 2021 graduate of the University of South Carolina, he majored in political science and government while minoring in international studies and business administration. He is a certified parliamentarian. Quadri is a SC FBLA Alumni having served two terms as the State President while attending Manning High School.

Amanda Cook is veteran public school teacher.  She is a 2008 graduate of UNCG with a BA in Dance Education and minor in Communication Studies.  She recently (July 2021) completed her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Teacher Leadership at Gardner Webb University.  Amanda leads  with  communication  and  education  to  impact  the  life  of  individuals  and  society. Amanda is a SC FBLA Alumni, having served as the District II Vice President when she was a student at Lower Richland High School.

Ashley Edmunds is the Director of Donor Development for the South Carolina Market of the March of Dimes. She has been our go-to person for the March for Babies for more than 14 years. Her passion for the mission of the March of Dimes is evident every time you speak with her - whether it is once a year or every week. We thank Ashley for taking time out of her busy schedule to be with us.

Valeria Green brings experience with more than 15 years in corporate America and higher education in the areas of training and development, performance improvement consulting, diversity recruiting, and career coaching. She currently supports one of South Carolina's largest employers as the diversity and inclusion partner.  

Deborah Hazzard serves as associate dean of diversity and inclusion at the Darla Moore School of Business. She is also principal consultant at 2 Higher Heights, LLC, a global management consulting and training firm specializing in diversity and inclusion training. She actively seeks opportunities to engage others in meaningful conversations about business ethics; diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hazzard hopes her efforts will ultimately help address pervasive economic and social inequality that persists across the globe while leading to more ethical, inclusive, socially responsible, and competitive enterprises. 

Charles Kearse is a Executive Recruiter with L&T Technology Services with years of success matching potential employees with companies recruitment needs.

South Carolina native LaTonya Renee is a devoted wife, mother, serial entrepreneur, author, speaker, producer, and screenwriter. To summarize her credentials and passion, she's your Legacy Builder. LaTonya holds an impressive variety of experiences, including but not limited to the entertainment, health & wellness, and finance industry.  

LaTonya designed the H.E.L.P™. program through the non-profit organization, True F.A.C.E. Foundation™ to help meet those needs and with the sensitivity and expertise of other female leaders who have partnered with True F.A.C.E. Foundation™

As an entrepreneur and president of four companies, Gary Washington knows well the adversities and struggles that face emerging, as well as, seasoned business owners, schools and multi systems organizations. He made his transition from employee to business owner through hard work, dedication, chasing opportunities and being prepared professionally to avidly fulfill those opportunities. He is the owner and president of Carolina Procurement Institute, Inc., (CPI) a business management and consulting company. He has built his successful small business by exhibiting a thorough knowledge of the procurement code and strength in all major areas of contracting, and adhering to common sense business principles, largely based on successful driven practices.