Our Black History Month Spotlight today is Anthony Featherstone, the Executive Director of Worksource Montgomery. 
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Q: What is the most important event or milestone to occur in your lifetime?
A: There are two—the birth of our two sons. Realizing that everything I do will have a direct influence on their lives gave me a new sense of responsibility.

Today's Black History Month Spotlight is Tami Watkins, Government & Public Affairs Manager at Pepco and one of our Board members.  

Q: What is the most important event or milestone to occur in your lifetime? 
​A: Coming to Washington DC when I was 8 years old as part of a family vacation. That trip was very inspirational. I believe that it was on that trip that I knew I was destined to work in public service or in some capacity of government.  

​Kicking off this week's Black History Month Spotlights is Bola Audena, Managing Partner of MBA Growth Partners!  

Q:What is the most important event or milestone to occur in your lifetime? 
A: The most important milestone to occur in my life thus far has been deciding to leave my comfortable cushy corporate job to start our consulting firm and pursue my entrepreneurial career. ​

​​Today's Black History Month Spotlight is Obie Sims, Content Creator & Video Editor at Obie's Cookies and valued member of the Chamber! Here's our discussion: 

Q: What is the most important event or milestone to occur in your lifetime? 
A: The most important event to occur in my lifetime would have to be 9/11. It served as a vivid reminder to not take any moment for granted, to be present in conversations, mindful in my day-to-day checklist, and set intentions with all of my activities - whether big or small!

​Today's Black History Month Spotlight is Carla Young, Property Management Professional at Aldon Management and member of our NextExec Committee! 

Q: What is the most important event or milestone to occur in your lifetime?
A: ​Two years ago I received a phone call at 3:00 a.m. from the Veterans Hospital in Baltimore that my father had a cardiac arrest and he would not survive.  That was the fastest I ever traveled from Bethesda to Baltimore in my life!  Three days later he awakened from his coma and ever since he has been making small strides within his recovery. 

Our next Black History Month Spotlight is Okinyi Ayungo, Executive Director of The Mind Body Studio at FitnessWise!

Q: What is the most important event or milestone to occur in your lifetime?
A: The most important event in my lifetime was my father leaving when I was 2 years old. It changed the level of respect and admiration that I have for my mother and the sacrifices that many mothers make to raise successful people. It led to a love of athletics and fitness as my mother found ways to keep 3 boys occupied. And it has changed the way that I approach fatherhood with our 3 children.

Our second Black History Month Spotlight is Sateria Venable, the Founder and CEO of The Fibroid Foundation! We asked her a few questions: 

Q: What is the most important event or milestone to occur in your lifetime?
A: Attending Carnegie Mellon was by far the most important event in my life. Graduating from the architecture program as the first African-American female graduate in Carnegie Mellon's history, was the most important milestone in my life. 

To celebrate Black History Month throughout February, we will be spotlighting exceptional black leaders and professionals in our area. 

Today, we are recognizing Verelyn Gibbs Watson, the Franchise Owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes in downtown Bethesda. We asked her a few questions: 

As I begin my second month at the helm, the ebbs and flows are leveling off a bit.  A rogue wave here and there, but for the most part – smooth sailing.  Alright, enough of the metaphors. 

​I love this job and the opportunities to assist our members and prospective members on a day-to-day basis are so fulfilling.  Last week the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation announced Phase 2 of the Restaurant Relief Grant Program.  The Chamber staff immediately dug in and shared content via digital media platforms and followed up with visits to several establishments and phone calls to make sure our incredible restaurants were aware and taking full advantage of the program.  Great work team!

I hope this brief message finds you doing well and enjoying the fresh, crisp air we’ve had lately.
 
2021 kicked off strong, hard and fast. Allie Williams, our President & CEO has been hard at work getting to know the people of our community, building the Chamber’s programs and filling the calendar with member focused events. Our membership continues to grow which means we have even more exciting people to meet, greet and network with.