AUGUSTA, GA - As Anthony Page served on boards and committees around the community in recent years, he discovered who was carrying much of the burden. “I saw so many of the same women who were involved in a lot of the boards and committees,” he said.

Last year, with the first Sister CEO celebration, he tried to call attention to those women. “Cher Best, Deanna Brown, Helen Blocker-Adams, Tonja Deans,” Page said, noting just a few. “They were doing things to make the city better. They were good spokespeople for a variety of different causes. Many had their own businesses, and had the potential to create future opportunities for others.”

To that end, Page expanded the concept this year. Not only does the 2008 Sister CEO Week feature an awards ceremony celebrating 24 of the most successful African-American women in the CSRA, the week also serves as Page’s version of connecting the economic dots. Page believes that if he can help successful businesspeople and community leaders build a network among themselves, the real prize will be economic growth.

Black women are already the heads of households for most families with small children. They’re already making about 80 percent of the buying decisions in their families. They’re six times more likely to graduate from college than their male counterparts, and are one of the leading demographic groups now starting new businesses.

With Sister CEO Week, Page is honoring those women, and trying to inspire others.

“What if everybody in this city did their 100 percent?” Page said. “Maybe I can do my role in economic development by motivating that group.”

The following essays take a closer look at some of the 24 nominees for Sister CEO Awards

Orchid Award
Sister CEO of the Year
Nominees: La Verne H. Gold, Dr. Louise Rice, Marquita Graham

When Marquita Graham started Spice of New York Salon and Spa, she was just looking to raise some money to go back to New York. She had been working as a social worker at the Arbor Career Center, but when funding was pulled, she and many of her co-workers were laid off.

Graham started looking for a storefront where she could open up a salon and raise the money she needed to go back home. She found an abandoned building and liked it so much she knew she wouldn’t be going anywhere.

“It was a rough start. I knew very few people, and many days I worked alone while going to Aiken Tech for my massage certificate,” she said.

With the help of her sister and her friend Donald, Graham also fixed up the building. They did all the cosmetic work and put in a brand-new floor.

“I wanted to provide a professional atmosphere,” said Graham. “The beauty business in the South lacks professionalism. I have visited salons where people are getting high in the back, children are running around and loud music is playing. It’s not very relaxing.”

The motto of the salon is “Transformation begins the moment you walk through the door.”

Soothing music is playing, essential oils, which provide a peaceful atmosphere, are burning, and hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages are available.

Every other Thursday, the salon has a sparty (spa party). The package includes shampoo, dry and style, paraffin hand treatment, warm hand and arm massage, neck wrap, foot and leg exfoliating scrub, a foot and leg warm oil massage, a buffet and more. The cost is $65, and Graham said her sparties are a success.

“I was much honored to find out I was a nominee for the award since I just learned about Augusta Renaissance this year,” said Graham. “I never got involved with them to seek a nomination. I was fascinated with their success and I got involved to network.”

Other nominees are La Verne H. Gold, president/CEO of the United Way of the CSRA, Inc., and Dr. Louise Rice, immediate past national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.  — CY

Kudzu Award
All Over the Place/Skilled Multi-Tasker
Nominees: Dr. Faye Hargrove, Pastor Patricia Scott and Helen Blocker-Adams

Born in Hampton, Va., and raised in a military family that allowed her to grow up around the world, Helen Blocker-Adams is the symbol of a dynamic woman who takes her experiences, education and skills and incorporates them into serving her community.

She is a radio talk-show host on 1230 WNRR, a self-published author and business owner. She also is a skilled conference speaker and enjoys giving people advice and information on leadership and entrepreneurialism.

“(Business owners) have got to have a passion for whatever it is that they want to do to serve. They’ve got to have a mindset of being a servant. A lot of times people don’t realize that, in business, you are serving people, whether you’re offering a service or a product,” said Blocker-Adams.

Although Blocker-Adams is business-minded, her other passion is contributing to her community by helping others succeed. Her nonprofit organization, the Southeast Enterprise Institute Inc., has a mission to “promote and teach leadership skills to help people succeed in a global economy.”

She also has created a new program called Hope Is Possible — another nonprofit that helps women deal with the challenges and trials of being single mothers through talk therapy.

“Sometimes people beat themselves up so much when they go through these challenges and obstacles, but that’s OK. That’s part of life because it does make you stronger. It helps you put your priorities in order, helps build your character, helps build integrity — all of those things come into play when you are dealing with trials and hardships,” said Blocker-Adams.

Her achievements within her community have earned her numerous awards, including the Community Champion Award for Economic Growth by the Neighborhood Improvement Project, Inc., and the President’s Award by the Augusta-Ft. Gordon Chapter.

The other nominees competing for this award are Dr. Faye Hargrove, CEO of Hargrove Leadership Services, and Pastor Patricia Scott, CEO of Tender Sprout Christian Learning Centers. — KJ

Bird of Paradise Award
Innovator/Avante Garde/Outside the Box Thinker
Nominees: Nancy W. Bookhart, Lessie Price and Donna Moore Wesby

Born in New York and raised in South Carolina, Donna Moore Wesby is the embodiment of a successful and accomplished business owner. She calls her gift shop, The Greatest Gift in Aiken, S.C., a joy rather than a job and, with her strong faith, she continues to surpass the obstacles the economy has created.

“I had to rely on my faith in God knowing that he has ordained this business, that it is more of a ministry for me than a business,” said Wesby during an interview at her shop. “I’m just so proud to stand before you right now with it being November and say, ‘I’m still here.’
“It’s definitely been a challenge, but whenever challenge comes, I look at it as an opportunity of growth. I look at it as an opportunity for me to learn some lessons because it’s definitely something there always to learn.”

She credits her positive family upbringing and education with setting a foundation of knowledge and skills that keep her focused and on top of the industry. Because of this foundation, she takes what she has learned and encourages youth to stay educated.
“In order to make it in business, you have to know the basics — the fundamentals — reading, writing and arithmetic,” said Wesby. “I’m very big on trying to help young people understand that in order to really enjoy life and have a sense of peace as an adult, education is a direct correlation to that and also your faith.”

Because of her outstanding achievements, she has been awarded the Reader’s Choice “Best of the Best” award by the readers of the Aiken Standard for the “Best Gift Basket” in 2007 and 2008.

Other nominees include Nancy W. Bookhart, founder of Portals of Illumination Museum at Paine College, and Lessie Price, councilwoman on the Aiken City Council. — KJ

 

Lotus Award
Thriving Through a Struggle
Nominees: Evelyn Ellis, Vanessa Harris, Deborah Burns-Jackson

Deborah Burns-Jackson, a native of Augusta, is an example of a selfless woman who dedicates the majority of her time to helping the community.

Her natural knack for helping others was instilled in her when she was a child. Growing up, she enjoyed helping the elderly in her community and for years has worked tirelessly to provide services to low- and moderate-income families in the Augusta area.

Because of her inclination and dedication to helping people, she has turned her passion into a fulfilling career as executive director of CSRA Women’s Empowerment Center, a center that provides a program for women transitioning from prison to civilian life.

“God laid on my heart, (God) gave me a vision, that there are a lot of women in prison that can come home, but they don’t have an address. A lot of women that need to or want to get with their families and their children and they don’t have a know how to do it. So God gave me that vision, that drive to help someone. I love helping people,” said Burns-Jackson.

“One thing I let (the former prisoners) know that just because you’re locked up, you don’t have to be locked out.”

Her good deeds has been recognized by the community and she has earned her numerous awards including Citizen of the Year Award from the Augusta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc and the Woman of the Week by WAGT-TV in 2006.

Other nominees are Evelyn Ellis, founder of Barefoot Productions, and Vanessa Harris, a Purple Heart recipient. — KJ

Azalea Award
Sister CEO of the Year (35 and under)
Nominees: Tonda Booker, MiniMarie Wilkinson, Kimberly “Isis” Wesby

“I’m excited someone is noticing what I’m doing; that I’m reaching out and trying to uplift the community,” Kimberly “Isis” Wesby said of her Sister CEO of the Year nomination. “Sometimes running your own small business gets difficult and hard and frustrating, and you need to remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing.”

Wesby is the director of marketing and promotions for I&L Promotions, a business she runs with her husband, Low Key. Her nickname comes from when she was the midday host at Foxy 103. His comes from being more behind the scenes.

“There was no platform for area artists to help market themselves properly,” said Wesby. “Entertainment is more than just the music.”

I&L Promotions helps artists create better visibility for themselves by teaching them to engage the press, interview training, voice lessons and ongoing consultation when needed.

Wesby has worked with several area rappers who are successful, including rapper/producer Cashous Clay and Klutch, who just got signed to Katt Pack/Universal Records.

“When you have clear-cut goals and a mission statement, hold on to it. Put it somewhere you can see it everyday. Remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing.”

Other nominees for the award are Tonda Booker, publisher of Hair Essentials Magazine and executive director of Shiloh Community Center, and MiniMarie Wilkinson, founder/CEO of Eiram Productions. — CY

 

Dove Award
A Powerful Spiritual Example
Nominees: Rev. Brendoyn L. Jenkins, Minister Wendi Stroud, Tammie Darko

“People watch your actions,” Tammie Darko said. “They’re watching your walk.”

As the owner of Chef’s House on Walton Way, Darko knows that her customers judge her not by whether she attends church or preaches about Christian ideals, but rather by how she treats them. That’s why she treats everyone equally — and equally well.

Darko, 38, is a native of Augusta who graduated from T.W. Josie High School before attending Augusta Technical Institute and Augusta College to study marketing. She was employed by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce for eight years, working in event planning and membership development.

At the chamber, she also worked with people who were trying to start small businesses. “I understand the challenges that small startup businesses face,” she said. “I’m well, well aware of what you come up against, and how you have to stay strong and stay focused.”

When she and her husband, George, prepared to start the Chef’s House in 2005, they looked to some role models in the community, such as Matt Flynn at Blue Sky Kitchen and Dee Crawford, owner of five area McDonald’s stores.

“Look to follow those who give you advice, and you can see they’re using their own advice and it’s working for them,” Darko said, noting that her role models also had another defining characteristic. “They’re positive. That’s another thing we’re good on, being positive.”

Then she and her husband created a business model that fit their individual skills and family needs. “First God, second family, then the restaurant,” Darko said.

She and George have one son, Saxel, age 5, who they home school. That’s one reason they created Chef’s House as a lunch restaurant, open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They also take reservations for groups of over 20 on weekends. That gives them time for family.

Her husband is an executive chef whose expertise is Southern gourmet cooking. “He’s big into health,” Darko said. That’s why he prepares his own seasonings and avoids using too much fat in his cooking. We want you to love the food, but live a little longer while you love it.”

She handles more of the business development duties. “George and I both own the business,” she said. “I’m like the front of the business and he’s like the back of the business.”

Darko credits the success of her business to God. “God blessed me,” she said.

The other candidates for the Dove Award are Rev. Brendoyn L. Jenkins, assistant to the pastor of Second Baptist Church of Aiken and CEO of the B.L. Jenkins Memorial Chapels, and Minister Wendi Stroud, talk-show host of Wake Up With Wendi on WAAW 94.7 FM. — TG

Oak Award
Sister CEO of the Year (Senior)
Nominees: Rosa T. Beard, Ernestine Howard, Mayor Pro Tem Betty Beard

“I am dedicated to overcoming negative perceptions that exist in our community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Betty Beard in a past interview. She is nominated for the Oak Award honoring the Senior Sister CEO of the Year.

Beard could not be reached for comment, but she leaves a track record of years of community service. She has served on many boards and committees, including Richmond County Hospital Authority, University Health Services Inc. and CSRA Regional Development Center.

“She’s shown courage over the last year with some of her decisions,” said Commissioner Joe Bowles. “She steps outside the box and makes firm decisions.”

As mayor pro tem, Beard presides in the mayor’s absence and helps the mayor appoint committees. She has said she is “deeply honored” to serve as mayor pro tem, and that she wants everyone to know she will be working with everyone in city government and for every citizen in Augusta.

One of her great achievements in recent years was winning commission approval to dedicate $750,000 per year from hotel and motel taxes to a fund to help redevelop inner-city neighborhoods.

Also nominated is Rosa T. Beard (no relation), founder of the Rosa T. Beard Debutantes, and Ernestine Howard, owner of A Step Above Designer Shoes. — CY

Indigo Award
The Motivator/Intensely Encourages Others
Nominees: Marilyn D. Willis, Sandra E. Wimberly, Dr. Dorothy Gandy

Originally from Florida, Dr. Dorothy Gandy came to the CSRA in 1973 to take a teaching job in Thomson. Thus began an education career in which she has handled leadership roles at every level — elementary, middle school, high school and, now, college.

“Being on all four levels of education, I had a love for seeing children grow and develop,” Gandy said. “I believe that every child can learn.”

Gandy has a master’s degree in English education from South Carolina State in Orangeburg and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Sarasota.

She taught 12 years before becoming a principal. She led the staff at Joseph Lamar Elementary, Morgan Road Middle School and A.R. Johnson Magnet School, where she retired after 18 years as a public school administrator.

Now she’s at Troy University’s branch in Augusta, serving as associate director of academics. There, she works with many non-traditional students, adults who have come back to college after a few years in the work force.

One thing she finds necessary at every level of education is giving people a little extra push, motivation and support. “Everybody has the potential for learning,” Gandy said. “Some people just have to be given that extra push.”

After a decade of teaching, she realized something. “In the classroom, I was serving just those students who were sitting there,” she said. “I could do more by getting out of the classroom. I could touch teachers and inspire them, and parents.”

Over the years, she has inspired thousands of people — and she runs into them when she least expects it. Last week, when she went to the hospital have some blood drawn, “As soon as I walked in, somebody said, ‘Aren’t you’re Dr. Gandy? You were my principal at A.R. Johnson,’” she recalled.

Over the past decade, she has formed GALS, Growth And Leadership Skills. “I knew I would be retiring when this thought came to me. I said in about eight years I will be retired, and I still want to do something to motivate and inspire people.”

With GALS, she provides motivational workshops. “I’m not making any money with it,” she admits, “but I’m doing little things to help women be motivated and inspired.”

With girls between the ages of 15-18, she may work with them on how to go to a restaurant and eat, or how to shop with a budget. Each year, she holds an annual Christmas event and motivational workshop. Last year, she had 70 women participate.

This year’s workshop at the Partridge Inn on Dec. 6 will focus on health. “This year my theme is prescription for a healthy life,” she said.

She is the picture of health herself, and looks much younger than someone with as much experience as she has. One thing that keeps her youthful is measuring success not by money or titles, but by the people she helps.

“My big thing is inspiring and motivating women to be the best they can be,” she said. “My measure of success is if people come when I have a workshop.”

The other nominees for the Indigo Award are Marilyn D. Willis, area chair of arts and sciences for the University of Phoenix-Augusta, and Sandra E. Wimberly, public health educator at Richmond County Health Department. — TG