Damon Sams - is a young entrepreneur that has been around the operations of business his whole life. At a young age he helped run his father’s construction company. Since that time he has helped start-up, improve and run several business operations, from RAMACC to Wachovia Bank. Damon’s success has come from his ability to give companies and departments a competitive edge by developing an innovative approach to processes and his ability identify and sustain long range goals. Damon is a certified project manager. As a former member of the Enterprise-Level IT Education (ELITE) Academy Network Advisory Council, he provided assistance and consulting to over 65 colleges, universities and high schools nationwide.

Lucy Sams - received a working knowledge of developmental schematics while receiving her Bachelor Of Arts Degree at Cleveland State University. Lucy has a demonstrated expertise in early childhood education with a special emphasis on developmental disabilities. Lucy has worked with various community service projects and non-profits to increase her knowledge around early childhood development. Lucy has an ongoing involvement in a program that determines the basic writing skill assessment techniques for students across the country. Her observation of her own children’s growth and development has been very instrumental in her continued effort to be actively engaged in their environment and involved with the community, on their behalf. She firmly believes that whether or not a community thrives is based solely on the efforts of its occupants.

Si-Jeun J. Armbruster - has been an educator for 15 years and currently serving as the gifted & talented and math facilitator for McAlpine Elementary. She earned her BS in Elementary Education (Winthrop University) and her National Board Certification in 2002. Si-Jeun has been the creative writing specialist for Spectrum of the Arts program, a 2-week long arts integration program during the summers of 2001-2009.

Marsha Polk - is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned a BA in Psychology and a BA in Exercise and Sport Science. After working in several industries, Marsha has found her niche in education. Marsha began as the activities coordinator and fun fitness teacher at a local middle school and is now the in-school suspension coordinator at that same middle school. Marsha has interacted with a variety of students in multiple school settings and understands the uniqueness of each learner and the need for flexibility and learner based education. Marsha is entering her third year of volunteering with Cultural Kaleidoscope Publishing. She also volunteers with Girls on the Run and the Special Olympics of Union County.

Linda Kiser - has a BFA in Design (East Carolina University), BS in art (East Carolina University) , BS in elementary education (UNCC at Charlotte), Masters in elementary education (UNCC at Charlotte), EDS in educational leadership (Winthrop University). Linda has been in education for 33 years and has taught from pre-k to high school and college level. Linda Kiser currently serves at the executive director for the Central Learning Community of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system. Linda Kiser previously served as the principal of Park Road Montessori School in Charlotte, NC, where she has served since 2001.

Francene Marie - is a graduate of the International Academy of Fashion and Design, and has worked as agency Director and model for many years. In 1994, Francene studied Communications and landed a career with Infinity Broadcasting in 1996, as talk show host for Kiss 95.1. Francene soon grabbed 4 more radio stations and hosted and produced issues of concern to the Charlotte community for: WNKS-FM, WKQC-FM, WFNZ-AM, WSOC-FM & WFNA-AM. Currently Francene is writing, and producing esteem enhancing television shows, hosts radio shows for Radio Disney and talks to audiences large and small about her new project “Balancing Act”. Francene works with many non-profit organizations in North and South Carolina, such as the American Red Cross, Leukemia Society, Special Olympics North Carolina and Domestic Violence agencies.

Adolph Thorpe - has 13 years experience in Financial Services Industry. In those years Adolph has served in the capacity of an Accountant, IT Project Manager, and Financial Analyst. Adolph has BA in Accounting from Shaw University and is certified as a QuickBooks Pro Advisor. Adolph is currently the CEO of Tahpi Financial Solutions and serves as the Board treasurer of Miss Ebony’s School of Etiquette, a nonprofit organization focused on uplifting young girls.