those skill sets are those that are
February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 

Today, we would like you to get to know Dee Sanae of Mosaic Visions.
 
Mosaic Visions (MV) is an action-oriented humanitarian organization that also represents multiracial Jews. It is an organization of racially and ethnically diverse Jews and other allies and collaborators that are committed to equity and diversity. This is an organization that is a safe space for Jews of Color and other People of Color to come together to discuss and act on issues of social and civil justice, and diversity-focused on strengthening first and foremost the Jewish community as well as the community-at-large through understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.
 
Through conversation and dialogue, they strategize ways to strengthen and unify the Jewish community by being more inclusive of Jews from all racial and ethnic backgrounds through actions as well as strengthening the local community to be more inclusive. The next level of action is to work in the larger community by establishing action-oriented projects focused on community building nationally and internationally strengthening diverse identities, acceptance, and inclusion.  MV believes in employing both words and deeds that lead to constructive change. 
 
The mission of Mosaic Visions is to form an inclusive space that generates visibility for marginalized and underrepresented Jews of Color (JOCs) within the Global Jewish community through advocacy, awareness, and education. By facilitating diversity, inclusion, racial equity, and social action, both within the Jewish community and beyond, Mosaic Visions also seeks to strengthen the bonds and alliances between the Jewish People and other impacted communities of Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC), forever advancing towards our shared Visions of socially just and tolerant societies.

Dee has been named this year's 2022 honoree of  Jewish Women International's "Women to Watch." She has served as the chair and community service chair for B'nai B'rith International's BBI Connect. She served on the Asian Pacific American Film Festival board as the Vice President and Communications Director. 
 
Dee is a Proud alumna of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is also an Executive Masters of Business Administration candidate focusing on Global Business, Leadership, Governance, and Entrepreneurship Innovation. Dee is a member of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Caucus of Virginia Tech, Diversity, and Inclusion.  She is the Director of the Northern Capital Region Virginia Tech Alumni Association, and DEI Chair of Jewish Women International's National Young Women Network. 


We asked Dee three important questions.  Read her responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 
The challenges that I faced early on were a lack of personal and professional experience.  I opened my first business and was a young entrepreneur at the age of 20 while I was still attending college. I was a single mother and found a way to go to school, take care of a young baby and bring in income. I learned grit, resilience, patience, but more importantly drive and problem-solving; those skill sets that are needed in business, life, and being an entrepreneur.  

Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 
There are so many people that I have drawn inspiration from in my personal and professional life at different periods. My father was my earliest one with his dedication and strong work ethic. For all the women and women of Color businesswomen that came before me. They paved the way so that I would have the chance and opportunity to be an entrepreneur too. 

Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
 
My biggest piece of advice is twofold, leadership should want to make the change and be attentive to the needs of the workplace, and that includes the needs of the employees and staff. Hiring and promoting more diverse candidates for leadership positions will give a new overall and rewarding change to organizations that truly want to be more diverse and inclusive When hiring a DEI strategist don’t hire for short-term changes. True change within the organizational environment and the way of thinking of leadership don't happen in one fell swoop, it is with dedication, consistency, and holding each other accountable.  

February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 

​Today, we would like you to get to know Carla Young of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce.
 
Since its beginning in 1926, The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) mission has been to build an environment for businesses to grow and prosper.  Our Chamber supports its members by providing both a voice and a forum to help shape public policy and enhance opportunities for exposure, connections, and growth. Our responsibility is to lead by example, holding ourselves to the highest governance principles, ethical standards, and business practices.  Carla transitioned into her role as Director of Membership & Community Engagement in August 2021 from her member company, Aldon, who has been a member for decades.  In addition to her primary responsibilities, she oversees various member programs including Chamber 101, Membership Development Committee, NextExecs (Young Professional Group), Women Network, and Cultural Roundtable Groups.  Carla also serves on the Bethesda Transportation Solutions Advisory Committee and donates her time to various charities including the annual Thanksgiving Give Back in her hometown of Baltimore, MD.
 
We asked Carla three important questions.  Read her responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 
Growing up as a sibling of someone with special needs I learned to defend for my brother because he could not defend for himself.  I never imagined I would not know how to defend for myself, but that is exactly what happened for most of my adolescent and even young adult years.  While I was protecting him from the bullies on the playground, I forgot to protect myself.  With two parents having varying ideas on how to respond to the bullies, it was hard for me to know which direction to go in.  One parent is telling you to turn the other cheek and the other parent is telling you to sock them in the eye.  I went with the latter and for that I was considered weak.  
It wasn’t until I left for college and attended The University of Maryland Eastern Shore did I realize that not only did I have a voice, but that my voice deserved to be heard.  I never had any problems speaking up for others or even fighting their battles, I just had a problem with fighting my own.  Now when you are naturally a kindhearted person, you will always attract “wolves” who try to bite and scratch at you, but I learned that my inner strength is bigger than their bark.
 
It takes an infinite amount of time spent getting to know yourself, engaging in countless hours of therapy/counseling, and often relying on your inner circle to remind you of your inner voice.  If I hadn’t found my voice I would not be where I am today nor would I be able to advocate for friends and family who have yet to find their own.  Stepping into this wonderful, new career I have helped businesses find their voice and setting a table where all are welcomed.  My passion is growth, I work to develop strategies to meet new companies, and explore ways to engage their team into what we do here at the chamber.  This is working because in my short time we have welcomed nearly 100 new members.
 
Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 
The older I get the more I appreciate all that my parents have done for me in my lifetime.  My mom inspires me to be compassionate, thoughtful, and caring.  My dad inspires me to be courageous, independent, and strong.  My mom has been a care giver most of her life, back to when her own mother suffered from chronic health issues and was constantly in and out of the hospital.  That left my mom to be the “woman of the house” for my grandfather and two uncles.  She went from being a daughter and sister to a wife and mother in her early 20s which did not allow her time to “find herself”.  Caring for my brother with developmental disabilities until his late 30s and then having to care for my dad after his health declined due to complications from his diabetes.  That didn’t stop her from going back to school in her late 40s and receive not one, but 3 degrees in Psychology from Coppin State University.  From there went on to work as a case manager for recently released drug court convicts and being a substitute teacher for Baltimore City Public Schools.  Now it brings me so much joy to have her “live her best life” alongside me in areas of travel, trying new cuisine, attending fun work functions, and experiencing so much that she couldn’t before. 
My dad inspires me on a whole other level.  He is the true definition of the tough only get tougher.  He’s always had his voice for two main reasons, being 1 of 5 kids, and the United States Marine Corp.  He is never afraid to speak his mind and always gives 110% effort into everything he does.  For my mom to be able to stay home with my brother and I he worked 2 full time jobs until my senior year of high school.  Most times I never noticed his hectic schedule because he would still be right in the audience for my school plays, choir performances, and especially at graduation time.  My dad will be the first to tell you he may not be the most book smart, but he is the best life teacher you could ever find. It was because of his guidance I felt ready to leave home for college and even move down to Montgomery County 10 years ago.  He always tells me there is nothing I can’t do and that he is my number one fan.  Fast forward to January 2019 when I received the scariest call of my life.  He went into cardiac arrest and the doctors did not expect him to make it.  My mom then quickly replied, “You don’t know Mark Young, do you?”  Til this day he continues to fight and beat the odds. 
 
So, when you look at me you are looking at the best versions of Mark & Cheryl Young.
 
Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
 
We cannot erase nor change what happened in the past, but we can certainly correct what is happening today, and better strategize for will happen in the future.  My advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusion within their organization is to first educate and/or provide education for those who do not understand the meaning of the terms.  You cannot bring about change just to simply satisfy a quota.  You must learn to ask the hard to ask questions about why you feel you are struggling to begin with.  Are you holding onto to prior traditions?  Are you concerned about what your peers may think or say?  Are you simply basing your decisions on the information provided by the media?  If your answer is yes to any of those questions, then that in lies the problem.  Education is KEY training is NEEDED, and open mindedness is required for YOU and your business to succeed in a world filled with diversity and inclusivity. 

February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 



​Today, we would like you to get to know Brandan Stuckey of Bethesda Transportation Solutions.
 
Brandan moved from Birmingham, Alabama in December 2019 to join Bethesda Transportation Solutions (BTS)/Bethesda Urban Partnership (BUP) to help meet the transportation demands set by MCDOT.  He took on the role as Marketing & Outreach Manager in order to provide transit options for businesses in downtown Bethesda and reduce the single occupancy vehicle rate into the area. BTS is a FREE resource available to commuters and employers in Bethesda's business district who are looking for "another way" to get to work. Their goals are to manage traffic congestion, support alternatives to driving alone, reduce air & noise pollution and promote bicycle & pedestrian access.  In addition to his BTS responsibilities Brandan also sits on the Board of Directors of the GBCC, 2021-2022 class of emerging leaders of Leadership Montgomery, member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, certified drone pilot, member of the Chesapeake chapter of ACT, and proud husband and father.
 
We asked Brandan three important questions.  Read his responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 
I’ve learned patience for the process, patience for the journey. I started my career as a photojournalist in Tallahassee, FL covering state house, senate, & Governor press briefings. Those long hours of political coverage required a lot of patience and focus. When I transitioned into the Transportation career field while moving back home to Birmingham, I began to realize just how much politics touches every aspect of my life. I played a pivotal role in establishing Bikeshare and multimodal transportation in a community that was sorely lacking the infrastructure. I faced the challenges of lack of bike lanes, sharrows, and protected lanes, lack of community engagement head on by establishing relationships with local politicians, city officials, business leaders, and community representatives to create a cultural shift necessary for these projects to be successful. All this work was in preparation for what I’m doing today with BUP/BTS. You have your ups and downs but it’s patience that pays. 
Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 
Growing up in the heart of South, Birmingham, AL afforded me the surreal experience of choices to either meet heroes of the Civil Rights movement in person or visit the historic landmarks where history was made. No person embodied the spirit of my hometown and that era of change in America than Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth. He was the epitome of bravery and courage in the face of great opposition. His emotional intelligence and his capacity for leadership still echoes through history and he inspires my journey today. 
Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
 
I’d say connect the dots. Lewis Latimer invented the filament for the light bulb that Garrett Morgan used to light the traffic light. Granville Woods’ improvements to the railroads paved the way for mass transit that the Metro provides our region today. Richard Spikes changed the way we drive cars and school buses. These are just a few great Americans that paved the way for the career I have today. Businesses have to look around to see how many of these minds are present and contributing to their company. There’s a fatal flaw that’s systemic in our society which requires a higher level of collective uplift to course correct. We do a good job of identifying the historic harms inflicted upon the communities I descend from, but the solutions haven’t been specific enough and certainly don’t go far enough to warrant any positive outcomes. We must connect the dots to the nation’s crumbling infrastructure that congress is attempting to correct and the deficiencies in Black communities who’ve been cut out and cut off if we don’t want to continue down this road of struggle. Let’s all do our part!

​February is Black History Month. While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community. Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series. This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.




Today, we would like you to get to know Nina Toche, owner of LaNina.

LaNina, named after founder Nina Toche, is a new luxury designer brand which offers shoes, handbags, and clothing for men, and women. LaNina is also a channel for both men and women to have access to unique luxury goods at an affordable cost. Her products are strictly manufactured in Italy using quality handpicked leather. The overall brand development that Nina has created for her brand, from its colors, its designs, and to its exclusiveness. Her products are specifically intended to allure the individual to relish in the world of fashion, with the confidence that they can look exquisite, classic, and luxurious. 

As an immigrant African woman, Nina highly holds her culture background, especially through LaNina products. Her hope for this brand is to inspire all women, especially women of color, Immigrants, her community, and her family & future kids to strive for greatness and believe they can achieve their goals.

We asked Nina three important questions. Read her responses below.

Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?

Becoming a business owner has not been an easy role to accomplish. As a young female diving into the manufacturing / retail industry, the primary challenges I faced was gaining the consumer trust; As I looked at entrepreneurs who were already established in the industry, I questioned how to deal with the competitiveness, and attracting consumers was often the only answer. All I could come up with was to offer a higher quality of products and services at an affordable price, products accessible to all classes of people.

Producing my own brand label of accessories, handbags, suits and shirts was another obstacle to Deal with. Consumers are so used to well-known/household brands and can spend thousands of dollars to buy these brands because of the brand’s reputations; while the same kind of merchandise (sometimes made with higher quality/raw materials) are difficult to sell. It is very important to educate our consumers about the new brand we’re proposing to them so they can understand, and gain satisfaction from their investment.

Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?

I grew up in a beautiful home with my parents filling my siblings and I each day with so much love. I believe my mom inspired me to embrace the retail business as she herself has been in the business (fashion industry) for over 30 years. Retail business being established to my satisfaction was still not complete. I knew what I needed, but GOD had taken too soon the person that from here my source of encouragement was coming from, my father Emmanuel Toche; So, I lost track of my momentum and decided to keep the business at the lower stage and continue with my career as an accountant.
A few years later my baby sister Tahirih Toche who is very creative & a graduate of Loyola Marymount University in California, during an exchange she awoke in me my hunger & passion. After days of discussion, I told her what I could have told my dad years ago and she worked me through each step for the creation of the “LaNina” brand.

Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?

Business is not ever an easy task to fulfill, but I believe once one has a passion for something, obstacles should not be a barrier for growth, but a reason to fight for our voice to be heard, our vision to be known, and a value attributed to our products and services.
My advice to many entrepreneurs and rising or veteran business owners would be to devote time to revise their brand or company mission, surely diversity must be a part of it for your business to make sense; you must make time to learn your community, to study the world and the people living in it and to train & elevate a diverse set of people to work amongst you. Afterall, business is not all about the acquisition and production of goods/services in exchange for money, it’s a way to sustain a livelihood, sharing & developing innovative ideas, embracing cultures (especially in creative industries). It’s wiser to include people of color & diverse backgrounds to contribute to a bigger purpose and inspire the next generation of business owners.

​February is Black History Month. While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community. Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series. This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 


​Today, we would like you to get to know Okinyi Ayungo of FitnessWise.
 
Okinyi Ayungo, C.S.C.S., is the Owner and Executive Director of FitnessWise™. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), a Certified Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Specialist, a Certified CrossFit Level I Coach, and a USA Track and Field Level 1 Coach. In his 24 years as a health professional, Okinyi has served as a consultant to the Montgomery County Road Runners, several local sports teams, and athletes of all ages and abilities. Okinyi has also developed functional training programs and educated other fitness professionals in major health clubs. In leading the FitnessWise Team, Okinyi specializes in using functional exercise modalities to help clients recover from injuries
move better and improve their quality of life.
 
Since 1992, FitnessWise mission has been to deliver innovative and practical services that improve the way people approach health and fitness. FitnessWise™ and the FitnessWise Team are advisors to healthy and post-rehabilitative children, adults, seniors and athletes and their medical professionals. They help parents help their children learn healthy habits. The team helps older adults learn how to improve their quality of life. And help everyone in between.
 
 
We asked Okinyi three important questions. Read his responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 
One of the biggest challenges that I faced was expectation. Being a son of immigrants (from Trinidad and Kenya) to the United States, growing up there was a major emphasis on education and an expectation that to be "most successful" one had to become a doctor or a lawyer. Since I loved science and sports as a kid, the expectation was that I would become a doctor. Those expectations led to a good educational foundation in biology, physiology, and neuroscience. But what ultimately led me to my career path was numerous athletic injuries in high school and college. I was fascinated with how therapeutic and rehabilitative exercise could help people improve strength and movement ability. It allowed me to continue doing the sports that I loved. And I wanted to help other people improve their quality of life in similar ways.

However, I had to overcome the fear of "giving up" on the family expectations of becoming a doctor to "just" become a personal trainer. 25 years ago, the image of personal trainers was primarily "meat heads". The fitness industry was overly consumed with body building and aesthetics. So, I had to seek out mentors who approached exercise from a scientific perspective. I had to learn how to apply principles of human physiology, neuroscience, and psychology to exercise. I had to learn how to meld my interests and follow my passion. And I had to teach my family that making people healthier through exercise and keeping them from having to go to the doctor is just as important as what a doctor does.

It took some courage. But thankfully, I had friends and a wonderful wife that supported my decisions and allowed me to take a leap of faith and follow my passion.


Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 
My mother is my biggest inspiration. She is an "uneducated", country girl from an island in the Caribbean. But she is the smartest person I know. She is a thinker and a problem solver. And, being a single mother, she had to solve a lot of problems on her own. She instilled common sense, adaptability, and ingenuity in all three of her sons. As a small business owner, I do not believe that there is a task that we cannot figure out. I try to have the same approach in raising our three children and in community work.

Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?

If you want something to change, then you must change something. To change to type of candidates that you recruit, you may need to change where you are recruiting from. There is an abundance of talented people from many different backgrounds in our area. But you and the people in charge of hiring will need to step out of the "comfort zone" that you are used to. You will need to present at job fairs that you don't normally do, and you will need to get in front of people that you don't normally do.

To promote inclusivity in the workplace, create an environment where people can get to know each other outside of business. When most people talk to one another for more than a few minutes, they learn that they really have more in common than their differences. If you are the boss or executive, this may mean getting out of the office and having genuine interactions with people in the workplace. When people realize their commonalities, they are more likely to see another person's perspective, not judge him/her/them, and care about how day-to-day things affect people and how they feel.

Bethesda Chamber of Commerce Honors St. John’s Opportunity Shop: 70 Years of Service to the Community
 
The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce will celebrate St. John’s Opportunity Shop’s 70th anniversary of serving local charities at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Shop, 4504 Walsh St., Chevy Chase.
 
The event will take place on the front porch of the Walsh Street property (next to the Writer’s Center), site of the now-famous Saturday outdoor sales that allowed the shop to remain open during the pandemic, thrive, and raise a record $30,000 for charities.
 
The all-volunteer non-profit was founded by the women of St. John’s Norwood Episcopal Church in 1951, but over the years has become a neighborhood institution with a diverse group of supporters.
 
For 70 years, the shop’s profits have supported local, national, and international charities, often with an eye to supporting children and families, including, Montgomery Hospice, The Children’s Inn at NIH, Second Genesis, Greentree Shelter.
 
This year, the shop donated $30,000 to St. John’s Afghan Refugee Resettlement Fund, Doctors without Borders, DC Coalition for the Homeless, Betty Ann Krahnke Center for Family Services, Manna Food Center, and Rebuilding Together.
 
“This has been the most challenging time in our history,” says Liz Mullikin, board chair. The Shop was the only nonprofit thrift in downtown Bethesda-Chevy Chase that remained open during the pandemic.
 
Dedicated volunteers devoted countless hours to reconfiguring the store space to accord with new health guidelines. Plexiglass shields were installed, and safety protocols enforced--masks, contact tracing and monitoring the number of shoppers inside and out. 
 
The landlord reduced the rent for a time and encouraged the Shop to do business on the front porch of the building, since the indoor space was too confined for safe distancing. Meanwhile, Op Shop supporters donated reams of treasures unearthed during Covid closet cleanings to bring inventory to an all-time high. Donations from Sloan’s and Christ Child Opportunity Shop were welcomed.   
 
The most inspired step was the inauguration of an Outdoor Fair on Saturdays on the porch of the building, where merchandise is displayed on tables for fresh air shopping. People lined up around the block on Saturday mornings, masked, distanced, eager to shop, get out of the house, and most of all, be around other people. Their enthusiasm was infectious: “The Op Shop got me through the pandemic,” said one fan. “I didn’t go out much, but I wouldn’t miss Saturday mornings at the Op Shop!”
 
The Shop has always been located in Bethesda-Chevy Chase, on Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda Avenue and on Walsh Street since 2006. Thrift shop prices are kept low for everything from household items and small furniture to clothes and jewelry. Today is not so different from 70 years ago when shirts were priced at 10 cents; they are still a bargain now at $4.   
 
During its next decade, the Op Shop plans to expand its hours and reintroduce
the option of consignments, where donors can earn some return on their higher priced items with the rest going to charity. The Shop always needs volunteers and is pleased that many students are participating, getting school credit for volunteer work. All volunteers are welcome – if interested, please call the Shop at 301-654-4999.
 
Hours:
Saturday, 10-3
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10-4
Donations: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10-1
Saturday Outdoor Porch Sales will resume in warmer weather
 
####
 
St. John’s Opportunity Shop
4504 Walsh St. (next to Writer’s Center)
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-654-4999
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsOpportunityShop

Contact:
Claudia Kousoulas, Manager 202-487-6740
[email protected]

Liz Mullikin. Op Shop Board Chair 301-654-2232
[email protected]
​
Joan Filson, Volunteer 301-652-1926
301-254-1189 (cell)
[email protected]

February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 


​Today, we would like you to get to know Felicity Tchoufa ,Owner of LeBonday LLC.
 
BONDAY “Hearts for a good day”
 
LeBonday LLC celebrates handcrafted treasures from Africa.  They revisit handmade pieces and reimagine them into a functional contemporary piece to wear or use around the house.  Felicity uses her voice and her experiences to impact and empower other African women.  It is about:
 
Going from a space of struggles to a space of bravery.
Going from stress to harmony.
Going from fear to confidence.
Tapping into your real purpose in life.
 
“We don’t grow when things are easy, we grow when we face challenges”
 
In addition to being owner of LeBonday Felicity is the founder of Felicity Impact (empowering African women leaders), Area Director #61 Toastmasters for District #36, runs PR for MBI Health Services DC, and is the new Co-chair for the Women Networking group at the GBCC.
 
We asked Felicity three important questions.  Read her responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 
I was born and raised in Cameroon, the country of the indomitable lions. I grew up in a culture that prohibits girls and women from putting themselves first. As a little girl, I regularly heard that girls do not raise their voices, girls must help their mom with chores, girls do not look their elders straight in the eyes when addressing them… and much more. Meanwhile, boys were treated like little princes. 
As a result, I spent most of my adult life living for others, trying to please people, seeking validation from those around me, and asking for permission to have a time for myself, all while putting myself on the back burner. All day long, I would take care of everyone, wearing several hats as I had seen my mom and aunts do before me. It is part of the African culture for women to assume multiple responsibilities.  I struggled with the fear of not being good enough or being accepted.
 
In the process of doing what was expected of me, I forgot about me, I forgot to be me. I was in the dark and no one had a clue about what was really going on with me. I would put on a brave face and do what was expected of me as I had always done. How could I complain?
 
Two years ago, the stress became too much. I was losing sleep, had a constant headache, and began binge eating. I put on 30 pounds, started having heart palpitations, and developed high blood pressure that necessitated blood pressure medication. This was a wakeup call.  I knew I could no longer live this way, but how would I take the next step? How does one overcome this? How do you escape the stress when you keep everything to yourself?
 
I had to shift my mind and my thinking. The first step was acknowledging and admitting that I let myself down. There is no need to put the blame on anyone. It was important that I forgive myself for letting myself down, for thinking I was not good enough or not ready to do what I was expected to do.
 
My second step was making the decision to work on the relationship I had with myself. It was important to start the journey toward improving my well-being by taking inventory of my own fears, doubts, and insecurities. By recognizing patterns, I could quiet my inner critics and start starving my self-doubts. Tara Mohr says in her book “Playing Big” that self-doubt, when not dealt with, is destructive like “a poison that leads to ideas unshared, businesses not started, talents unused, and joy not experienced.”
 
I used these new ideas to redefine my values. I learned how to say ‘NO’ and be ok with it. On Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, Maya Angelou stated “There should be a place in you that must remain unviolated. Don’t be afraid to say no.” It is okay to put yourself first and prioritize your wellbeing.
 
On my journey, I was able to use what I learned to lose the 30 pounds I gained, get off blood pressure medication, and even launched several projects. Among those projects is Felicity Impact, which is a platform that   provides tools on how to attract well-being and wealth.
 
 
Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 
I must credit two people as my source of inspiration.  First my mom whom from an early age, I have seen her raising six children on her own and her nieces and nephews without making any difference; she was a giver. She never raised her voice and she never complained. I have seen her embracing her sisters’ wives as if they were her own sisters (my dad was a polygamist). She was wearing several hats: she would go to work, come back to manage family of 15 people.  On top of that she would run a side business.  She was an independent woman; I was impressed by how she carried all these responsibilities without any complaints.   I helped her carry bags loaded with shoes to go to different markets to sell them.  In the process, I learned how to bargain. She taught me how to cook. I would come back from school and go straight to the kitchen and help her cooking for 10- 15 people. Today, I am a great cook because of her.  I guess I also picked the business mindset from her. 
My second source would be my husband, Roger.  We went to college together.  He has always been very disciplined. I was amongst those who would tease him because he was too serious about reaching his goals and sticking to them. On weekends while we were out partying, he would drive a taxi to make money. He would remind us he wanted to help his parents pay for his studies abroad. He was teaching us the price you pay today for great results tomorrow.  He taught me that self-discipline is vital to fulfill my full potential. Years ago, when I decided to settle down in the US, he sat me down and lectured me about the importance of keeping a good credit score. He warned me about the credit cards offered by stores in the mall and he told me to spend only what I have in my bank account. It was important that I do not live beyond my means. He would always encourage me to set short- and long-term goals. All his advice has certainly paid off as I have maintained an excellent credit score.  I would say that our partnership has been a driving force.  I have learned to prioritize, to believe in myself, and to remain focused on my goals.
 
Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
 
Diversity and inclusion are crucial for competitiveness. According to the Boston Consulting Group, companies with more diverse leadership report higher innovation revenues. Additionally, companies with women in their senior teams do very well. Despite this, it is true that women and minorities are still underrepresented in leadership positions. Companies are promising to do better, but the fact of the matter is, that in today's world, companies that fail to promote diversity and inclusiveness policies will face innovative and financial risk. 
My advice to businesses that are struggling in this area is to create a culture where people from all backgrounds feel included. Companies should reinforce cultural diversity training in the workplace and shift their mindsets to include promoting women and minorities at the senior level. They also should consider hiring coaches that would provide unbiased guidance. In all, companies should create an environment that fosters diverse thinking.  

February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 

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​Today, we would like you to get to know Obie Sims of Obie’s Cookies.
 
At Obie’s Cookies, they are devoted to helping bring your products or services to life through the power of video. They create internal videos, training videos, tutorials, commercials, and “highly snackable” social media content.  Since opening Obie’s Cookies in 2018, Obie has built a long career on two mantras, “the numbers don’t lie” and “a little kindness goes a long way”. Obie has spent 20+ years practicing, rehearsing, and refining the art of storytelling and that having a clear beginning, middle, and end is always on-trend.
 
We asked Obie three important questions.  Read his responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 
Early in my professional career, I faced two huge challenges. The first challenge was lacking the ability to be present and approach even the simplest of tasks with mindfulness and intention. The second challenge was truly understanding the concept of patience. I grew to realize that what I used to perceive as incremental growth were huge leaps in my journey towards reaching my goals. 

Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 
Weirdly as it may sound, my biggest inspiration in both my professional and personal life is knowing that a “worst-case scenario” doesn’t exist. This mindset serves as a reminder for me to not give fear, self-doubt, or negativity air to breathe. 
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Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
 
Nike said it best. “Just do it”. There is no need to overcomplicate it. If you want it, make it happen.  

February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 

Today, we would like you to get to know Tami Watkins of Pepco.

Tami Watkins is a Government and External Affairs Manager for Pepco, part of Exelon’s Mid-Atlantic family of utilities including Delmarva and Atlantic City Electric. Pepco delivers safe and reliable energy to approximately 894,000 customers in the District of Columbia and Maryland. She is responsible for managing the company’s public policy agenda and relationships with elected officials and stakeholders in both Montgomery and Prince George’s County in Maryland.  She also supports community outreach initiatives and regulatory proceedings. Tami has studied English and History at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.V. and attained her master’s in public administration from West Virginia University.  While at West Virginia University, she was awarded a Housing and Urban Development Fellowship, which enabled her to work alongside government officials on a series of development and legislative initiatives dedicated to improving low-income housing options in the state. She continued to apply a combination of practical and academic experience while working as a Management Specialist for the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, and Government Affairs Manager for Comcast Cable in Alexandria, VA.

Tami Watkins represents Pepco on the boards of the Bethesda and Rockville Chambers of Commerce. Previously she served on Prince George’s County Women’s Commission and the Board of Financial Services Corporation of Prince George’s County.  
 
We asked Tami three important questions.  Read her responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 
Early in my career, much of my work was focused on community development and grass roots political outreach.  Those experiences helped prepare me for a career in Government and External Affairs by learning how to have complex conversations with diverse stakeholders and manage competing priorities and risk. Addressing challenges early in my career required overcoming my own personal fears about failure, accepting myself and learning from every experience. 
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Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 
My parents are my biggest inspiration. I grew up watching them work very hard to support our family and they always supported me in my academic pursuits which gave me those basic foundations for my professional development. I’m also very personally inspired by my son and being his mother. He teaches me more about myself every day and he always have these funny and often insightful observations and comments about adulthood that give me perspective. 
 
Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
 
I think my advice would be that businesses should be intentional about their efforts on diversity and inclusivity.  Demonstrating a serious commitment by including a focus on these efforts in your company values, hosting regular training events, participating in regular diversity activities in the workplace, or simply having open conversations. Because when employees see and understand that D&I is a high priority for the company, they tend to make it a higher priority personally as well.