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Facilitators
A native of Thomasville, Georgia, Dr. Samantha Thompson is a lifelong learner who enjoys teaching and learning. She is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; from “THE” Fort Valley State
University
with a Master of Education in Guidance & Counseling; and from Albany
State University with a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership
& Supervision. Additionally, she earned her doctorate degree in
Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education from
Grand Canyon University. Each of these degree opportunities have
allowed her to serve as a teacher, literacy coach, assistant
principal, principal, and collegiate adjunct. She is now thankful
and grateful to serve as the Dean of Education for the Professional
Empowerment Program for Manna of Hope Resource Center. Dr. Thompson serves families daily as a trader, investor, and field underwriter. She has three journals available on Amazon.com: “A Queen’s Day,” “A King’s Day,” and “Reflections. Several more projects are underway. She is passionate about protecting family wellness, legacy and changing financial trajectories. To connect with her in in one or more of these areas, please submit a request here: https://bit.ly/3nvVfQo
Dr. Thompson is a student, oracle, and servant of God. One of her favorite Scriptures is “I can do ALL things through Christ Who strengthens me” (Philippian 4:13).
Dr. Ansley Booker
Workplace
Development Professional . is a native of Eatonton, Georgia. She
earned her Bachelor of Arts in biology from Georgia Southern
University in 2008, where she was a Ronald E. McNair Scholar. Dr.
Booker earned a Master of Science in pharmacy from the University of
Georgia in 2013, and her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Mercer
University in May 2019. Her passion for STEM was highlighted in her
2019 TedTalk at the University of Georgia entitled Unhidden Figures:
Uncovering Our Cultural Biases in STEM.
In addition to
developing STEM curriculum for high school and collegiate students
as an adjunct professor, she has served as
a
mentor and volunteer for numerous programs in the Macon community
including Streets to Success and Real I. M. P. A.C. T. Center, a
local non-profit to ensure young girls third through eighth grades
are exposed to STEM disciplines. Dr. Booker was the previous
Director for the Mercer University Educational Opportunity Center
(Federal TRiO Programs) and is the inaugural Director for the Office
of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives.
Her awards and
recognitions include being named among Mercer University’s Barry
Jenkins Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student
Life, University of Georgia’s College of Pharmacy 60 for 60 Award,
ASHE Presidential Medal Local Change Agent Award Honorable Mention,
Macon Magazine’s 5 under 40 Leadership Issue, The National Women’s
Empowerment Ministry Anedra S. Williams-Millennial Award of Year,
the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages Young Entrepreneurs and
Professionals, the University of Georgia’s College of Pharmacy
Distinguished Service Award, Rural Leader Magazine’s 40 under 40,
Small Town America’s Top 100 and both the University of Georgia’s
and Georgia Sothern's 40 Under 40 as well as receiving Mercer
University’s Student Affairs Division STAR Award. Lastly, Ansley is
a recent graduate of Leadership Macon 2019 and the Urban Leadership
Academy Cohort 3. Mercer University’s Barry Jenkins Award for
Outstanding Contributions to Student Life …..
Dr. Jessica Houston
Named one
of the top 50 speakers globally, by “Real Leaders,” Dr. Jessica
Houston travels nationally and internationally inspiring thousands
of college students, corporate executives and conference attendees
every year. As a transformational
speaker,
her messaging and platform are heavily influenced by her expertise
in personal growth, leadership development, and mental health, which
expands more than a decade. She currently serves as a professor at
Purdue University and owns and operates a successful personal and
professional development training company. Dr. Houston is the author
of the well-received book, Women’s Secrets: It’s Time to Stop
Suffering in Silence, which encourages women to stop masking and
suppressing their pain. Her latest book, Profitable Conversations:
How to Position Yourself for Expansion, is a resource guide loaded
with inspiration, peak performance tips and self-growth strategies.
Dr. Houston has surmounted experiences with poverty, depression, low
self confidence and intimate partner violence, which fuels her
passion for helping others overcome obstacles and lead abundant
lives. To connect with Dr. Houston online, please visit
www.expectingvictory.com.
Dr.
Bridgett McBride
A performance-driven, consistent,
enthusiastic, and highly talented accounting and business executive
with accomplished experience in the advancement and development of
professional organizations by contributing technical expertise, and
executing leadership to increase productivity → Experienced in all
facets of teaching; praised for leadership and ability to work
collaboratively with all shareholders including faculty, staff,
students, and the overall community; promotes the best in teaching
and creates a nurturing environment for learning; 20+ years of vast
accounting, financial management, and business
experience
▪ Superior Customer Service; ability to establish and maintain
positive relationships with staff ▪ Effective problem-solver and
decision-maker; ability to motivate and encourage others to
contribute to a team effort; effective oral and written
communication skills; exceptionally autonomous, persistent and
competitive ▪ Excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills;
adaptable to new concepts and responsibilities ▪ Proficient in
handling diverse tasks simultaneously; detail-oriented, efficient,
organized professional with working knowledge of varied systems;
possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills ▪ Commitment to
furthering the success of the team members, as well as delivering
quality individual performance in a high-pressure environment ▪
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook Express, Microsoft
Windows XP, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Great Plains, BANNER,
Oracle, SAP, WordPress and Google Drive EDUCATION DOCTOR OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION (D.B.A), ACCOUNTANCY October 2018 ARGOSY UNIVERSITY,
ATLANTA, GEORGIA MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (M.B.A.), FINANCE
May 2011 CAPELLA UNIVERSITY, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA BACHELOR OF
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ARTS (B.B.A.), ACCOUNTING June 1995 FORT
VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY, FORT VALLEY, GEORGIA GRADUATE COURSEWORK
ACCT 610 Financial Accounting January 2004 University of Maryland
University College, Adelphi, Maryland EMPLOYMENT B r i d g e t t M c
B r i d e C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e P a g e 2 | 5 Adjunct
Faculty American InterContinental University 2019 - Present
Dr. Tonya Coons
TONYA L.
COONS, PHD EDUCATOR | AUTHOR | VISION COACH
Dr. Tonya Lofton
Coons is a vision coach, author, 22-year educator, and curriculum
designer. A native of Macon, specifically Pleasant Hill, Tony
a
received her Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) In addition to her
personal vision, Tonya currently lives her professional vision by
working for the Bibb County School District as a School Improvement
Coordinator. Prior to this, she was employed by
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, in North Carolina, and served as an
edTPA Scorer for Pearson-The World’s Learning Company. She is the
Former Director of Gifted/ESOL for Bibb County and curriculum writer
for South Carolina Department of Education. Across states, Tonya is
highly respected for equipping leaders to positively impact the
lives of youth and adults. As a poised transformer, Dr. Tonya L.
Coons is committed to being a deliberate learner, instructional
designer, extraordinary teacher, and international Edupreneur. She
lives by Romans 12:2, which reflects in her mantra: If you’re going
to be, be the best!
Dr. Keela
Malone
1982). Her career as a secondary teacher started in
New Providence and Andros islands. Upon completing one year of
teaching, Dr. Malone immigrated to the United States to continue
serving as a high school teacher in Macon, Georgia. After ten years
of outstanding service and earning a Master of Education Degree in
Administration and Supervision from Northwestern
State
University of Louisiana (August 1994), she became an assistant
principal in the Bibb County School District (October 1995). Because
of Dr. Malone’s desire for continuous learning and advancement in
the field of education, with distinction, she earned a Specialist
Degree in Education Leadership from Georgia College and State
University (August 1999) and a Doctoral Degree in Education
Leadership and Supervision from Argosy University-Atlanta (May
2006). In July 2006, Dr. Malone became a principal. During ten years
of elementary and secondary principal shi,, Drr.Malone was
recognized as a high performing leader who positively and
professionally impacted the lives of children, youth, adults, and
the community by demonstrating best practices in curriculum,
assessment, instruction, and operations throughout her tenure in
International Baccalaureate, Title I, and Priority designated
schools and specialty programs.Malone was recognized as a high
performing leader who positively and professionally impacted the
lives of children, youth, adults, and the community by demonstrating
best practices in curriculum, assessment, instruction, and
operations throughout her tenure in International Baccalaureate,
Title I, and Priority designated schools and specialty programs.
In June 2017, Dr. Malone retired and became an education
consultant from January-May 2018. From 2018 to date, she serves as
the Head Start/Early Head Start Assistant Director, Macon Bibb
County Economic Opportunity Council, Incorporated, Macon, Georgia.
Sylvia McGee
Sylvia
Williams McGee, a native of Macon, is a community engagement
volunteer who seeks to serve in helping to make the Macon-Bibb
County Community a better place to live for all. She currently
serves as Chairman of the Macon - Bibb County Land Bank Authority;
Chair of the uth Hartley Mosley Memorial Women’s Center and
President of the Alumni Advisory Board for
Leadership
Macon. She is the Immediate Past President of the Macon (GA) Chapter
of The Links, Incorporated and past National Vice President of Jack
and Jill of America, Incorporated.
Sylvia received a Bachelor
of Arts (cum laude) from Tift College (1974) and a Masters of Social
Work from the University of Georgia (1976).She also studied at the
University of Virginia Darden School of Business and Harvard School
of Business.
Sylvia has received several awards and
recognition such as Georgia School Social Worker of the Year (1998);
Robert Hatcher Leadership Award (1996) and Outstanding Leadership
Award for Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (2000). Most recently the
Teacher of Excellence Award given annually at the Golden Eagles
Ceremony has been named in her honor (2020)
In 2011, after 35
years of service, she retired from the Bibb County School
District. There she served as School Social Worker, Director of
Student Support Services and Deputy Superintendent. She also served
one year as Acting Superintendent.
Sylvia served as Project
Manager of READ UNITED an initiative of United Way of Central
Georgia (2016 - 2020). In the program, which was funded by AARP
Foundation and the Peyton Anderson Foundation, volunteers are
recruited and trained to tutor students in Kindergarten - through
third grade with the goal of having students reading proficiently by
the end of third grade.
She is married to Terry D. McGee, a
retired accountant and she is the mother of two adult children,
Terese L. McGee and T. Dwight McGee, Ph.D. She is the grandmother of
triplets . She is a third generation member of New Hope Missionary
Baptist Church.
Katrina Cohens is the CEO and
founder of Cohens Consulting Services, LLC. Ms. Cohens is
also, a certified Master Life Coach, which includes professionalism,
happiness, life purpose, and goal success coaching. She is a
proven professional with 20+ years of experience in financial
management (4 years-Vice President level), with an emphasis on
leadership, client service excellence, operations, production,
performance expectations, and employee relations. Ms. Cohens is a
resourceful problem s
olver
and planner with the ability to analyze, collaborate and communicate
to achieve specific goals and performance standards. She
achieves success through perseverance, self-discipline, and
commitment.
Ms. Cohens has a Master of Business
Administration Degree, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public
Administration. She has certificates in Strategic Management,
Nonprofit Management, Human Resource Management, and
Diversity-Equity & Inclusion.
Since moving to Macon in 2018, Ms. Cohens
has been recognized and spotlighted as one of Middle Georgia’s young
professionals and featured in the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages
Resource Guide, and her business was spotlighted by Macon Magazine
and Macon-Bibb County in 2022. She is the recipient of the
Julian V. Smith Community Service Award. Ms. Cohens is a
shining example of community advocacy and dedication through
faithful service and leadership. She invests in her community
and adds real value with her selflessness, generosity, and passion
for helping others. Ms. Cohens is a committee member of the
Joshua’s Wish Organization (that supports childhood cancer
research), and she serves on the board for Career Women’s Network of
Macon as the leadership chair.
Ms. Cohens is a natural motivator that is
results driven to transform individuals into extra-ordinary leaders
by changing mindsets. She has a passion for helping others
achieve success.
Dr. Melinda Robinson-Moffett joins GPTC as
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs
A native of Lizella, Georgia, Dr. Melinda Robinson-Moffett follows her passion for supporting life long learning and workforce development personally and professionally.
With more than two decades of experience in higher education, she has held the title of Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, Executive Director of Career Services, Advisor, Counselor, Adjunct Instructor, Committee Chair, and Provost Fellow to numerous initiatives.
Dr. Robinson-Moffett obtained a Bachelor degree in Political Science (Fort Valley State University), a Master degree in Public Administration (Troy University) and a Doctorate degree in Higher Education Leadership (Mercer University).
Dr. Robinson-Moffett was recognized by her previous employer Middle Georgia State University as a “Distinguished Leader in Student Affairs,” by Macon Magazine as a “Top 5 under 40” Leader in Macon-Bibb, and by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Macon Alumnae Chapter as a “Rising Trailblazer.”
Dr. Robinson-Moffett prides herself on understanding the challenges that arise when balancing personal, education, and career goals. She likens her work ethic to that of Nike professing the best way to reach a goal is to place it in writing then “Just Do It!”
Dr. Moffett is happily married to Dr. Keith Moffett, a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and the current County Manager of Macon-Bibb County. Together they have four children, two grands, and two dogs.
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| So You Want to Own a Business Panel Discussion presenter Ricardo Cordew |
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| So You Want to Own a Business Panel
Discussion, September 10, 2022 @ Douglass Theater Manna Board of Directors member Joyce Denson and director Mary Whitfield |
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| Mary Whitfield sharing about all
Manna Programs, especially the outstanding Professional Empowerment Program |