2016 40 Under 40 INDUCTEES
A native of Miami, Florida, Amber Donley, Esq. is 2002. In addition to obtaining her degree at B-CU, Mrs. Donley also earned her Juris Doctor and Certification in Advanced Legal Research, Writing, and Drafting at Florida Coastal School of Law. Presently, Mrs. Donley is an attorney at the law firm of Amber R. Donley, Esq.
Amber Donley
Androse Bell
A 2011 Hospitality Management graduate of B-CU, Mr. Androse Bell is a Melbourne, Florida native. Upon graduation, Mr. Bell rose up within the hospitality industry, where he eventually accepted the position as Hotel Manager at the DoubleTree Suites in Melbourne Beach, at the age of 27, making him the youngest General Manager for all DoubleTree's and Hiltons in the North Americas. Additionally, Mr. Bell is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.
Dr. Aneesah Baker is a 2004 graduate of B-U. Hailing from Buffalo, New York, Dr. Baker is the Chiropractic Physician and owner at Helping Hands Family Chiropractic, LLC. Among her many endeavors, Dr. Baker is pursuing her Diplomat of The American Board of Chiropractic Internists, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a member of the Order of Eastern Star, International.
Aneesah Baker
A 2003 graduate of B-CU, Ms. Anike Sakariyawo, additionally obtained her master’s from Cambridge College in 2010. Ms. Sakariyawo is the Founder of S.E.E.K Foundation, Inc., an organization that teaches middle and or high school children how to create and improve modern technology. In 2016, Ms. Sakariyawo was chosen as a final contestant for the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Godmother.
Anike Sakariyawo
A native of Pensacola, Florida, Dr. April Walker is a 2004 graduate of B-CU. Dr. Walker obtained her master’s from Norfolk State University and her Ph.D. from Capella University. Currently, Dr. Walker is a Psychotherapist working at Adult and Child Mental Healthcare, LLC. in Pensacola, FL and will soon be moving into private practice.
April Walker
Benjale Bailey Jr., is a native of Fort Pierce, Florida. Upon graduating from B-CU in 2012, he earned his master’s degree from Walden University. Currently, Mr. Bailey works as Harris-Stowe University in St. Louis, MO as the Default Prevention Manager, and serves as the Royal Court Advisor and an adjunct instructor.
Benjale Bailey
Dr. Carmen Rogers is a 2002 graduate of B-CU. Upon graduation, Dr. Rogers earned her MBA from Robert Morris University, and the Doctor of Education degree from the University of Arkansas. Presently, Dr. Rogers is the Associate Director of Advising and Student Development in the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Carmen Rogers
Hailing from Freeport, Bahamas, Dr. Chokhan Outten is a 2000 graduate of B-CU. Upon leaving B-CU, Dr. Outten went on to attend Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and graduated in 2004 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He is currently the Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator at Aspire Health Partners, and is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Chokhan Outten
Mr. Davon Bagley is a 2002 graduate of B-CU. Mr. Bagley is the Production Manager of Music Specials for Black Entertainment Television, and is also President/CEO of his own very active entertainment company, Vonlee Entertainment. Mr. Bagley is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and holds a MBA in Management from Troy University.
Davon Bagley
Ms. Vanessa Cogswell is a 2001 graduate of B-CU and holds a Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Ms. Cogswell is the Assistant Director in the Office of Student Services at the University of Central Florida. Ms. Cogswell is the former Head Coach at B-CU where she directed their Division I Volleyball Program, leading the team to the Conference Tournament for seven seasons and the Conference Championship Semi-Finals on three occasions, making school history.
Vanessa Cogswell
A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, Mr. Dominik Whitehead graduated from B-CU in 2010, and earned his master’s from Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University in 2011. Currently, Mr. Whitehead is a political action representative for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO.
Dominik Whitehead
Mr. Emil Vassilev is a native of Sofia, Bulgaria and a 2012 and 2014 graduate from B-CU. In 2016, Mr. Vassilev became the USTA Spring National Team Coach in Mobile, AL, which is the highest level tennis competition team event in the USA. Currently, Mr. Vassilev is the Assistant Head Pro and USTA Mid Atlantic section and national tennis coach for the USTA and Winchester Country Club. Mr. Vassilev could not be here tonight, accepting his award on his behalf will be a representative from the Office of Alumni Affairs.
Emil Vassilev
Hailing from Dallas, TX, Mr. Gary Hamilton is a 2006 graduate of B-CU. In 2012, Mr. Hamilton was accepted into the Educational Doctoral Program of Howard University. Currently, he works as a K-1 Special Education Teacher/ LEAP Coach for the District of Columbia Public School system.
Gary Hamilton
Dr. GiShawn Mance is a 1999 graduate of BCU. Dr. Mance obtained a Master’s of Science from Florida A & M University, and a Master’s of Arts & Doctorate of Philosophy from DePaul University. Dr. Mance is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Howard University, as well as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
Gishawn Mance
A 2009 graduate of B-CU, Mr. Ishmael Lateef hails from Greer, South Carolina. Presently, Mr. Lateef is the Founder and CEO of Innovation Station, LLC, and is a highly sought after empowerment speaker and a peak performance sales mentor. Mr. Lateef has donated more than $200,000 to various start-up businesses, high schools sports teams, Non-Profit Organizations and college students.
Ishmael Lateef
Hailing from Flint, Michigan, Ms. Jashell Mitchell is a 2004 graduate of B-CU. Ms. Mitchell completed her master’s degree from the University of Memphis in 2013. In January 2014, she was named Director of Football Operations at NC Central University under Head Football Coach Jerry Mack.
Jashell Mitchell
A 2005 graduate of B-CU, Mr. Coachman is an assistant pastor at Divine Hope Restoration Ministery Internations, and founder and CEO of Coachman's Percussion Camp. Through this organization he has helped numerous students obtain music scholarships totaling more than 1 million dollars to many universities in Florida.
Jeffery Coachman
An Atlanta, Georgia native, Jerrica Conyers is a 2009 graduate of B-CU. Currently, she is on track to complete her Master’s of Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2018. Additionally, Mrs. Conyers works as a registered nurse for Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center and Southern Regional Medical Center, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Jerrica Conyers
Mrs. Jessica Anderson is a 2008 graduate of B-CU. Currently, Mrs. Anderson is a Field Training Officer for the Washtenaw County Sheriff Office. Mrs. Anderson also completed additional training outside of the mandated requirements such as: Law Enforcement Diversity in 2015 and Emotional Intelligence in 2015.
Jessica Anderson
Originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Ms. Jhenerr Hines is a 2010 graduate of B-CU. Upon graduation, Ms. Hines went on to graduate from Stetson University College of Law’s honors program, where she competed with Stetson Law’s Moot Court Board and was inducted into Phi Delta Phi Legal Honors Fraternity. Currently, Ms. Hines is the Owner/ Attorney at law at Hines & Associates Law.
Jhenerr Hines
A 2006 B-CU graduate, and Floridian native, Dr. J. Michael Williams is the Executive Director of Enrollment Services & Partnerships and an Assistant Professor of Business at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Currently, Dr. Williams is in the process of publishing a book called “The What If Factor: Living on the other side of the question mark.”
J. Michael Williams
Hailing from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Johanna Leblanc is a 2009 graduate of B-CU. Ms. Leblanc also holds a Master of Science from Florida A&M University, and recently graduated with a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University- Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Currently, Ms. Leblanc is currently traveling throughout Southern and Western Africa to promote human rights in the areas of education and child marriage. Ms. Leblanc is still in Africa now, and accepting on her behalf is Mr. William Guerilus.
Johanna Leblanc
Pastor John Paul McGee is a 2006 graduate of B-CU and holds two master’s degrees from both Liberty University and Emory University. Currently serving as the Senior Pastor at Hope Fellowship Church in Daytona Beach, Florida, Pastor McGee, additionally, serves as an adjunct professor at the Interdenominational Theological Center and as the International Vice President for The Gospel Heritage Foundation.
John Paul McGee
A 2000 graduate of B-CU, Jovonna Palmer, currently works as an HR Manager with Viacom Media Networks in Nashville, TN. Additionally, Ms. Palmer received her from Lipscomb University in 2011, and is VP of Membership of Parthenon Toastmasters, and an active member of the National Alumni Association.
Jovonna Palmer
Ms. Katheldra Pinder is a 1998, graduate of B-CU. A native of Freeport, Bahamas, Ms. Pinder is currently the General Manager for the Atrium Café at SAS World headquarters. Additionally, Ms. Pinder holds a master’s degree and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In 2016, Ms. Pinder was appointed to the advisory board for theBob Billingslea School of Hospitality at B-CU.
Kathelda Pinder
A 2003 B-CU graduate, Ms. Kellie Adesina served in the Obama Administration as Senior Counselor in the Office of the General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ms. Adesina, additionally, earned her J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Kellie Adesina
Lericia Harris is a 2013 graduate of B-CU. Upon graduating, Ms. Harris earned her Master’s the University of Florida. Currently, Ms. Harris is the evening radio news anchor for CBS Radio Atlanta WAOK 1380AM and sports anchor for 92.9 The Game. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and was recently recognized by Atlanta Women In Sports.
Lericia Harris
Marc "Nailz" Dixon is a 2009 Graduate of B-CU. Currently, Mr. Dixon is a member of Orlando’s Power 95.3 radio station morning show. He obtained his master’s degree from the University of Florida in 2012. Additionally, Mr. Dixon is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Marc Dixon
Merrell Charles Lloyd, II, is a 1999 graduate of B-CU. Upon graduating. Mr. Lloyd earned his MBA from Florida Metropolitan University in 2001. Mr. Lloyd began his public service career as an Accountant with D.C. Superior Court where he performs a wide range of financial accounting functions.
Merrell Lloyd
Nelson McCoy is a 2003 graduate of B-CU. In 2008, Mr. McCoy obtained his master’s from the University of North Florida. Mr. McCoy is the founder of The Center, One Foundation Inc. where he offers holistic college preparation services. He is also a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Nelson McCoy
A former Fighting Wildcat, Mr. Nichalas Rawls is a 2002 graduate of B-CU. Mr. Rawls is the owner of Nichalas J. Rawls Insurance, LLC, a multi-line insurance provider. Mr. Rawls has continued volunteering as a mentor, a youth sports coach and at local schools. He is a member of The Central Florida African American Chamber of Commerce, The Orange County Democratic Black Caucus and a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Nichalas Rawls
A 2002 B-CU graduate, Ms. Nicole Ford, is the founder and program director of Stepping in the Right Direction where she provides Black College Tours to Middle and High School,Community College, and international students. Ms. Ford is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and is currently finishing up her Master’s Degree from Pacific Oaks College.
Nicole Ford
Mr. Quincy Cohen is a 2001 graduate of B-CU. Upon graduating, Mr. Cohen earned a master’s s from Trinity International University. Currently, Mr. Cohen is an Administrative Officer II for the Family and Community Services Division, where he coordinates and monitors the Division’s Emergency Assistant programs. He is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Quincy Cohen
A Hartford, CT native, Mr. Rashad Muhammad is a 2005 graduate of B-CU. In 2007, he obtained his Master’s from Nova Southeastern University. Mr. Muhammad is currently an Associate Principal at Crowley High School in Crowley, TX. In 2015, he was named the TASSP Region XI High School Assistant Principal of the Year.
Rashad Muhammad
Dr. Rhode Mesidor is a 2009 graduate of B-CU. After graduation , Dr. Mesidor obtained her Master Athletic Training (MAT) degree from Life University in 2010. Thereafter, Dr. Mesidor completed her doctorate at Life University in 2013. Dr. Mesidor is currently a Chiropractic Physician at Lerner Family Chiropractic Center.
Rhode Mesidor
Stevie Baggs, Jr. is a 2005 B-CU graduate. Mr. Baggs is a three-time All-American linebacker, playing in both the NFL and CFL. He is the owner of the Dream Café in Atlanta, where he works in communities to enhance the minds of youth to fuel their future through his CETA (Creating Empowerment Through Autonomy) foundation.
Stevie Baggs
Tamara Jackson-Crues is a 2005 graduate of B-CU. After graduating, Mrs. Jackson-Crues received her Master’s Degree from Nova Southeastern. With an extensive career in education abroad in Abu Dhabi/ Dubai, Mrs. Jackson-Crues extended her teaching career abroad in Beijing, China. Additionally, Mrs. Jackson-Crues is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Because she is teaching abroad, her parents, Cynthia Jackson-Evans and Amos Jackson, Jr. will accept her award on her behalf.
Tamara Jackson-Crues
Dr. Tehia Starker Glass is a 1999 graduate of B-CU. Additionally, Dr. Glass earned her master’s from the University of Northern Iowa, and her Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Currently, Dr. Glass serves as an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is the first Black female to earn tenure and promotion in the 40-year history of the College of Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Tehia Glass
Thometta Cozart is a 2003 graduate of B-CU. Additionally, Ms. Cozart and holds a master’s from Florida A&M University, and a master’s from the University of South Florida. Currently, Ms. Cozart is the Assistant Health Equity Director and Communications Manager for the Directors of Deputy Press Secretary for the Florida Department of Health. as well as the Marketing Coordinator and Public Relations Manager for the Department’s Women’s Health Program and Office of Minority Health. Ms. Cozart is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Health Promotion and Education from the University of Alabama.
Thometta Cozart
A 2012 B-CU graduate, Ms. Trinice McNally has committed her life to the advancement of LGBTQ people of color and is dedicated to creating inclusion and fostering awareness at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Ms. McNally currently serves as the NBJC Program Manager of HBCU Initiatives, and is a member of several national organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.